Ductwork replacement cost: prices per foot and by home size

Ductwork prices by home size

Most homes have about 150 to 350 feet of ductwork. These are Angi’s 2026 ranges for a full replacement (Angi):

• 1,000 square feet: $1,200 to $2,500
• 2,000 square feet: $2,000 to $4,500
• 3,000 square feet: $3,000 to $7,000

Prices by duct type

Angi’s 2026 cost per linear foot, installed (Angi):

• Flexible duct: $10 to $18.
• Fiberboard: $13 to $20
• Sheet metal: $15 to $25.
• Fiberglass-lined: $20 to $30

Insulating ducts adds about $2 to $4 per foot (Angi). ENERGY STAR recommends insulating ducts you can reach in attics, crawlspaces, unfinished basements and garages (ENERGY STAR).

Costs that can surprise you

• Permit: $50 to $400 (Angi)
• Asbestos. Some older duct wrap and insulation contains asbestos. EPA says material in good condition is usually best left alone, and a trained, accredited professional should test anything that will be disturbed (EPA).

Signs your ducts need work

ENERGY STAR lists these warning signs (ENERGY STAR):

• High heating and cooling bills in summer and winter
• Rooms that are hard to heat or cool, or always feel stuffy
• Ducts in an attic, crawlspace or garage
• Tangled or kinked flexible ducts

Sealing vs. replacing

If the ducts are sound but leaky, sealing may be far cheaper than replacing. ENERGY STAR says to seal leaks with mastic sealant or metal tape, never regular duct tape. Most heating and cooling contractors also repair ductwork (ENERGY STAR). Angi says new, well-sealed ducts can cut heating and cooling bills by 10% to 30% (Angi).

Don’t pay for cleaning you don’t need

EPA doesn’t recommend routine duct cleaning, only cleaning as needed. It says to avoid companies that make sweeping health claims, push cleaning as routine maintenance or claim EPA certification, since EPA doesn’t certify duct cleaners (EPA).

How to pay less

• Ask for a duct leakage test or inspection before agreeing to a full replacement.
• Replace only the bad runs when the rest of the system is in good shape.
• Bundle with a new furnace or AC so you pay for one permit and one crew. See our AC repair or replace guide.

Would a home warranty help with the next ductwork bill?

A home warranty is a service contract that helps pay to repair or replace some home systems and appliances. Know these numbers before you buy:

• Price. The DC Attorney General says a basic home warranty costs $500 a year or more (DC Attorney General). NerdWallet’s average was about $876 a year (NerdWallet).
• Service fee. You usually pay a fee for each repair visit, typically $75 or more (DC Attorney General). NerdWallet found an average of about $108 (NerdWallet).
• Is the item covered? Some plans exclude kitchen appliances, water heaters, furnaces and other major appliances, or charge extra to cover them (DC Attorney General).
• Caps and exclusions. Claims can be capped. Contracts can exclude wear and tear, manufacturer defects and problems from skipped maintenance. The company may repair rather than replace, and may pick the contractor (DC Attorney General).

Ductwork is often limited or excluded, so check whether it’s covered and what the cap is. Don’t count on a brand-new plan to pay for something that’s already broken; read when coverage starts and what it excludes. See our home warranty cost guide.