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.
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.
Factors Influencing Air Duct Cleaning Costs
Size of Home/HVAC System: Larger homes with more ductwork naturally require more time and effort to clean, leading to higher costs.
Ducted Systems: The central unit and extensive ductwork can make ducted systems more expensive upfront. Split Systems: While the initial cost of a split system is usually lower, it can increase if you opt for multiple units to cool multiple rooms.
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.
Many HVAC companies offer financing to their customers to streamline the HVAC replacement process and paying for it. Banks and credit unions may approve you for a personal loan, home equity line of credit, or a home improvement loan where loan proceeds are used specifically to make the upgrades your home demands.
Depending on normal weather patterns, the best time to buy an air conditioner is in the Spring (March and April) and the best time to install a new furnace is in the fall (September and October).
A ducted system cannot be installed if there is inadequate space for ductwork. Plus, if there are inadequate zones, a room might still be getting cooled even if not needed. Unless you choose a ducted system that comes with a smartphone capability, it can be inconvenient to operate the aircon.
Conclusion: Which System is Cheaper? The cost-effectiveness of each system depends on your specific needs. Split systems are cheaper to buy and install but may cost more to run if used frequently. Ducted gas heating, on the other hand, offers lower running costs but comes with a higher initial investment.
How long should a ducted air conditioner last? A ducted air conditioning system from a reputable brand should last an impressive 15-20 years with proper care and maintenance.
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.
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 should ductwork last? You should replace your ductwork every 15 years because the materials deteriorate over time, impacting HVAC performance and indoor air quality.
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.
If you're trying to cool a single room, a window unit saves you money compared to central air. However, if you're trying to cool an entire building, running multiple window units is inefficient. In some cases, running many window ac can be more expensive than a central air conditioning system.
Investing in ducted air conditioning not only elevates your living comfort but also adds value to your property. Ducted air conditioning system makes an aesthetically pleasing interior, as there are no bulky units taking up valuable wall or floor space.
While it's clear that sheet metal ducts may be the most energy-efficient ductwork due to the lower chance of damage and deterioration, each home has unique needs when it comes to its HVAC setup. Some homes may not be able to accommodate the space needed for sheet metal ducts, for example, due to tight spaces or bends.
Ductless systems offer a less invasive and quicker installation, ideal for additions and homes without existing ductwork. Conversely, ducted systems can be more cost-effective to install in homes already equipped with ductwork despite potential energy loss through the ducts.
While ducted systems may consume more power due to their extensive coverage, they often outshine split systems when cooling larger spaces or entire homes.
Does Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning Increase the Value of Your Home? The short answer is yes.
In general, most HVAC systems will last 15 to 25 years, but depending on the type of system and other contributing factors, that estimate can be highly variable. Even with HVAC maintenance and regular repairs, eventually, even the best boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners today will run their course.
The global rise in fuel and energy prices has also increased the cost of manufacturing and transporting HVAC equipment, thus driving up HVAC prices for consumers. Changing environmental regulations also push the market towards newer, more expensive products as manufacturers work to comply with evolving standards.