Average ductwork replacement cost
Replacing the ductwork in a typical home runs roughly $3,000 to $8,500 in 2026, with most jobs landing around $4,000 to $6,500. Priced another way, full replacement often falls in the range of $10 to $20 per linear foot installed, depending on material and access.
Partial repairs, sealing, or adding a few runs cost far less than a whole-home replacement, so scoping the job accurately matters.
What drives duct cost
- Total linear footage and number of supply/return runs.
- Material: flexible duct (cheapest), sheet metal, or insulated rigid.
- Accessibility: open basements and attics are cheaper than finished walls or crawlspaces.
- Insulation and sealing to meet current energy code.
- Removal and disposal of old ductwork, especially if it contains hazardous material.
- Design changes such as resizing for a new, higher-capacity system.
Signs ductwork needs replacing
Uneven temperatures room to room, rising energy bills, excessive dust, visible damage or disconnected sections, and ducts older than 15–20 years are all signals. When a homeowner is already replacing the furnace or AC, it's often the right time to address failing ducts so the new equipment can actually perform.
Repair, seal, or replace?
Not every duct problem needs full replacement. Sealing leaks and adding insulation can dramatically improve a system that's basically sound. Replacement makes sense when ducts are badly undersized for a new system, deteriorated, or contaminated. Presenting these options clearly helps the homeowner choose with confidence.
Estimate a ductwork job fast
Duct jobs vary widely by footage and access, so an itemized estimate beats a lump sum. In Fast Estimate, capture the scope and a few photos, let AI draft the line items, and hand over a branded, signable PDF. Start free, or try the calculator for a quick ballpark on the whole system.