How much is new ductwork in a house?

Author: Miss Orie Block II  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 30, 2025

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.

How expensive is it to replace ductwork?

Duct Replacement Cost by Home Size

Larger homes require more materials and labor to replace the entire duct system. 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.

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?

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.

3 HVAC Ductwork ISSUES Homeowners NEED To Know!

Why is HVAC replacement so expensive?

Few industries have been as affected by the turbulent global landscape as HVAC. Rising raw material costs, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, environmental regulations, and consumer demand spikes have all contributed to the noticeable escalation in equipment and installation prices.

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.

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.

Will insurance pay for a new HVAC?

HVAC and home insurance

A homeowners policy may cover your HVAC in two ways: either through the dwelling coverage or the personal property coverage on your policy. Dwelling coverage may help pay to repair or replace a built-in unit since it's considered part of the home's structure.

What is the life expectancy of ductwork?

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 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 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.

How often should ducts 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.

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.

Is it better to clean or replace air ducts?

The EPA says regular ductwork cleanings are typically unnecessary. You'll want to get your ductwork cleaned if you have mold or pests. Replace your ductwork if you have major damage or an extreme mold infestation.

Does homeowners insurance cover air ducts?

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.

What is the cost to replace 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.

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.

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.

Do plumbers do ductwork?

HVAC professionals are responsible for the installation of venting and ductwork for HVAC systems, while plumbers handle sewage exhaust vents. The sealing and weatherproofing of vents are the responsibility of roofers.

Is it difficult to replace ductwork?

Ductwork replacement is a fairly complex process that can be somewhat costly. Nonetheless, there will eventually come a time when it becomes necessary and is no longer something you can keep putting off. Leaky or poorly designed ductwork is a major issue in terms of HVAC efficiency and thus cooling and heating costs.

How much should I pay for a new HVAC?

Generally, the average cost to replace an HVAC system can run anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the customers' needs. We know that putting that much money down on anything can be daunting, but for a system as crucial as an HVAC unit, you can never be too safe.

What is the most expensive part in an HVAC unit?

Usually, it is a quick fix, but sometimes the failure can be caused by a much bigger problem. The most expensive part of an AC unit to replace and repair is the air compressor.

Are HVAC prices going up in 2024?

Read on to learn why equipment prices keep going up. Have you noticed how high heating and air conditioning system prices have gotten? At the end of 2023, several leading HVAC equipment manufacturers publicly announced upcoming price increases for residential equipment in 2024.

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