How Much Does It Cost to Replace Ductwork?
$1,400 – $12,000
National average: $5,000
Estimate your cost
Adjust the options for a tailored ballpark — figures and the regional adjustment are approximate estimates. Always confirm with local quotes before you budget.
The ductwork hidden in your walls, attic, and crawlspace delivers every bit of heated and cooled air in your home — and when it’s old or leaky, it wastes energy and comfort. Replacing it costs $1,400 to $12,000 in 2026, averaging around $5,000, or about $15–$19 per linear foot.
What you’re paying for
You’re paying for the duct material, the labor to remove the old runs and install new ones throughout the home, registers and grilles, and proper sealing and insulation. Labor is a big share because crews often work in tight, awkward spaces — attics and crawlspaces.
Cost by size and material
Two variables set the price: home size (total duct length) and material. The table below shows typical pricing, including the notable gap between flexible and rigid metal duct.
Flexible vs. rigid metal
Flexible duct (insulated flex tubing) is cheaper and faster to install — good for retrofits and tight spaces. Rigid sheet-metal duct costs more but is more durable, easier to clean, and offers better airflow for larger or higher-end systems. Many homes use a mix.
Do it with the HVAC
If you’re already replacing your furnace or AC, that’s the smart time to address ductwork. Leaky or undersized ducts can waste 20–30% of the air your new system produces, undercutting an expensive upgrade. Sharing the labor and access also lowers the combined cost.
How to save on ductwork
- Seal instead of replace if the ducts are sound but leaky.
- Use flexible duct where it’s appropriate to cut material and labor.
- Bundle with an HVAC replacement to share labor and access.
- Prioritize the worst runs if a full replacement isn’t in budget.
| Component | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ductwork & materials | $6 – $12 / linear ft | — |
| Labor | $9 – $12 / linear ft | — |
| Registers & grilles | $10 – $40 each | — |
| Insulation & sealing | $500 – $2,000 | — |
| Permits | $100 – $500 | — |
| Option | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flexible duct — 2,000 sq ft home | $3,500 – $6,500 | — |
| Rigid metal — 2,000 sq ft home | $7,000 – $12,000 | — |
| Small home / partial | $1,400 – $3,500 | — |
| Per linear foot (installed) | $15 – $19 / ft | — |
What affects the price
- Home size More square footage means more duct runs, registers, and labor.
- Duct material Flexible duct is cheaper; rigid sheet-metal duct costs more in material and labor.
- Accessibility Ducts in an open basement are easy; those in tight crawlspaces, attics, or finished walls cost more.
- Layout complexity More branches, turns, and registers raise the total.
- Sealing & insulation Properly sealed and insulated ducts cost a bit more but improve efficiency.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to replace ductwork?
- Most homes run $1,400–$12,000, averaging about $5,000. A 2,000 sq ft home is typically $3,500–$6,500 with flexible duct, or $7,000–$12,000 with rigid metal.
- What does ductwork cost per linear foot?
- Installed ductwork runs about $15–$19 per linear foot, including materials, labor, and insulation.
- Should I replace ductwork with a new HVAC system?
- If your ducts are old, leaky, or poorly sized, doing both together shares labor and ensures the new system performs as rated. Leaky ducts can waste 20–30% of conditioned air.
- What are the signs of bad ductwork?
- Uneven temperatures between rooms, high energy bills, weak airflow, excessive dust, and visible damage or disconnected sections all point to duct problems.
- Is duct sealing an alternative to replacement?
- Sometimes. If ducts are sound but leaky, sealing (manual or aerosol) is far cheaper than replacement. Replacement is for damaged, undersized, or contaminated ducts.
- How long does ductwork last?
- Ductwork typically lasts 20–25 years. Beyond that, joints loosen and insulation degrades, reducing efficiency.
How we estimate: ranges reflect typical U.S. pricing for materials and professional installation, compiled and cross-checked against the current (2026) industry sources listed below (see our data & methodology). Your actual cost depends on your location, project size, material grade, and local labor rates — always get multiple written quotes before you commit.
Sources
Cost ranges on this page were checked against current (2026) data from these industry sources: