How Much Does Ductwork Replacement Cost in 2026?
By Michael JohnsonUpdated 9 sources comparedHow we estimate
Replacing the ductwork in a typical home costs $2,000 to $7,500, with an average of about $3,600. That average is the mean of HomeGuide's $3,500, Angi's $4,000 and the $3,100–$3,700 that This Old House gives for a 200-foot system. Price is driven by how many linear feet of duct you need, the material (flex, duct board or sheet metal), and how hard the ducts are to reach.
- Typical cost
- $2,000–$7,500
- National average
- $3,600
- Full range
- $1,000–$17,000
The typical range covers removing and replacing about 120–400 linear feet of supply and return duct in a 1,000–3,000 sq ft home with attic or basement access; large sheet-metal systems, crawl spaces or ducts inside finished walls can reach the national high. Prices are per whole-house system.
Ductwork replacement cost per linear foot
Contractors usually price duct jobs by the linear foot, with removal of the old ducts included. Published installed rates vary widely:
| Source | Installed cost per linear foot | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Angi | $10–$25 | Installed, materials and labor |
| This Old House | $16–$19 | Typical installed range (updated June 2026) |
| HomeGuide | $25–$55 | Replacement, including removal of old ducts |
| HomeGuide | $40–$65 | New installation in a home with no ducts |
Our calculator uses $15 to $30 per linear foot as the base for an insulated flex or mixed system. That's the overlap between Angi's and This Old House's ranges and the low end of HomeGuide's. It then adds a premium for rigid materials and hard access. Sheet metal adds about 40%, which matches the $5–$11 per foot that metal costs over insulated flex in HomeGuide's and This Old House's material prices. Duct board adds about 15%. Crawl spaces add about 30%, the gap between HomeGuide's crawl-space and attic ranges. This Old House's length table shows how the total scales:
| Duct length | Typical cost (This Old House) |
|---|---|
| 100 ft | $1,600–$1,900 |
| 200 ft | $3,100–$3,700 |
| 300 ft | $4,700–$5,600 |
| 400 ft | $6,200–$7,500 |
| 500 ft | $7,800–$9,300 |
Estimate your cost
Enter the approximate length of duct to replace (about 100–120 ft per 1,000 sq ft is common), then pick the material and where the ducts run.
Ranges come from the sources listed at the end of this guide. The labor portion is adjusted for your state with BEA price data. Your final price depends on site conditions and local codes.
Cost by home size
| Home size | HomeGuide (replacement) | Angi |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000–1,500 sq ft | $1,400–$3,400 | $2,000–$3,000 |
| 1,500–2,000 sq ft | $2,100–$4,500 | $3,000–$5,000 (1,500–2,500 sq ft) |
| 2,000–2,500 sq ft | $2,800–$5,600 | — |
| 2,500–3,000 sq ft | $3,500–$6,700 | $5,000–$7,500 (2,500–4,000 sq ft) |
| 3,000–4,000 sq ft | $4,200–$9,000 | $7,500–$12,000+ (4,000+ sq ft) |
Why Fixr's numbers are much higher: Fixr puts the national average at $9,293 (range $1,436–$17,149) for a 2,500 sq ft home with 275 linear feet of duct. Its per-foot replacement rates for galvanized sheet metal run $21.38–$62.36. Fixr's estimate assumes a full system, often in sheet metal, and its high-end tier includes multi-story homes where walls or ceilings have to be opened. We treat Fixr as the upper bound for complex jobs, not the typical case, and did not include it in our average.
Cost by duct material
| Material | Material only, per ft (HomeGuide, This Old House) | Installed, per ft (Angi) | Typical lifespan (This Old House) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible duct, insulated | $2–$4 | $5–$10 | 10–20 years |
| Fiberglass duct board | $4–$7 | $8–$15 | 10–15 years |
| Fiberglass-lined metal | — | $10–$20 | — |
| Sheet metal (galvanized or aluminum) | $7–$15 | $12–$25 | 20+ years |
Flex duct is the cheapest and fastest to run through attics, but it loses airflow when it's kinked, sags or runs too long. Fiberglass duct board is insulated rigid board. It's cheaper than metal but harder to clean, and the EPA notes that no biocides are registered for use on it. Sheet metal costs the most and lasts the longest. Many systems combine metal trunks with flex branch runs.
Labor vs. materials
Labor is most of the bill. HomeGuide's material prices are only $1–$13 per foot, against $25–$55 per foot installed. Angi puts labor alone at $5–$15 per linear foot, or $50–$150 per hour, and Fixr cites HVAC mechanics at $83–$151 per hour. This Old House says a basic system takes 1–2 days and a large, complex one four days or more.
We use a labor share of 60% for our state adjustments. Labor runs higher on flex jobs, where the material is cheap, and lower on sheet-metal jobs, where material is a bigger slice. Local labor rates are the main reason duct quotes differ so much from region to region.
What drives the price up or down
- Total length and number of runs. HomeGuide prices each duct run at $270–$500. Adding a new vent costs $250–$500.
- Material. Moving from flex to sheet metal roughly doubles the installed per-foot rate in Angi's and Fixr's data.
- Access. HomeGuide prices attic replacements at $2,200–$5,600 and crawl-space jobs at $3,000–$7,300, while open basements run $1,800–$3,100. Ducts inside finished walls or ceilings cost the most, because drywall has to be opened and patched.
- Whole-house vs. partial. Minor repairs cost $200–$1,000 (HomeGuide, Angi). Replacing just the attic runs or a single trunk costs a fraction of a full system.
- System redesign. If rooms are hot or cold because the original layout was undersized, a contractor may resize ducts or add returns. That adds design time but can matter more than material choice.
- Hazards. Asbestos abatement or mold remediation can add upwards of $2,000 (This Old House).
- Permits. These run $50–$300 depending on location (HomeGuide, Angi). HomeGuide says permits bundled with a full HVAC install can reach $250–$1,500.
Cost by state
Because labor is about 60% of the job, where you live moves the price. The table starts from our national range, compiled from the sources above, and adjusts only the labor portion using the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities for each state.
| State | Typical range | Average | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,900–$7,050 | $3,400 | -6.0% |
| Alaska | $2,000–$7,600 | $3,650 | +1.0% |
| Arizona | $2,000–$7,550 | $3,600 | +0.7% |
| Arkansas | $1,850–$6,900 | $3,300 | -8.1% |
| California | $2,150–$8,050 | $3,850 | +7.6% |
| Colorado | $2,000–$7,550 | $3,650 | +0.8% |
| Connecticut | $2,050–$7,650 | $3,700 | +2.2% |
| Delaware | $2,000–$7,450 | $3,600 | -0.4% |
| District of Columbia | $2,150–$8,000 | $3,850 | +6.5% |
| Florida | $2,050–$7,650 | $3,700 | +2.1% |
| Georgia | $1,950–$7,350 | $3,550 | -2.0% |
| Hawaii | $2,100–$7,900 | $3,800 | +5.2% |
| Idaho | $1,900–$7,100 | $3,400 | -5.2% |
| Illinois | $2,000–$7,450 | $3,600 | -0.7% |
| Indiana | $1,900–$7,150 | $3,450 | -4.7% |
| Iowa | $1,850–$7,000 | $3,350 | -6.7% |
| Kansas | $1,900–$7,050 | $3,400 | -6.0% |
| Kentucky | $1,900–$7,050 | $3,400 | -5.7% |
| Louisiana | $1,850–$6,950 | $3,350 | -7.0% |
| Maine | $1,950–$7,350 | $3,550 | -1.7% |
| Maryland | $2,050–$7,700 | $3,700 | +2.4% |
| Massachusetts | $2,100–$7,850 | $3,800 | +4.9% |
| Michigan | $1,950–$7,250 | $3,450 | -3.5% |
| Minnesota | $2,000–$7,450 | $3,550 | -1.0% |
| Mississippi | $1,850–$6,950 | $3,350 | -7.6% |
| Missouri | $1,900–$7,150 | $3,400 | -4.9% |
| Montana | $1,900–$7,050 | $3,400 | -5.9% |
| Nebraska | $1,900–$7,050 | $3,400 | -5.8% |
| Nevada | $1,950–$7,350 | $3,550 | -1.8% |
| New Hampshire | $2,050–$7,750 | $3,700 | +3.2% |
| New Jersey | $2,100–$7,900 | $3,800 | +5.3% |
| New Mexico | $1,900–$7,050 | $3,400 | -5.8% |
| New York | $2,100–$7,850 | $3,750 | +4.6% |
| North Carolina | $1,950–$7,250 | $3,450 | -3.5% |
| North Dakota | $1,850–$7,000 | $3,350 | -6.8% |
| Ohio | $1,900–$7,150 | $3,400 | -4.9% |
| Oklahoma | $1,850–$6,950 | $3,350 | -7.0% |
| Oregon | $2,050–$7,700 | $3,700 | +2.8% |
| Pennsylvania | $1,950–$7,400 | $3,550 | -1.5% |
| Rhode Island | $2,000–$7,550 | $3,650 | +0.8% |
| South Carolina | $1,900–$7,200 | $3,450 | -4.1% |
| South Dakota | $1,850–$6,950 | $3,350 | -7.1% |
| Tennessee | $1,900–$7,150 | $3,450 | -4.5% |
| Texas | $1,950–$7,350 | $3,550 | -1.7% |
| Utah | $1,950–$7,300 | $3,500 | -3.0% |
| Vermont | $1,950–$7,350 | $3,550 | -2.0% |
| Virginia | $2,000–$7,550 | $3,600 | +0.4% |
| Washington | $2,100–$7,900 | $3,800 | +5.2% |
| West Virginia | $1,900–$7,050 | $3,400 | -6.1% |
| Wisconsin | $1,900–$7,200 | $3,450 | -4.1% |
| Wyoming | $1,900–$7,100 | $3,400 | -5.5% |
Use the state figure as a starting point. Prices often differ as much between a metro area and a rural county in the same state as they do between states.
Repair, seal or replace?
Not every duct problem calls for new ducts. This Old House suggests repairing systems under about 10 years old with localized leaks, loose connections or small damaged sections. Consider replacing when ducts are corroded or crushed, insulation has failed across large sections, airflow is poor in several rooms, the system was badly designed, or ducts are 10–15+ years old and need frequent repairs.
Duct sealing and Aeroseal as an alternative
If the ducts are in sound shape but leaky, sealing costs far less than replacement:
| Option | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manual sealing (mastic, foil tape) | $400–$1,900 (HomeGuide); $300–$1,800, avg. $800 (PickHVAC) | Works only where ducts can be reached |
| Aeroseal (aerosol sealing from inside) | $1,300–$2,700 (HomeGuide); $800–$3,800, avg. $1,800 (PickHVAC) | Seals hidden leaks; dealer pricing usually includes before-and-after leakage tests |
| Duct sealing, general | $500–$4,000 (Angi) | Range depends on method and access |
ENERGY STAR recommends sealing duct leaks with mastic sealant or metal tape and says never to use duct tape. The Department of Energy's Energy Saver guide notes that ducts leaking into an attic or crawl space "can add hundreds of dollars a year" to heating and cooling bills. Energy auditor Paule Scheckel, quoted by This Old House, says duct leakage can account for 20% or more of a home's heating and cooling energy loss. Sealing can't fix crushed, rusted or badly undersized ducts, though, and those still need replacing.
Duct leakage testing
A duct leakage test pressurizes the system to measure how much air escapes. Angi puts it at $115 to $450, about $325 on average, and a whole-house blower door test at $200–$450. Ask for a test before and after any sealing or replacement job, so you know the work actually reduced leakage.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Sealing a few reachable joints with mastic is a reasonable DIY job. Full replacement is not. A new system has to be sized to the equipment's airflow, the supply and return runs must be balanced, and many jurisdictions require a permit and inspection. The Department of Energy recommends hiring a qualified professional for duct changes and repairs, and having all duct sealing tested by one.
How to save money
- Time it with new equipment. If your furnace, AC or heat pump is near the end of its life, replace the ducts in the same project so the system is sized once. See our HVAC replacement cost and heat pump installation cost guides.
- Test before you replace. A $115–$450 leakage test can show whether a $1,300–$2,700 Aeroseal job will do instead of a $4,000+ replacement.
