Ductwork Replacement Cost Calculator – Get Instant Estimates

Cost by Home Size

Cost Per Linear Foot

Ductwork replacement typically costs $25 to $55 per linear foot including installation. Material costs vary:

• Flexible ducts: $3–$10 per linear foot
• Insulated flexible: $5–$12 per linear foot
• Rigid metal: $8–$15 per linear foot

Main Trunk Line

The main trunk line is the largest duct that connects to your HVAC unit. Replacing a 30-foot trunk line costs $500-$1,200 depending on diameter and material.

Branch Lines

Branch lines run from the trunk to individual rooms. Each branch typically costs $150-$400 to replace, with most homes having 8-15 branches.

Attic Duct Replacement Cost

Attic installations typically cost $2,000-$5,000 for a full home. Attics offer moderate accessibility but can be extremely hot in summer or cold in winter, affecting labor costs. Insulated ducts are essential in attics to prevent energy loss.

Crawl Space Duct Replacement Cost

Crawl space installations are the most challenging, costing $2,500-$6,000. Limited space, poor lighting, and difficult working conditions increase labor time by 40-60%. Proper vapor barriers and insulation are critical in crawl spaces.

Basement Duct Replacement Cost

Basement installations are the most cost-effective at $1,800-$4,500. Easy access, comfortable working conditions, and open ceilings make basement ductwork the fastest and least expensive option for most contractors.

Estimate Linear Footage

Calculate the total length of all duct runs (main trunk and branches). Measure from your HVAC unit to each register, including vertical and horizontal runs. Add all measurements together for total linear footage.

Factor in Accessibility

Multiply your base cost by accessibility factors: Standard basement access (1.0x), moderate attic access (1.3x), or difficult crawl space (1.6x). Tight spaces, low clearance, or complex layouts increase labor time significantly.

Apply Cost Per Foot

Multiply your total linear footage by material cost ($6-$12/ft) plus labor cost ($15-$25/ft). Add costs for removal ($500-$1,000), registers ($50-$150 each), and permits ($50-$200). Contact local HVAC contractors for accurate regional pricing.

Duct Material

Insulated flexible ducts are cheaper ($3–$10 per linear foot) than rigid metal, which offers better efficiency but higher installation costs. Metal ducts last longer and provide superior airflow.

Home Size & Layout

Larger homes require more linear footage of ductwork. Complex layouts with multiple floors, zones, or irregular room configurations increase material and labor costs.

Accessibility (Attic, Crawl Space, Basement)

Installing ductwork in tight, hard-to-reach crawl spaces or attics increases labor hours by 30-60%. Easy basement access keeps costs lower.

Labor Costs

Contractors often charge a flat rate per linear foot or high hourly rates ($75-$150/hour) for specialized HVAC labor. Rates vary by region and contractor experience.

Additional Services (Removal, Insulation, Permits)

Old duct removal adds $500-$1,000. Additional insulation costs $800-$1,500. Permits typically run $50-$200 depending on local requirements.

How much does ductwork replacement cost?

Ductwork replacement typically costs between $1,400 and $5,600 for a 1,000–2,500 sq ft home, averaging $25 to $55 per linear foot including installation. Costs vary based on home size, duct material (flexible vs. rigid metal), and accessibility.

What factors affect ductwork replacement costs?

Key cost factors include material type (insulated flexible ducts are cheaper at $3–$10 per linear foot than rigid metal), accessibility (tight crawl spaces or attics increase labor), system design complexity, and local labor rates.

Is it worth replacing old ductwork?

Yes, replacing old or damaged ductwork can improve HVAC efficiency by 20-30%, reduce energy bills, improve indoor air quality, and eliminate leaks that waste conditioned air. It's especially worth it if your ducts are over 15 years old or have visible damage.

How long does ductwork replacement take?

Most residential ductwork replacement projects take 1-3 days depending on home size, accessibility, and system complexity. Simple replacements in accessible areas may take just 1 day, while complex multi-story installations can take up to a week.

Does duct replacement require permits?

In most areas, ductwork replacement requires HVAC permits to ensure proper sizing, installation, and code compliance. Your contractor should handle permit applications and inspections. Always verify your contractor is licensed and insured.