Ductwork replacement costs $1,500 to $15,000 for a home in 2026
Ductwork replacement costs $1,500 to $15,000 for a home in 2026, and many full jobs land near $7,500. Home size, duct type, and how hard the job is move the price. PickHVAC lists $3,000 to $15,000 for a 1,500 to 2,000 square foot home. HVACProSales lists $3,000 to $8,000 for 1,500 to 2,500 square feet. Fixr lists a national average of $9,293. A partial job costs much less.
What price guides say
We checked 4 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| PickHVAC | PickHVAC lists full replacement at $3,000 to $15,000 with an average of $7,500, and partial replacement at $800 to $6,000. |
| HVACProSales | HVACProSales lists ductwork replacement for a 1,500 to 2,500 square foot home at $3,000 to $8,000. |
| Fixr | Fixr lists a national average of $9,293, with a 2,500 square foot home at $1,436 to $17,149. |
| ThePricer | ThePricer lists typical home duct replacement at $1,500 to $7,500 and duct sealing at $500 to $4,000. |
Ductwork replacement price by size and type
| Size or type | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Full replacement, 1,500 to 2,000 sq ft | $3,000 to $15,000 | PickHVAC |
| Partial replacement | $800 to $6,000 | PickHVAC |
| Home of 1,500 to 2,500 sq ft | $3,000 to $8,000 | HVACProSales |
| Home of 1,200 sq ft | $689 to $8,232 | Fixr |
| Home of 2,500 sq ft | $1,436 to $17,149 | Fixr |
| Flexible duct, per foot | $4 to $12 | PickHVAC |
| Metal duct, per foot | $10 to $30 | PickHVAC |
| Galvanized sheet metal replacement, per foot | $21.38 to $62.36 | Fixr |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Home size | Fixr lists $689 to $8,232 for a 1,200 square foot home and $1,436 to $17,149 for a 2,500 square foot home. Bigger homes need more duct. |
| Duct material | PickHVAC lists flexible duct at $4 to $12 per foot and metal duct at $10 to $30 per foot. Metal lasts longer but costs more. |
| Full or partial job | PickHVAC lists full replacement at $3,000 to $15,000 and partial replacement at $800 to $6,000. Fix only the bad runs if the rest is fine. |
| Labor | Fixr lists HVAC labor at $83 to $151 an hour. Tight attics and crawl spaces take more hours and raise the price. |
| Permits and extras | PickHVAC lists permits at $50 to $400 and removal at $75 to $800. Insulation, registers, and testing add to the total. |
What the price includes
The price usually covers new duct, fittings, labor, and removal of the old duct. PickHVAC lists permits at $50 to $400 and disposal at $75 to $800. Registers, dampers, insulation, and testing may be extra. HVACProSales lists extras at $200 to $600 and testing at $150 to $400. Walls, drywall repair, and a new furnace are not included. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
DIY or hire a pro
Small repairs, like taping a loose joint, can be a DIY job. Replacing ductwork is harder. You must size the runs right, seal every joint, and work in tight attics or crawl spaces. Poor work can waste air and raise bills. Many places also need a permit, which PickHVAC lists at $50 to $400. Hire a licensed HVAC pro for a full or large partial replacement, and ask for a written quote with the duct size, the duct type, and the total price.
How to tell you need it
Look for signs that your ducts are failing. Some rooms stay hot or cold. Energy bills rise for no clear reason. You may see dust blowing from vents, or smell musty air. Ducts may be torn, crushed, or wet, or you may find mold or pests. Old ducts that are leaky or poorly sealed waste air, so a pro should check them.
How to judge your quote
- Ask if the quote covers all rooms or only some runs.
- Ask what duct type and insulation will be used.
- Ask if permits, removal, and testing are in the price.
- Ask for the price per foot so you can compare quotes.
- Compare the total with the range above: $1,500 to $15,000 per job for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Get three written quotes. Prices span a wide range, with PickHVAC listing $3,000 to $15,000 for a full job.
- Ask about a partial job. PickHVAC lists partial replacement at $800 to $6,000, much lower than a full job.
- Have the ducts tested first. A test can show if sealing fixes the leaks. ThePricer lists duct sealing at $500 to $4,000.
- Choose flexible duct where it makes sense. PickHVAC lists flexible duct at $4 to $12 per foot against $10 to $30 for metal.
- Do the work when you replace the furnace or air conditioner. Crews are already on site, and some may bundle the job.
Why this costs more in 2026
Trade labor now runs about $75 to $150 an hour in most of the US. Lumber, steel, copper, PVC and concrete all cost more than in 2024, and freight went up after the oil shock that began with the Iran war in February 2026. Metal, labor, and permits cost more in 2026, with PickHVAC listing labor at $800 to $7,500 and permits at $50 to $400 for a full job.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from PickHVAC, HVACProSales, Fixr and ThePricer. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does it cost to replace all the ductwork in a house?
Most homes cost $3,000 to $15,000, says PickHVAC. HVACProSales lists $3,000 to $8,000 for 1,500 to 2,500 square feet.
How much does ductwork cost per foot?
PickHVAC lists $4 to $12 for flexible duct and $10 to $30 for metal. Fixr lists up to $62.36 for sheet metal with labor.
Can I replace only part of the ducts?
Yes. PickHVAC lists partial replacement at $800 to $6,000, with an average of $2,200.
Is duct sealing cheaper than replacing?
Often yes. ThePricer lists professional duct sealing at $500 to $4,000. A test can show if sealing is enough.
How long does the job take?
HVACProSales says projects usually take 10 to 30 hours of labor. Large homes and tight spaces take longer.