- Replace only the bad sections. Attic flex that has sagged or been crushed often fails long before the basement metal trunks.
- Insulate ducts in unconditioned spaces. The DOE calls this "usually very cost-effective." HomeGuide prices installed duct wrap at $800–$2,000.
- Don't count on a federal tax credit. The IRS says the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit does not apply to property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Check the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder and your utility for local duct-sealing or HVAC rebates instead.
- Get three itemized quotes that list the same lengths and materials.
How to compare ductwork quotes
A fair quote should list:
- Linear feet of supply and return duct, the material for trunks and branches, and the insulation R-value.
- Removal and disposal of old ducts, plus asbestos testing if the system is old.
- How joints will be sealed (mastic or rated foil tape) and whether a leakage test is included.
- New registers, grilles, dampers and any added returns.
- Permit and inspection fees.
- Drywall or ceiling repair, if ducts sit in finished space, or a clear note that it's excluded.
- The labor warranty.
Red flags: a price per house with no lengths or materials; no mention of sizing or airflow (a load and duct-design calculation); "duct tape" as the sealing method; no permit; or pressure to replace ducts that a leakage test hasn't shown to be failing.
Hidden costs people forget
- Drywall and paint after opening walls or ceilings to reach hidden ducts.
- Asbestos or mold found on old ducts: upwards of $2,000 (This Old House).
- Duct insulation in attics and crawl spaces: $800–$2,000 installed (HomeGuide).
- Attic insulation disturbed during the work. HomeGuide puts topping it up at $800–$1,500, and our attic insulation cost guide has more detail.
- New registers and grilles to fit resized runs.
- Crawl space moisture, which destroys ducts if left unfixed. Our crawl space encapsulation cost guide explains that work.
- Cleaning if you're keeping some old ducts: $300–$700 (Angi). See our air duct cleaning cost guide.
Bottom line
Most whole-house ductwork replacements cost $2,000 to $7,500, and about $3,600 is a realistic national midpoint for a 1,500–2,500 sq ft home. Large sheet-metal systems in crawl spaces or finished walls can exceed $15,000; Fixr's high end for a 2,500 sq ft home is $17,149. Before replacing everything, pay $115–$450 for a leakage test. If the ducts are sound but leaky, manual sealing or Aeroseal ($800–$3,800) may solve the problem for much less. If you do replace them, do it alongside new HVAC equipment and insist on a quote that lists lengths, materials and sealing methods.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace ductwork in a 1,500 sq ft house?
Expect roughly $1,400 to $4,500. HomeGuide puts 1,000–1,500 sq ft homes at $1,400–$3,400 and 1,500–2,000 sq ft homes at $2,100–$4,500, while Angi lists $2,000–$3,000 for 1,000–1,500 sq ft and $3,000–$5,000 for 1,500–2,500 sq ft. Crawl-space access and sheet metal push the price toward the top of those ranges.
How much does ductwork cost per linear foot?
Installed prices range from about $10–$25 per linear foot (Angi) and $16–$19 (This Old House) up to $25–$55 for replacement including removal (HomeGuide). Materials alone cost $2–$4 per foot for insulated flex and $7–$15 for sheet metal, so most of the per-foot price is labor.
Should ductwork be replaced after 20 years?
Often, yes, but test before you decide. This Old House lists typical lifespans of 10–20 years for flex duct, 10–15 years for fiberglass duct board and 20+ years for sheet metal. If older metal ducts are intact and only leaky, sealing may be enough; crushed flex, failed insulation or corrosion usually means replacement.
How much does it cost to replace ductwork in an attic or crawl space?
HomeGuide puts attic replacements at $2,200–$5,600 and crawl-space replacements at $3,000–$7,300, compared with $1,800–$3,100 for an open basement. Tight access means more labor hours, and crawl spaces often have moisture problems that should be fixed before new ducts go in.
Is Aeroseal worth it instead of replacing ducts?
It can be, if the ducts are structurally sound but leaky. Aeroseal costs about $1,300–$2,700 (HomeGuide) or $800–$3,800 with a $1,800 average (PickHVAC), well below most replacements, and dealer pricing usually includes before-and-after leakage tests. It cannot fix crushed, disconnected, rusted or undersized ducts.
