How Much Does Air Duct Installation Cost in 2025?

Air Duct Installation Cost Factors

The size of your home, the type of duct materials, and numerous other factors affect final ductwork installation costs.

Home Size

With materials and labor, installing ductwork costs between $10 and $40 per linear foot. Retrofitting a home without existing ductwork increases costs to $30 to $50 per linear foot because it requires demolishing and repairing parts of our home. 

With an average of one linear foot of ductwork per 10 to 15 square feet, larger homes generally require more ductwork, translating to higher overall costs. While the size of your home directly affects the amount of ductwork needed and installation costs, other factors also play a role. 

Multiple levels, a complex floor plan, accessibility challenges, insulation, and other variables influence optimal airflow through the ductwork. Local HVAC technicians use these variables to precisely calculate and determine the exact design and amount of ductwork for optimal performance and efficiency.

See below for low- and high-cost estimates for materials and labor. Keep in mind these costs don’t include other potential expenses, such as HVAC unit upgrades or vent modifications.

Duct Type

Ductwork materials range from $2 to $13 per linear foot. The type of material you choose impacts costs, installation difficulty, durability, longevity, and other factors. For example, polyester and non-insulated flex ducts are cost-effective, lightweight, easy to install, and relatively durable, but they’re more vulnerable to pest issues.

In comparison, galvanized steel represents the high end of material costs. It offers superior durability, efficiency, and longevity but requires more costly and complex installation.

Labor

Labor installation costs depend on the job’s size, complexity, and technician rates. HVAC technicians charge about $50 to $150 per hour, and average installations require a day or two of work. Many also charge a flat-rate fee based on their estimate of your home’s needs.

In general, labor accounts for about 60% of the total project costs. For example, a standard installation that costs $4,000 all-in includes about $2,400 for labor. Expect higher labor costs if your installation requires cutting into walls to reroute or retrofit ductwork or other specialized work or modifications.

Ductwork Accessibility

Locations throughout your home affect accessibility for HVAC technicians and add complexity and labor needs. Hard-to-reach areas usually carry higher installation costs, while exposed ductwork is the least costly to install. For example, installing ductwork in an attic requires technicians to maneuver heavy and bulky materials around beams and insulation. Here’s a breakdown of average installation costs based on location:

HVAC Upgrades

In some cases, homeowners upgrade their ductwork at the same time as the rest of their HVAC system to maximize compatibility and energy efficiency. HVAC upgrades average from $7,000 to $16,000 for retrofits and $5,000 to $11,000 for homes with existing ductwork. The type of system also affects costs, and some homes incorporate multiple units to match their home’s cooling and heating needs.

If you're upgrading to a more powerful system, your contractor may also add vents to your ductwork design, which cost between $250 and $500 each.

Other Air Duct Installation Cost Factors

While not applicable to all projects, many installations involve repairs, insulation, and other factors that affect final costs.

Permits

Depending on your location, installing ductwork may require a building permit, especially if it involves significant modifications to your home’s structure or other HVAC system upgrades. Permits range from $250 to $1,500. This fee might be on top of your technician’s quote, or they might build it into their pricing.

Insulation

Ductwork insulation costs between $1,000 and $5,000 or about $1 to $6 per square foot. Insulation acts as a barrier, slowing down heat loss or gain through the duct walls. Sealing and insulating the ductwork minimizes the waste of heated or conditioned air, reduces strain on your HVAC system, and provides significant energy consumption savings.

Costs for ductwork insulation depend mainly on the material and thickness, which come with various considerations. For example, thicker insulation offers a higher R-value, indicating its temperature retention abilities. The cost ranges from $0.95 per square foot for entry-level options to $2 per square foot for high R-8 values.

Mold and Asbestos Testing

Asbestos, mold, or other hazardous materials found in your home require removal because they pose major health hazards to your contractors and household. A handyperson can’t handle hazardous materials, which usually requires hiring a specialized remediation contractor.

While uncommon in homes today, homes built before 1980 sometimes have asbestos in the existing ducts or insulation. Testing for asbestos costs $250 to $850, and removal costs $1,200 to $3,000 or $10 to $25 per square foot, depending on severity.

Some areas, such as attics, plumbing in the walls, and around old ductwork, are more prone to undetected moisture, which can encourage severe but obscured mold problems. Mold testing and inspections cost about $250 to $600, and mold remediation costs $450 to $6,700, depending on severity. These services include specialized cleaning, sanitization, restoration, and disposal.

Area Repairs

Rerouting or retrofitting ductwork often involves partially demolishing walls or ceilings. Account for drywall and ceiling repair, ranging from $150 to $325 or $300 to $1,200, respectively, as well as painting. These costs depend on the extent of work required and materials used. Some contractors build these fees into their estimates, either providing in-house repair services or subcontracting another professional.

Ongoing Ductwork Costs

Ductwork will need maintenance over its lifetime, such as routine cleaning and occasional repairs to counteract wear. These are important upkeep tasks—regular duct cleaning removes dust, allergens, and other particles that gradually accumulate and pose potential health hazards. Sealing or repairing ductwork leaks allows for optimal airflow and energy efficiency. Together, these maintenance tasks minimize strain on your HVAC system and help avoid unnecessary breakdowns or premature replacement.

Air Duct Replacement vs. Repair

Air ducts usually require occasional repairs over their lifespans. In most cases, minor repairs for leaks or isolated damage are affordable compared to the cost of replacing the entire system. Even if an entire duct section needs replacing, ductwork can often last many years before it deteriorates beyond reasonable repair. This is especially true for aluminum, steel, or other highly durable duct materials.

If your air ducts are old, efficient, or deteriorating, replacement may be more cost-effective, especially as repairs increase in frequency and cost. Signs you need a replacement include:

• Significant mold growth

• Extensive rust and corrosion

• Crushed or collapsed ducts

• Inefficient design or materials

• Improper duct sizing

• Persistent airflow problems

• Incompatibility with new HVAC equipment

• Home remodeling

Does Air Duct Installation Increase Home Value?

Investing in new and efficient air duct systems can increase your home’s value, especially if you’re upgrading an old system and pairing new ductwork with upgraded HVAC equipment. Potential homebuyers are increasingly concerned with energy efficiency, so modern systems in good condition offer greater appeal. In contrast, ductwork in poor repair may lower home value, and buyers may request it to be replaced or to factor the replacement costs into the sale price.

Budgeting for Air Duct Installation

Air duct installation requires upfront investment, but budgeting strategies for your installation and good maintenance practices help maximize your cost savings. Try these tips:

• Get multiple quotes: Compare detailed quotes from multiple contractors to get the best value.

• Bundle services with HVAC upgrades: A compatible system improves longevity, reliability, and energy efficiency for all involved components, reducing long-term costs.

• Invest in quality: Opt for energy-efficient, durable, high-quality ductwork systems that balance upfront costs with long-term savings.

• Schedule maintenance: Keep your system in good shape with periodic maintenance, cleaning, and repairs per your contractor’s recommendations.

• Research incentives: Tax incentives and other programs may offer credits or rebates to offset the cost of eligible energy-efficient ductwork upgrades.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.