Are air ducts expensive?

Author: Colt Emard  |  Last update: Saturday, August 30, 2025

While a simple air duct replacement may cost less than $1,500, upgrading a large system with a complex layout can cost over $10,000, based on market research by the This Old House team.

How much does it cost to do ductwork?

The average cost of ductwork installation is from $1,400 to $5,600. ¹ You can expect to pay $25 to $55 per linear foot. 2 No two ductwork replacement projects are identical, as every home has different requirements.

Does homeowners insurance cover ductwork?

Your homeowner's insurance won't cover cleaning, repairing or replacing your ductwork. What does a home warranty cover when it comes to AC units and ductwork?

Is it worth installing ductwork?

One common benefit of ductwork replacement is an increased efficiency in the operation of your HVAC system. Old ductwork can become cracked, dirty, and compromised, leading to your HVAC machinery having to work harder than necessary to heat or cool your home.

What is the lifespan of air ducts?

Ductwork has a maximum lifespan of 20-25 years, and starts to deteriorate around year 15. If your ductwork is more than 15 years old, you may need to have the ductwork inspected to see if it is time to replace it. If it is older than 25 years, you almost certainly need to replace the ductwork.

Off Grid "Air Conditioning" System That Costs Pennies

Should I replace ductwork in old house?

If you live in an older home with an original duct system, it's likely past due for replacement. Typically, duct systems have a lifespan of around 20-25 years, after which they may deteriorate, develop leaks, or accumulate dust and allergens.

How often do air ducts need to be cleaned?

Experts advise having your air ducts cleaned every 2 to 3 years to prevent many maintenance and health problems before they start. However, homes with pets or children with allergies should have their air ducts professionally cleaned more frequently than the recommended average.

Do air ducts affect air conditioning?

Can Dirty Air Ducts Affect Air Conditioning? Yes, dirt and dust buildup inhibit airflow in your home, affecting both air conditioning and heating. Without proper airflow, rooms won't cool as uniformly. Your system may also struggle to cool rooms efficiently, raising energy bills.

Should 30 year old ductwork be replaced?

How long should ductwork last? You should replace your ductwork every 15 years because the materials deteriorate over time, impacting HVAC performance and indoor air quality.

Does replacing ductwork increase home value?

Yes, installing a new HVAC system can increase your home value by 5% to 7% with a return on investment (ROI) of about 30%. This projected increase is especially true if you replace your current setup with an energy-efficient system, providing additional benefits to future buyers in the long run.

How much does a new HVAC system cost?

According to HomeGuide.com, the average cost to replace the HVAC units is $5,000 to $11,000; to replace the units with ductwork runs between $7,000 and $16,000 in total.

Does insurance cover mold in air ducts?

Homeowners insurance generally covers mold only when it's caused by a "covered peril" — an event your homeowners insurance policy will pay for, such as accidental water damage. These events must be sudden and accidental.

Does HVAC system include ductwork?

This system is responsible for heating and cooling your home and includes products like furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps as well as ductwork, thermostats and other home comfort controls. While the world of HVAC might seem complicated, it doesn't have to be confusing for homeowners.

Why is duct work so expensive?

Ductwork costs are largely determined by the size and complexity of your system—but material choices, labor costs, and permitting requirements also play a significant role.

How much is a HVAC system for a 2000 sq ft house?

How much does a new HVAC system cost for a 2,000 sq. ft. home? The costs range from $6,224 to $11,434, depending on the system type and installation requirements. Key factors include system size, type, efficiency, and local labor rates.

How long does it take to install ductwork?

The ductwork project takes between 1 to 4 days. The ductwork is mostly impacted by the size of the project. If there are no unexpected challenges, then the system will take only a few days to install. In some cases, the installation can be completed in one day.

What is the cost to replace ductwork?

Typically, for an average house, the average cost for ductwork replacement is between $1,400 and $8,000. Smaller homes generally require less ductwork, leading to lower costs.

How do I know if I have bad ductwork?

But if you notice a bad odor once you turn on the system, there might be a problem with your ductwork. Similarly, a lot of dust in your house indicates that your ductwork is damaged and dirty. Broken ductwork plays a major role in restricting clean air from flowing throughout your home.

What is the life expectancy of ductwork?

The lifespan of air ducts depends on the material, installation quality, environmental conditions, and regular maintenance. Properly installed and well-maintained sheet metal, PVC, or insulated ducts can last 20 to 30 years, while flexible ducts have a shorter lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

How often should ducts be cleaned?

Just like any other HVAC system, air ducts require regular maintenance to ensure maximum efficiency. As a general rule of thumb, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends air duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years.

How much does Stanley Steemer air duct cleaning cost?

The offer price is most likely per vent pricing and does not factor in the cost of the entire cleaning. While it may seem like a money-saving deal, the final price tag will probably be closer to that $450-$1000 range.

Is replacing ductwork messy?

The Mess Is Minimal

If you don't have ducts, the spots that will see the most change are the closets and the attic, where we'll be running the ductwork. We'll have to cut a few holes in your ceiling to install vents and returns, but that's a very minor thing to do to drywall.

How expensive is air duct cleaning?

Air duct cleaning typically costs about $270 to $500, with an average cost of $388.

Can I clean my ducts myself?

Use a brush to loosen any buildup of dust in the ductwork. Lift register and insert vacuum hose as far into the piping as it can go. Turn the vacuum on to capture as much dust as possible that the fan is pushing through the ductwork.

Is it a waste of money to have your air ducts cleaned?

It's absolutely not a waste of money, as long as it's not performed too frequently. Homeowners usually only need to consider air duct cleaning when visible signs of dust buildup are present, if they've noticed a change in respiratory or allergy symptoms, or if it's been several years since the last duct cleaning.

Previous article
What are the cons of alkyd paint?
Next article
How does vinegar keep mice away?