What Does HVAC Ductwork Installation Cost?
Discover the factors that impact your cost to install HVAC ductwork and how to make sure you’re getting a fair price.
By Anne Fonda
An HVAC system’s ductwork is responsible for transporting heated or cooled air throughout your home, distributing it to each room, and returning the air to the indoor unit to start the heating or cooling cycle once more.
According to industry averages, the cost to install an HVAC duct system can range from a low of $1,500 to well over $20,000. That’s a big price range! That’s because the size of your home and the complexity of the installation are big variables. For example, ductwork installation in a single-story, 1,000 sq. ft. home will cost less than installing ductwork in a 3-story, 4,000 sq. ft. home.
But there are other factors to consider, as well. Let’s take a look.
Ductwork installation cost factors
Figuring out your ductwork cost per linear foot is something that only experienced HVAC professionals can do accurately. They know how to do load calculations, calculations for determining ductwork sizing to get the appropriate airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM), and more.
Some of the factors that will go into your final cost include:
- Type, shape, and size of ductwork – flexible ductwork, sheet metal ductwork, insulated ductwork
- The size and layout of your home
- Level of complexity of the installation
- What the load calculation shows
- CFM requirements for each room
- Zoning or no zoning
- Local building codes
- Local labor rates
- How competitive the HVAC market is
- And more
In addition to these basic factors, your duct installation cost will vary depending on new construction, installation in an existing home without ductwork, or ductwork replacement in an existing home.
In new construction
The easiest time for an HVAC contractor to install an air duct system is when a home is being built. There are no obstacles to work around, walls to cut through, or anything else. The contractor can design the ductwork system for optimal efficiency and comfort.
In an existing home without ductwork
If you decide to install a central HVAC system in an existing home that doesn’t have ductwork, your overall price for the ductwork installation component may increase. That’s because it will be more labor-intensive than with new construction. You may want to explore a ductless mini-split system and see which system will be more cost-effective.
You may want to explore HVAC financing options as well.
Cost to replace heating and air conditioning ductwork
Ductwork doesn’t last forever. In general, HVAC ductwork will last 10-25 years, depending on the type of ductwork, quality of installation, maintenance, and HVAC system usage. If your ductwork is in good shape but leaking at some connections, ductwork repair or ductwork sealing may be what you need to get a few more years out of the system.
Ductwork replacement may be the best solution if:
- There is visible damage and repairing the existing system would be labor-intensive and cost-prohibitive.
- You have mold in insulated ductwork. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if the ductwork insulation gets wet or moldy, “it cannot be effectively cleaned and should be removed and replaced.”
- You might also want to replace your ductwork (or add to it) if you’re getting a new HVAC system and adding a zoning system. Newer energy-efficient systems may or may not be compatible with your existing ductwork.
The cost factors will be the same as with new installation, but there will be an additional cost to remove and dispose of your current HVAC ductwork. You will also want to budget for drywall repairs, as accessing your existing ductwork can mean cutting into walls and ceilings.
The best way to get accurate cost estimates is to work with experienced HVAC professionals.
Is replacing ductwork worth it?
Ductwork replacement can be well worth the money spent. Although you might not be able to see the difference, you’ll be able to feel it, and your bank account will show the difference. Ductwork replacement can greatly improve your HVAC system’s efficiency, leading to enhanced comfort and lower energy bills – especially when paired with an energy-efficient HVAC system.
Get multiple ductwork installation estimates
When you’re planning a major home improvement or building a new home, it’s important to get multiple estimates. You want to help ensure you’re getting a fair price from experienced HVAC companies. Not sure where to start? Read our tips on how to choose the best HVAC contractor.
Once you have your estimates, compare the cost of materials and labor. If one estimate is much higher than others, dive into the details to see why. The same goes for an estimate that is much lower than the others. That company may be cutting corners or planning to use less reliable materials.
Work with trusted HVAC professionals
Your local Trane dealer is a good place to start. They will do a thorough evaluation of your home’s existing ductwork (if this is a ductwork replacement job) or your home’s layout and heating and cooling needs if this is a new construction situation or installing central heating and air ductwork in an older building.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
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