Ductwork installation cost typically runs $1,500 to $20,000 for a full home, with most projects landing between $4,000 and $9,300. Where you fall in that range depends on house size, duct material, and how hard the ducts are to reach. Ductwork is part of your home's HVAC system, the network that delivers the air your furnace or AC produces, so its size and condition affect comfort and energy bills as much as the equipment itself. Call a licensed local HVAC pro now for a fast, no-obligation quote on your layout.
What Affects Ductwork Installation Cost
Every quote comes down to the same handful of variables.
- Home size and layout. More square footage means more linear feet of duct and branch runs.
- Duct location. Open attics and basements install fast; finished walls and crawlspaces cost more in labor.
- New construction vs. retrofit. Open-wall installs cost less per foot than snaking runs into a finished home.
- Removing old ductwork. A failing system means tearing out and disposing of the old ducts first.
- Permits and local code. Most jurisdictions require a mechanical permit and inspection.
Ductwork Cost Per Linear Foot and By Material
Contractors typically price ductwork by the linear foot, then add labor. Material choice moves the number the most.
| Duct Material | Typical Cost Per Linear Foot* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flexible duct (fiberglass or flex) | $10-$20 | Fastest to install; common in additions and tight spaces |
| Galvanized sheet metal | $15-$35 | Most durable; standard for main trunk lines |
| Rigid fiberglass duct board | $20-$35 | Built-in insulation; quieter airflow |
| Spiral or round metal duct | $30-$55 | Common in larger homes and finished basements where ducts stay exposed |
*Material and labor combined. Ranges reflect typical national pricing and vary by region and contractor.
New Installation vs. Ductwork Replacement Cost
Installing ductwork where none exists costs more than replacing an aging system, since the crew has to open walls, ceilings, or floors to route new runs. Straight replacement, reusing the same paths, usually costs less since the routes already exist.
If you're planning a full HVAC installation that pairs new ductwork with a furnace or air handler, price both together since combined jobs often cost less than separate ones. See our hvac installation cost guide for a full system swap, or the ductwork installation process guide for how the job runs.
Ductwork Repair Cost: When a Fix Beats Replacement
Not every duct problem means tearing out the whole system. A leaky joint, a crushed section, or a disconnected boot typically runs $150 to $2,000 to fix, well under a full replacement. Crawl space and mobile home ductwork cost more to repair, since flex duct under a mobile home takes on moisture and pests, and crawl space work means a tech works lying down in a tight space. Repair fits one or two isolated problems; replacement fits when you're calling for the same fix every year, or the duct material itself is failing throughout.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
The duct material and labor line isn't the whole bill. Ask about these before you sign:
- Insulation. Ducts in unconditioned space (attic, crawlspace, garage) need insulation wrap, an add-on many quotes bury.
- Asbestos or mold testing. Homes built before the 1980s may have asbestos-containing duct wrap; testing or abatement is billed separately.
- Drywall and ceiling repair. Routing new ducts through finished walls usually means patching and repainting afterward.
- Duct cleaning. Once new ducts are in, plan on periodic air duct cleaning to keep dust from building up.
Ductwork vs. Ductless Mini-Splits: Which Costs Less
If your home has no ductwork at all, a ductless system is worth pricing against a full duct install. A mini split skips ductwork and uses a small line set instead, so the mini split installation cost for one or two zones often lands well under running ducts through an entire house. The tradeoff: mini splits condition zones individually, not the whole house at once.
DIY vs. Hiring a Licensed Pro
Ductwork looks simple: sheet metal, screws, tape. But sizing it wrong is the biggest reason systems underperform, and undersized returns or trunk lines choke airflow and spike energy bills. A pro sizes ductwork from your home's square footage, room-by-room heat load, and equipment tonnage, then pulls the permit and schedules the required inspection.
Rebates, Tax Credits, and Financing for Ductwork Projects
Ductwork rarely qualifies for its own rebate, but it often does as part of a broader efficiency upgrade. Ask your contractor about:
- Utility rebates. Many electric and gas utilities offer rebates for duct sealing and insulation through energy-efficiency programs.
- Federal tax credits. Pairing ductwork with a qualifying high-efficiency furnace, heat pump, or AC may qualify the combined project for a federal tax credit.
- Contractor financing. Most HVAC companies offer monthly payment plans, which can make a full duct replacement easier to manage than paying upfront.
How to Get a Fair, Accurate Quote
Ductwork bids vary widely, since so much of the job is hidden inside walls. Confirm your quote includes:
- A written linear-foot count and material type, not just a lump-sum total
- Whether removal and disposal of the old ductwork is included
- Who pulls the permit and schedules the inspection
- Whether drywall, insulation, or asbestos testing are included or billed separately
- A load calculation, not just a guess based on the old system's size
- A written timeline with start and completion dates
Get two or three quotes for anything beyond a minor repair. A price far lower than the others is usually missing one of the items above.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does ductwork cost per linear foot?
Expect roughly $10 to $55 per linear foot, depending on material and access. Flexible duct is cheapest; spiral metal duct in a finished space costs the most.
Is it worth replacing ductwork?
If your ducts are leaking, crushed, or more than 15 to 20 years old, replacement usually pays for itself in lower bills and comfort. Minor leaks or a few damaged sections are often worth repairing instead.
Can I install ductwork myself?
Simple flex duct runs in an accessible attic are within reach for an experienced DIYer, but sizing the system and tying into trunk lines calls for HVAC training, and most local codes require a licensed contractor to pull the permit.
Does homeowners insurance cover ductwork replacement?
Usually only if the damage comes from a covered peril, like fire, a burst pipe, or storm damage, not normal wear or age. Gradual deterioration counts as maintenance, which insurance does not cover.
How long does ductwork installation take?
A full duct replacement usually takes two to five days, depending on house size and how much of the run is hidden inside walls. Repairs take a few hours to a day.
Do I have to replace all of my ductwork at once?
No. Many homeowners replace ducts in sections, starting with the most damaged runs, and finish the rest over a few years. A pro can tell you which sections to prioritize.
Ready to find out what your project will run? Call a licensed local HVAC pro now for a free, no-obligation ductwork installation quote.
FAQ & Thermal Troubleshooting
Q:How much does ductwork cost per linear foot?
Expect roughly $10 to $55 per linear foot installed, depending on material and how accessible the space is. Flexible duct sits at the low end; spiral metal duct in a finished space sits at the high end.
Q:Is it worth replacing ductwork?
If your ducts are leaking, crushed, or more than 15 to 20 years old, replacement usually pays for itself in lower energy bills and better comfort within a few years. Minor leaks or a few damaged sections are often worth repairing instead.
Q:Can I install ductwork myself?
Simple flex duct runs in an accessible attic are within reach for an experienced DIYer, but sizing the system and tying into existing trunk lines calls for HVAC-specific training. Most local codes also require a licensed contractor to pull the permit.
Q:Does homeowners insurance cover ductwork replacement?
Usually only if the damage comes from a covered peril, like fire, a burst pipe, or storm damage, not from normal wear or age. Gradual deterioration is treated as a maintenance issue, which insurance does not cover.
Q:How long does ductwork installation take?
A full-home duct replacement usually takes two to five days, depending on house size and how much of the run is hidden inside finished walls. Repairs or small sections take a few hours to a day.
Q:Do I have to replace all of my ductwork at once?
No. Many homeowners replace ducts in sections, starting with the most damaged or leaky runs, and finish the rest over a few years. A pro can tell you which sections to prioritize during an inspection.