Ductwork Replacement Cost Calculator
Estimate HVAC ductwork replacement costs by home size, material type, and accessibility. Get accurate pricing for sheet metal, flex duct, and fiberglass duct board installations.
Most common replacement
Estimated Total Cost
$3,250 – $7,600
$2.03 – $4.75 per home sqft
Duct Length
~120 LF
Material Cost
$1,800–$3,600
Labor Cost
$1,200–$3,000
Vents/Registers
$150–$500
Permit
$100–$500
Sheet Metal (Galvanized): Traditional choice. Durable, cleanable, and longest-lasting. Best airflow. Lifespan: 25-30 years.
Attic Access: Ducts accessible through open attic. Standard difficulty.
Signs you need replacement: Uneven heating/cooling, high energy bills, excessive dust, ducts over 15 years old, visible damage or disconnections.
Not included: HVAC unit replacement, thermostat upgrade, insulation, mold remediation (if found), or major structural modifications.
Ductwork Cost by Material
| Material | Cost per LF | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheet Metal | $15–$25 | 25-30+ years | Main trunk lines, long-term efficiency |
| Flex Duct | $5–$12 | 15-20 years | Branch runs, tight spaces, budget projects |
| Fiberglass Duct Board | $8–$18 | 15-25 years | Commercial, noise reduction, pre-insulated |
Labor Cost by Accessibility
| Access Type | Labor Multiplier | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Attic | 1.0× (baseline) | Easiest access, most common |
| Crawlspace | 1.1× | Confined space, harder maneuvering |
| Basement | 1.2× | Overhead work, may need scaffolding |
| In-Wall | 1.5× | Drywall removal/repair required |
How We Calculate
Our ductwork calculator estimates replacement costs based on home size, material choice, and installation accessibility:
Estimated Duct Length = Home SqFt × 0.12 (avg factor)
Total Cost = (Duct LF × Material Cost) + (Labor × Access Multiplier) + Vents + Permit
Material Costs
Sheet metal is the most expensive but most durable option. Flex duct is 50-60% cheaper but has higher airflow resistance and shorter lifespan. Most contractors use sheet metal for main trunks and flex for branch runs.
Labor Considerations
Labor is typically 40-60% of total cost. Attic installations are fastest. In-wall ducts require drywall removal and repair, adding $200-$800 to the project. Permits add $150-$500 depending on jurisdiction.
When to Replace vs. Seal
If ducts are less than 15 years old and in good condition, duct sealing ($500-$2,000) may be more cost-effective. Sealing fixes leaks without full replacement. Replace if ducts are damaged, disconnected, or severely deteriorated.
Data Sources
Costs verified from HomeAdvisor, Angi, HomeGuide, and HVAC contractor estimates (February 2026). Prices vary by region, material availability, and contractor rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace ductwork? +
Full ductwork replacement costs $2,000–$6,000 for a typical home. For a 2,000 sqft house, expect $3,000–$5,000 for sheet metal ducts or $1,500–$3,500 for flex duct. Costs vary by material, access, and home size.
How do I know if my ductwork needs replacing? +
Signs include: uneven heating/cooling, high energy bills, excessive dust, visible damage or disconnections, ducts over 15-20 years old, musty odors, or noisy airflow. Have an HVAC pro inspect if you notice these issues.
How long does ductwork last? +
Sheet metal ducts last 25-30+ years with proper maintenance. Flex duct lasts 15-20 years. Fiberglass duct board lasts 15-25 years. Older ducts with deteriorating insulation or connections should be replaced.
Can I replace ductwork myself? +
Partial repairs are DIY-friendly, but full replacement requires HVAC expertise for proper sizing, sealing, and balancing. Improper installation reduces efficiency by 20-30%. Most areas require permits and inspections.
What is the best ductwork material? +
Sheet metal (galvanized steel) is the gold standard — most durable, best airflow, longest life. Flex duct is cheaper but has more resistance. Fiberglass duct board offers good insulation but is harder to clean.
How long does ductwork replacement take? +
Full replacement takes 1-3 days depending on home size and access. Attic or crawlspace installation is faster. In-wall ducts with drywall repair can take 3-5 days.
Do I need a permit for ductwork replacement? +
Most jurisdictions require permits for full ductwork replacement ($150–$500). This ensures proper sizing, sealing, and code compliance. Your contractor should pull the permit.
How much ductwork do I need for my house? +
Roughly 0.1-0.15 linear feet of duct per sqft of home. A 2,000 sqft home needs 200-300 LF of ductwork. Actual needs depend on floor plan, number of zones, and HVAC system capacity.
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