How much does ductwork replacement cost in 2026?

Most homeowners pay between $3,750 and $9,000, with a national average near $6,375. Small, simple jobs land at the low end; large or premium-material jobs run well above the high end.

What is the cost per linear foot?

Installed pricing usually runs $25.00 to $60.00 per linear foot, including labor and materials. Expensive metros can run 15–45% higher than that range.

What drives the price up the most?

Scope and access. Larger quantities lower your per-linear foot price, but difficult access, demolition of existing work, structural repairs found mid-job, premium materials and rush scheduling each add 8–30%.

Permits are typically required when the work changes structure or ties into electrical, plumbing, gas or mechanical systems. Budget $75–$600 in most cities and confirm whether your contractor pulls it — unpermitted work can block a future home sale.

How long does the job take?

Most residential projects of this type finish in one to five working days once materials are on site. Custom orders, inspections and weather are the usual causes of delay.

How many quotes should I get?

Three. Bids on the same scope commonly vary 20–40%, and the middle bid with the strongest warranty and references is usually the best value — the cheapest bid often excludes prep, disposal or permits.

When is the cheapest time to book?

Off-season and shoulder months. Booking outside the spring–summer rush, and staying flexible on start dates, commonly saves 5–15% because crews are filling calendar gaps.

Yes. Contractor financing, a home equity line, or a 0% promotional card are all common. Compare the total interest cost against paying cash — promotional financing is sometimes priced into a higher bid.

How do I avoid getting overcharged?

Get the scope in writing with materials by brand and model, quantities, exclusions, permit responsibility, payment schedule and warranty. Never pay more than one third up front, and never pay in full before the final inspection.

How much does it cost to replace ductwork?

Whole-home replacement typically runs $3,000–$10,000, or about $25–$60 per linear foot including labor.

How do I know if my ducts need replacing?

Uneven room temperatures, high bills, visible tears, mold or ducts over 20 years old are the usual signs.

Does duct sealing really help?

Yes. Typical homes lose 20–30% of conditioned air through leaks; sealing usually cuts heating and cooling costs 10–20%.

Home/Cost guides/Ductwork Replacement

Construction

How much does ductwork replacement cost?

Ductwork Replacement costs $3,750 to $9,000 for a typical project, averaging about $6,375. Installed pricing usually runs $25.00 to $60.00 per linear foot, and scope, materials, access and local labor rates explain nearly all of the variation.

Get my personalized estimate Use the calculator

National average

$6,375

Typical low

$3,750

Typical high

$9,000

Per linear foot

$25 – $60

Instant cost calculator

Adjust the inputs to see live pricing

Duct run (linear feet)150 linear feet

Quality / material level

Site access

Removal / prep work

Timing

Region

Estimated project cost

$4,318 – $5,921

Most homeowners pay around $5,119

Compare quality / material level

Cost by material

Installed pricing per linear foot.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Flexible duct	$26 – $36	—	—
Sheet metal trunk and flex runs	$36 – $48	—	—
Insulated sheet metal	$48 – $62	—	—
Custom sealed metal with zoning	$62 – $85	—	—

Ductwork Replacement cost by project size

Typical installed pricing before local adjustments.

Project size	Budget	Average	Premium
75 linear foots	$1,875	$3,188	$4,500
150 linear foots	$3,750	$6,375	$9,000
225 linear foots	$5,625	$9,563	$13,500
300 linear foots	$7,500	$12,750	$18,000

Ductwork Replacement cost by material or quality level

Option	Price range	Best for
Flexible duct	$26.35 – $36.13 / linear foot	Lowest upfront cost, shortest lifespan
Sheet metal trunk and flex runs	$36.13 – $47.60 / linear foot	Best overall value for most homes
Insulated sheet metal	$47.60 – $61.63 / linear foot	Longer warranty and better finish
Custom sealed metal with zoning	$61.63 – $85.00 / linear foot	Top-tier materials and custom detailing

Where the money goes

A typical project budget, broken down by line item.

