Ductwork Replacement Cost: Homeowner Pricing Breakdown
HomeGuide puts the average cost to replace ductwork at $1,400 to $5,600, depending on home size. Angi gives $2,000 to $5,000 for a small to medium home, and says the total can start near $1,400 for a small home or climb to $9,000 for a large one. Fixr reports a much wider spread, so the table below shows each source.
Ductwork replacement cost breakdown
| Scope or location | Cost | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adding new HVAC ductwork | $1,436 to $16,211 | Total | Fixr |
| Replacing ductwork | $1,856 to $17,149 | Total | Fixr |
| Crawl space replacement | $3,000 to $7,300 | Total | HomeGuide |
| Attic replacement | $2,200 to $5,600 | Total | HomeGuide |
| Basement replacement | $1,800 to $3,100 | Total | HomeGuide |
| Mobile home replacement | $1,000 to $3,300 | Total | HomeGuide |
| Residential replacement | $25 to $55 | Per linear foot | HomeGuide |
| Galvanized sheet metal | $21.38 to $62.36 | Per linear foot | Fixr |
| Galvanized spiral | $9.06 to $37.14 | Per linear foot | Fixr |
| Duct materials alone | $2 to $12 | Per linear foot | Forbes Home |
| Installer labor | $83 to $151 | Per hour | Fixr |
Forbes Home gives a lower whole-system range of $500 to $5,600, and elsewhere says a full replacement can reach $8,000 depending on home size, accessibility, and materials.
Cost by location in the home
HomeGuide says crawl space replacement depends on size, condition, and accessibility, and attic replacement on accessibility and system size. Forbes Home lists crawl space ducts at $2,000 to $5,600. If your pro must cut into a floor or ceiling to reach the ducts, Forbes Home says the price rises to $30 to $50 per linear foot. Ask whether a quote includes patching the opening.
Labor vs. materials
Fixr lists installer rates at $83 to $151 per hour depending on the scope of work and your location. Angi reports $75 to $125 per hour for St. Louis HVAC contractors. Forbes Home puts materials alone at $2 to $12 per linear foot and galvanized steel ducts at around $8 to $12. Fixr adds that replacing existing ductwork costs about 25 percent more than retrofitting new ducts into an older home. HomeGuide lists duct wrap insulation at $800 to $2,000 for materials and labor.
Permits
HomeGuide lists a building permit for new ductwork at $50 to $250, while Angi says permit fees start at $100 to $150 depending on project size. Check which applies in your area with your local building department.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Duct work often means crawling through attics or crawl spaces and working near wiring, so most homeowners hire a licensed HVAC contractor. If the job also involves gas connections or electrical panels, a licensed pro is the safer route. Ask the contractor to confirm which permits your area requires, and have the written estimate list who will handle any drywall repair after the ducts are reached.
Ways to save
- Compare bids: Ask several licensed HVAC contractors for itemized quotes.
- Clear access: Moving stored items out of basements, attics, and crawl spaces before the crew arrives makes the work easier to quote.
- Count the energy side: HomeGuide puts the energy-bill savings from replacing leaky ducts at 10% to 40%.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask for an in-person inspection, and ask whether the contractor does load calculations to size the new ducts. The written estimate should separate labor, duct materials, removal of old ducts, and permit fees. For related systems, see our HVAC cost guides.
What changes the price
- Home size and overall ductwork length
- Accessibility of ducts in crawl spaces, attics, or behind walls
- Duct material choice, including sheet metal and spiral ducting
- Condition of existing ductwork and removal requirements
- Regional HVAC mechanic labor rates
- Local building and mechanical permit requirements
Frequently asked questions
How much does ductwork replacement cost per linear foot?
HomeGuide gives $25 to $55 per linear foot, Forbes Home says $10 to $40 on average, and Fixr lists $9.06 to $62.36 depending on duct type.
How much does a mobile home duct replacement cost?
HomeGuide reports $1,000 to $3,300 on average, depending on the home size, duct material, and accessibility.
Is replacing ductwork a good investment?
Angi says replacing ductwork in a St. Louis home can yield a return on investment of 50% to 75%.
Sources
Related cost guides
Figures are estimates based on the sources above and vary by region, home and contractor. Get at least three written quotes before you hire. See our disclaimer and how we research.