How much does new ductwork under house cost?

Author: Prof. Lisa Mills Jr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Home Size: Installing ductwork in a small 1,000-square-foot home can cost as little as $1,400. In a 2,000- to 3,000-square-foot home, it can cost from $2,800 to $6,700, while the same project in a 4,000-square-foot home can cost as much as $9,000. ¹

How much does it cost to replace ductwork under a house?

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 replacing ductwork worth it?

Replacing the ducts helps eliminate contaminants and promotes healthier air throughout your home. Safety concerns associated with old or damaged ducts, such as fire hazards or backdrafting, can be addressed by replacing the ductwork and ensuring proper ventilation.

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?

How long does duct work last under a house?

Ductwork typically requires replacement every 10-15 years, and delaying this can compromise airflow and energy efficiency. Visible and subtle signs, including excessive dust, strange noises, and increases in energy bills, can indicate deteriorating ductwork that needs repair or replacement.

3 HVAC Ductwork ISSUES Homeowners NEED To Know!

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

Signs That You Need Air Duct Replacement
  1. Noisy HVAC Operation. ...
  2. High Energy Bills. ...
  3. Uneven Heating or Cooling. ...
  4. Having A Dusty Home. ...
  5. Smelling Mold and Mildew in Your House. ...
  6. Having A Problem with Pests. ...
  7. Having Respiratory Problems. ...
  8. Seeing Debris Around The Vents.

How much does it cost to check for duct leaks?

The average duct leakage test costs $325, though most homeowners spend between $115 and $450 depending on home size and ductwork accessibility. However, several other factors can influence what you'll pay.

Can I replace my own ductwork?

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 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.

Will a home warranty replace ductwork?

If you notice unusually high utility bills, lack of air from your vents, or unusual sounds from the air ducts, you might have a ductwork problem. Does a home warranty cover ductwork? Yes, it does.

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 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.

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 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.

Is replacing ductwork hard?

Ductwork is one of the essential parts of your HVAC system. It's also one of the most difficult to replace ductwork correctly. If you are considering replacing ductwork, you must be prepared for a challenging project.

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.

Does homeowners insurance cover HVAC?

Homeowners insurance covers HVAC systems when the damage is a result of a covered disaster or peril, including high winds, fallen trees, theft, hail or even a fire. So if lightning strikes your unit and damages its electrical components, your homeowners insurance policy would probably cover it.

What time of year is the cheapest to replace HVAC?

Better pricing: Since there's less demand for HVAC system replacement in spring and fall, your HVAC contractor might even offer their own savings incentives.

How much does it cost to replace ductwork?

How Much Does a Duct Cost? The average ductwork project costs $3,500. ¹ Most homes with a central HVAC system have a network of ducts; installation costs about $270 to $500 per duct. ² You can expect the typical HVAC duct to last about 10 to 15 years.

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.

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.

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.

How much does a duct inspection cost?

Your ductwork carries your household's air, so you want to ensure they're in excellent shape by routinely inspecting them. An air duct inspection costs $230 on average, though it can range between $140 and $380 depending on the type of test a pro runs and the amount of ductwork you have.

How do I know if my air ducts need to be replaced?

Signs that it's Time to Get your Ductwork Replaced
  1. Your Indoor Air Quality Is Suffering. ...
  2. You Hear a Lot of Noise When Your Unit Is On. ...
  3. Your Energy Bills Are Continuing to Rise. ...
  4. Your Home Isn't Evenly Heated or Cooled. ...
  5. Your Home Has a Growing Pest Problem. ...
  6. Your Air Ducts Haven't Been Replaced In Years.

Is sealing your ducts worth it?

Leaky ducts can reduce heating and cooling system efficiency by as much as 20 percent. Sealing and insulating ducts increases efficiency, lowers your energy bills, and can often pay for itself in energy savings.

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