How much does a duct leakage test cost?
Angi puts a duct leakage test at $115 to $450, about $325 on average, and a whole-house blower door test at $200 to $450. Aeroseal dealers typically include testing in their price. A test before and after the work shows whether sealing or replacement actually reduced leakage.
Does homeowners insurance cover ductwork replacement?
Usually not for wear, age or poor design, which most policies treat as maintenance. Damage from a sudden covered event, such as a fire or a burst pipe, may be covered, so check your policy and talk to your insurer before work begins.
Sources
We compared these sources to build the QuoteRuler range. State figures adjust the labor portion (60% of the total) using the BEA Regional Price Parities.
- How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace Ductwork? — HomeGuide. Used for: Replacement $1,400–$5,600 (average $3,500, range $1,000–$8,000); $25–$55 per linear foot replacement incl. removal; new install $2,400–$6,600 or $40–$65/ft; per duct run $270–$500; material per ft (flex insulated $2–$4, fiberglass $4–$6, sheet metal $7–$13); home-size table 1,000–4,000 sq ft; crawl space $3,000–$7,300, attic $2,200–$5,600, basement $1,800–$3,100; minor repairs $200–$700; manual sealing $400–$1,900; Aeroseal $1,300–$2,700; add a vent $250–$500; duct wrap $800–$2,000; attic insulation $800–$1,500; permits $50–$250 ($250–$1,500 with full HVAC install). Page shows no update date..
- How Much Does It Cost to Install Ductwork? [2025 Data] — Angi. Used for: Average $4,000; typical $2,000–$7,500, up to $12,000; $10–$25 per linear foot installed; sheet metal $12–$25, flex $5–$10, fiberglass-lined $10–$20, fiberboard $8–$15 per ft; labor $50–$150/hr or $5–$15/ft; home-size table; minor repairs $300–$1,000; permits $50–$300; duct cleaning $300–$700..
- Air Duct Replacement Cost — This Old House. Used for: Updated June 5, 2026. $16–$19 per linear foot; length table (100 ft $1,600–$1,900 to 500 ft $7,800–$9,300); materials only: flex $1–$4, fiberboard $4–$7, sheet metal $7–$15; permits under $100 to several hundred; asbestos/mold upwards of $2,000; leakage 20%+ of heating and cooling energy loss (energy auditor quote); repair vs. replace signs; lifespans; 1–2 days for a basic system..
- How Much Does It Cost to Install Ductwork? — Fixr. Used for: Updated August 29, 2025. National average $9,293 for a 2,500 sq ft home with 275 linear ft; range $1,436–$17,149; 3,500 sq ft up to $24,008; replacement per ft: galvanized sheet metal $21.38–$62.36, spiral $9.06–$37.14, insulated flex $6.75–$34.19; HVAC mechanics $83–$151/hr. Treated as the upper bound for complex jobs and excluded from our average..
- How Much Does It Cost to Check Air Ducts for Leaks? [2025 Data] — Angi. Used for: Duct leakage test average $325, range $115–$450; blower door test $200–$450; duct sealing $500–$4,000..
- Air Duct Sealing and Aeroseal Cost — PickHVAC. Used for: Updated May 26, 2026. Aeroseal $800–$3,800 (average $1,800) for a 1,500–2,500 sq ft home; manual sealing $300–$1,800 (average $800); Aeroseal dealer pricing includes pre- and post-leakage tests..
- Energy Saver: Tips on Saving Money and Energy in Your Home (2022 guide) — U.S. Department of Energy (Energy Saver). Used for: Ducts that leak into an attic or crawl space can add hundreds of dollars a year to heating and cooling bills; insulating and sealing ducts in unconditioned spaces is usually very cost effective; hire a qualified professional for duct changes and repairs, and have all duct sealing tested by one..
- Duct Sealing — ENERGY STAR (EPA). Used for: Seal duct leaks with mastic sealant or metal tape; never use duct tape..
- Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit — IRS. Used for: Section 25C credit does not apply to property placed in service after December 31, 2025..
- Regional Price Parities by State, 2023 — U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Used for: state cost adjustments.