How Much Does Ductwork Installation Cost in 2025?
Ductwork installation costs an average of $1,252
Most ductwork installation costs between $453 and $2,189, with an average cost of $1,252.
Home size and home layout are the main factors that influence the amount of ductwork needed.
Duct types come with varying features and cost ranges, ranging from $2 to $13 per linear foot.
Homeowners often install new ductwork with HVAC upgrades, which adds an average of $5,000 to $16,000, depending on the system and its quality.
Professional ductwork installation prevents costly issues like air leaks, failed inspections, and voided warranties.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Air duct installation costs an average of $1,252, with most homeowners paying between $453 and $2,189. Whether you're installing air ducts in a new home or replacing an old system, understanding how factors like your home's size, duct types, and any HVAC upgrades influence the cost can help you budget effectively.
Ductwork Installation Cost Factors
The size of your home, the materials you choose, and several other factors will affect your total ductwork installation cost.
Home Size
Installing ductwork costs between $10 and $40 per linear foot for materials and labor. If you're retrofitting a home without existing ductwork, costs increase to $30 to $50 per linear foot due to the additional demolition and repairs needed.
You'll need one linear foot of ductwork for every 10 to 15 square feet of your home. So, larger homes require more ductwork, leading to higher overall costs.
Factors like multiple levels, a complex floor plan, and accessibility challenges can affect optimal airflow through your ductwork. HVAC technicians consider these variables to design a system that delivers the best performance and efficiency for your home.
| Home Size (Square Feet) | Ductwork Needed (Linear Feet) | Total Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000–2,000 | 100–250 | $1,400–$4,500 |
| 2,000–3,000 | 200–300 | $2,800–$6,700 |
| 3,000–4,000 | 300–400 | $4,200–$9,000 |
Duct Type
Ductwork materials cost between $2 and $13 per linear foot. The material you choose affects the cost, installation difficulty, durability, and longevity of your ductwork. For example, polyester and non-insulated flex ducts are affordable, lightweight, and easy to install, but they're more vulnerable to pest issues.
On the other hand, galvanized steel ducts are at the higher end of the cost spectrum. They offer superior durability and efficiency but require more complex and costly installation. Investing in high-quality ductwork materials might cost more upfront but can save you money in the long run through improved energy efficiency and durability.
| Duct Material | Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $4–$8 |
| Fiberglass | $4–$6 |
| Galvanized steel | $7–$13 |
| Polyester | $2–$5 |
| Non-insulated flex duct | $1–$3 |
| Insulated flex duct | $2–$4 |
Labor
Labor costs depend on the size and complexity of your project, as well as the technician's rates. HVAC professionals charge between $50 and $110 per hour, and most installations take a day or two.
Labor makes up 60% of the total project cost. For example, if your installation costs $4,000, about $2,400 is for labor. If your project involves cutting into walls to reroute or retrofit ductwork, expect higher labor costs due to the additional work involved.
Accessibility
The location of your ductwork can affect how much you pay. Hard-to-reach areas, like crawl spaces or attics, increase labor costs because they're more challenging to work in. If your ductwork is exposed, it will be less expensive to install.
| Location | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Wall or ceiling | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Exposed | $700–$3,000 |
| Basement | $1,800–$3,100 |
| Attic | $2,200–$5,600 |
| Crawl space | $3,000–$7,300 |
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 might add vents to your ductwork design, which cost between $250 and $500 each. Bundling ductwork installation with HVAC system upgrades can improve longevity, reliability, and reduce long-term costs.
| HVAC Unit | Unit Installation Cost | Unit and Ductwork Installation Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Central AC | $3,300–$5,900 | $4,700–$11,500 |
| Furnace | $2,000–$5,400 | $3,400–$11,000 |
| Heat pump | $3,800–$8,200 | $5,200–$13,800 |
| Geothermal heat pump | $15,000–$38,000 | $16,400–$40,600 |
Permits
Depending on your location, installing ductwork can 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.
