How much do new air ducts cost?

Author: Mrs. Makenzie Orn IV  |  Last update: Thursday, February 19, 2026

Duct replacement costs typically range from around $20–$60 per linear foot, based on our team's market research. For example, if your home has 100 feet of ductwork, a complete replacement can cost between $2,000 and $6,000.

Is it worth it to replace 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.

How expensive is it to replace ductwork?

Ductwork Replacement Cost Estimates

Experts estimate that the average air duct replacement cost is between $454 and $2,058 or more, depending on the home's size. This price breaks down to around $10 to $35 per linear foot. Typically, the larger the home, the higher the cost.

Should ductwork be replaced after 20 years?

OLD HOME, OLD 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.

Does homeowners insurance cover air duct replacement?

While your homeowner's insurance doesn't cover ductwork itself, if a fire were to happen in your home and it is determined to be caused by blocked or clogged ductwork, your claim could be denied.

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How often should home air ducts be replaced?

Ductwork typically requires replacement every 10-15 years, and delaying this can compromise airflow and energy efficiency.

Is mold in air ducts covered by homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance doesn't usually cover mold damage or removal unless it's the result of a covered peril. If the mold in your residence was caused by something sudden or accidental, such as a bursting pipe or some other covered incident on your policy, you may be protected.

How long does it take to replace ductwork in a house?

The time it takes to replace air ducts in a house depends on the size of your home and the complexity of the duct system. Most residential jobs can be completed within one to two days. During our initial assessment, we'll provide a more accurate timeline based on your specific situation.

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 it cost to replace ductwork in a crawl space?

The Average Cost of Replacing Air Ducts in a Crawl Space

The cost of adding new ductwork to a crawl space generally ranges in price from $3,000 to $6,000, including materials and labor.

How to estimate ductwork cost?

The cost calculation is based on covering an average area of around 100 square feet, with ductwork materials priced at approximately $10.00 per square foot. The labor cost is an estimation of around 20 hours of work at $35.00 per hour, a rate that varies by region and contractor expertise.

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.

Can I replace air ducts myself?

However, DIY ventilation replacement is a task you should leave to an HVAC expert. Doing this task on your own isn't recommended because: Faulty installation will waste energy. Air leaks can cause your utility bills to rise.

How much should duct replacement cost?

On average, the cost ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 for a small to medium-sized home. However, duct replacement can run as low as $1,400 for smaller homes and as high as $9,000 for larger homes. Home Size (Sq. Ft.)

How do I know if my ductwork needs to be replaced?

10 Tell-Tale Signs Your Home Needs New Air Ducts
  1. Old Age. Just like any other equipment, the ductwork system also gets old. ...
  2. Strange Noises. ...
  3. Increased Utility Bills. ...
  4. Poor Air Quality. ...
  5. Hot and Cold Spots. ...
  6. Dirty Ducts. ...
  7. Poor Performance of a New HVAC Unit. ...
  8. Punctures and Dents.

Do you have to tear out walls to replace ductwork?

In many situations, ductwork can be replaced without ripping out walls. There are ways to access the ducts, such as through your attic or basement, without taking down any existing walls. In some instances, though, small areas of the wall may need to be removed in order to access the ducts.

What is the life expectancy of ductwork?

Ductwork has a maximum lifespan of 20-25 years. By 15 years, however, it begins to deteriorate, significantly reducing your HVAC system's efficiency, so replacement is the prudent option.”

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.

What increases house value the most?

10 quick wins for adding value before selling
  1. Redecorate. ...
  2. Fix superficial defects. ...
  3. The front door. ...
  4. Declutter. ...
  5. Heating and lighting. ...
  6. Garden appeal. ...
  7. Create a driveway / off-road parking. ...
  8. Look smart and be energy efficient.

How do I know if I have bad ductwork?

Visible damage or problems

Look for cracks and gaps in the joints, seams, and connections of your ductwork. Holes in these areas increase air loss, higher energy consumption, and draw in dust, pollen, and other particles.

What is a common mistake in ductwork installation?

Another common mistake is using too small of a duct or underestimating the amount of airflow required. This can result in excessive noise and vibration, as well as decreased efficiency. If your ductwork is not properly insulated, it can cause the air temperature to fluctuate, resulting in hot or cold spots.

How do I prepare for a duct replacement?

Before the technicians arrive at your home, ask them how much space they need around each vent and register. Then, remove any furnishings or objects from those areas. This will enable them to devote more time to cleaning the ducts instead of having to clear the work areas.

How much does it cost to remove mold from air ducts?

Removing mold infestation from air ducts requires the use of professional techniques and tools. The project may cost somewhere between $550 to $2,200, as the cleaners have to be thorough to ensure that no spores are left behind.

Does insurance cover air duct replacement?

Ventilation and Ductwork

As long as they're built into your home, ducts, vents and other parts of your home's ventilation system are also usually covered from damage caused by the same perils as the rest of your HVAC is.

Does State Farm cover mold damage?

Some of the most common reasons why State Farm denies water damage claims are: Mold or microbial growth in the damaged areas: If State Farm finds any signs of mold or microbial growth in your property, they could use it as an excuse to deny your claim or limit your coverage.

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