Labor0.45% · $29
Materials0.38% · $24
Permits & inspections0.05% · $3
Overhead & profit0.12% · $8

Cost by region

Labor markets move the number more than any other single factor.

Northeast

$4,313 – $10,350

+15% vs. national average

West

$4,425 – $10,620

+18% vs. national average

Midwest

$3,600 – $8,640

-4% vs. national average

South

$3,525 – $8,460

-6% vs. national average

Common add-ons

Line items that show up on most quotes but rarely in the headline price.

Duct sealing (Aeroseal)

$1,000 – $3,000

New returns

$300 – $1,200

Zoning dampers

$1,500 – $4,500

Asbestos duct wrap removal

$1,000 – $5,000

DIY vs. hiring a pro

Hire a pro

$3,750 – $9,000

Do it yourself

$1,688 – $4,950

DIY saves labor but not materials, permits or rework. Only take it on if the job does not require a licensed trade or inspection.

Ways to save

Practical levers that lower the bill without cutting quality.

Replace ducts while the system is being replaced — one mobilization.
Seal instead of replace when ducts are intact but leaky.
Collect three written bids on an identical scope — spreads of 20–40% are normal.
Book in the off-season and stay flexible on the start date to save 5–15%.
Bundle nearby work into one mobilization so you only pay setup and travel once.
Ask what the contractor would change to cut 10% without hurting durability.

Questions to ask your contractor

01Are you licensed and insured in my city, and can I see the certificate?
02Is this a fixed-price bid or an estimate that can change?
03What exactly is excluded from the quote?
04Who pulls the permit and who schedules inspections?
05What is the written workmanship warranty and how long does it last?
06What is the payment schedule, and how much is due up front?
07How long will the work take, and what could delay it?

Frequently asked questions

Ready for a number you can budget against?

Answer a few questions about your project and we'll model a low, average and premium price for your ZIP code — then connect you with vetted pros.

Get free quotes from certified pros

Ductwork Replacement cost by city

Local labor rates, permits and climate change the number. Pick your city for prices near you.

Ductwork Replacement cost in Los Angeles, CA

$4,650 – $11,160

Ductwork Replacement cost in San Diego, CA

$4,425 – $10,620

Ductwork Replacement cost in San Jose, CA

$5,175 – $12,420

Ductwork Replacement cost in San Francisco, CA

$5,438 – $13,050

Ductwork Replacement cost in Oakland, CA

$4,950 – $11,880

Ductwork Replacement cost in Sacramento, CA

$4,050 – $9,720

Ductwork Replacement cost in Fresno, CA

$3,675 – $8,820

Ductwork Replacement cost in Long Beach, CA

$4,575 – $10,980

Ductwork Replacement cost in Anaheim, CA

$4,500 – $10,800

Ductwork Replacement cost in Santa Ana, CA

$4,463 – $10,710

Ductwork Replacement cost in Irvine, CA

$4,725 – $11,340

Ductwork Replacement cost in Riverside, CA

$3,975 – $9,540

Ductwork Replacement cost in San Bernardino, CA

$3,863 – $9,270

Ductwork Replacement cost in Bakersfield, CA

$3,638 – $8,730

Ductwork Replacement cost in Stockton, CA

$3,825 – $9,180

Ductwork Replacement cost in Modesto, CA

$3,750 – $9,000

Ductwork Replacement cost in Chula Vista, CA

$4,313 – $10,350

Ductwork Replacement cost in Fremont, CA

$5,063 – $12,150

Ductwork Replacement cost in Pasadena, CA

$4,800 – $11,520

Ductwork Replacement cost in Glendale, CA

$4,688 – $11,250

Ductwork Replacement cost in Santa Clarita, CA

$4,350 – $10,440

Ductwork Replacement cost in Torrance, CA

$4,613 – $11,070

Ductwork Replacement cost in Oxnard, CA

$4,275 – $10,260

Ductwork Replacement cost in San Mateo, CA

$5,250 – $12,600

See all cities