Insulation
Ductwork insulation costs between $800 and $2,000, or $1 to $8 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. Research tax incentives and local programs that may offer credits or rebates for energy-efficient ductwork upgrades.
| Insulation Type | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Flexible insulated ducts | $1–$4 |
| Duct insulation blanket/wrap | $1 |
| Duct insulation board | $4–$8 |
| Duct liner | $0.85 |
| Mineral wool | $2–$4 |
| Polystyrene foam board insulation | $0.25–$0.50 |
| Spray foam insulation | $0.25–$1.50 |
Mold and Asbestos Testing
If your home has asbestos, mold, or other hazardous materials, you'll need to address them before installing new ductwork to protect your health and that of the workers.
Asbestos inspection and testing cost between $250 and $700, while mold inspection and testing range from $200 to $650. If you need remediation, asbestos removal costs between $700 and $2,200, and mold remediation ranges from$450 to $6,000. These services include specialized cleaning, sanitization, restoration, and proper 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. 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.
| Maintenance Task | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Ductwork cleaning | $450–$1,000 |
| Aeroseal sealing | $1,300–$2,700 |
| Manual sealing | $400–$1,900 |
| Minor repairs | $200–$700 |
| Duct armor | $5,000–$30,000 |
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.
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
Installing new air ducts is a significant investment, but there are ways to save money:
Get multiple quotes: Comparing detailed quotes from several contractors can help you find the best value.
Bundle with HVAC upgrades: Upgrading your ductwork when you replace your HVAC system can improve efficiency and save on labor costs.
Invest in quality materials: Choosing high-quality, energy-efficient ductwork can save you money in the long run.
Schedule regular maintenance: Keeping your system well-maintained helps it run efficiently and last longer.
Look for incentives: Check for tax credits or rebates that can offset the cost of energy-efficient upgrades.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro for Ductwork Installation
Installing ductwork yourself might seem like a way to save money, but it's a job best left to the professionals. Proper installation requires specialized knowledge of airflow dynamics, building codes, and precise measurements.
Professional HVAC technicians have the experience to design efficient systems that maximize your comfort and minimize energy costs.
Improper installation can lead to serious problems, including fire hazards, mold growth from condensation, and voided warranties. These issues can end up costing you more in the long run.
A local pro understands the insulation requirements in your area and ensures your system meets all local codes. To get an accurate quote for your project, find a ductwork installer near you.
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. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most ductwork lasts between 15 and 25 years. Sheet metal ducts can last even longer—up to 30 to 50 years. The lifespan of your ductwork depends on factors like the quality of the materials, how well it's maintained, and the environment it's in. As ducts get older, you might notice deterioration and decreased performance. Regular inspections and proper maintenance can help your ducts last longer and keep your HVAC system running efficiently.
If you're looking for options that don't require ductwork, consider ductless mini-split systems. These systems are becoming increasingly popular because they require minimal installation. With multiple indoor air handlers and at least one outdoor compressor unit, mini-splits use heat pump technology to heat or cool your home through refrigerant lines. While mini-splits cost more upfront than traditional systems, they offer superior efficiency, zoning flexibility, and other advantages that can save you money in the long run.
Undersized ductwork restricts airflow, leading to uneven temperature distribution, strain on HVAC equipment, and other problems. Oversized ductwork similarly hurts HVAC efficiency and causes poor temperature distribution or consistency. In either case, improper ductwork sizing results in increased maintenance needs, more frequent repairs, higher operating costs, and a reduced lifespan for HVAC equipment.
You can replace only a portion of your ductwork when certain sections show issues while other areas remain sound. Targeted replacement is a cost-effective solution that focuses on problematic duct sections only. By addressing only the damaged segments, homeowners lower material and labor costs while still enhancing airflow. Partial replacements maintain system balance, protect well-functioning ducts, and minimize disruption during renovations.
Duct cleaning is a viable option to maintain your duct system when significant damage, leaks, or mold are not present. Routine cleaning improves airflow and indoor air quality. Removing accumulated dust, allergens, and debris restores efficiency and reduces energy loss. Homeowners observe improved HVAC performance and healthier living spaces without the need for complete duct replacement if the ducts are structurally sound.
Get our Angi-powered app
