How Much Should HVAC Ductwork Installation Cost?

The cost of HVAC ductwork installation can vary considerably. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to install ducts and vents is $10 to $20 per square foot. The size of your ductwork is a major factor in the overall amount you’ll spend. But costs are also influenced by the materials used, type of ductwork, its purpose, your HVAC contractor’s labor charges, and the city you live in.

Average Ductwork Installation Cost

HomeAdvisor estimates the national average for HVAC ductwork installation in 2022 at $1,179, with a range of $454 to $2,056. On the high end, it can cost as high as $4,600. Fixr.com points to an average cost of $4,000 and, at the high end of the scale, $12,000.

Generally, cost estimates do not include removal of or repairs or modifications to existing framing or HVAC, electrical, or plumbing systems. Work on these systems is often required to bring your home up to code. In addition, hazardous material testing and remediation, sales tax, and permit and inspection fees will add to the total cost.

Ductwork Installation Cost Factors

1. Size of Home/Cost Per Square Foot: A 1,000 to 2,500 square foot home typically has 150 linear feet of ductwork, which ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 to install. A 2,000 to 3,500 home may have 250 linear feet, which costs $2,500 to $5,000 to install, while a 3,000 to 4,500 square foot home has around 350 linear feet, costing from $3,500 to $7,000.
2. Material: Materials costs vary by location and with fluctuations in the market. That being said, sheet metal and fiberglass duct board tend to be more expensive. But if installing flexible HVAC ductwork, flexible polyester tends to be the least expensive, while flexible aluminum is a little more, but still less than galvanized steel. Rectangular sheet metal duct runs a little higher per linear foot than double wall spiral duct.
3. Type of Ductwork: The cost of installing exposed vs. hidden ductwork doesn’t vary that much, but over the course of a full installation project, hidden ductwork may come at a slightly higher price.
4. Purpose of Ductwork: Installing ducts for central air, a furnace, or geothermal heating system for an existing home can run from $12,000 to $18,000; for an unfinished home, it’s a bit lower at $1,900 to $4,000. But numerous other factors can impact the cost regardless of purpose.
5. Location in Your Home: Installing/replacing ductwork in an attic or basement generally costs less than doing so in a crawlspace. Expect to spend more for HVAC ductwork installation in the rest of your house, as it may require removing and replacing drywall and other materials. It’s a little less for a mobile home but the investment will be larger for an older house.
6. City: Homeowners in New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Houston pay some of the highest prices for ductwork installation. However, those in San Antonio, TX; Phoenix, AZ; and Denver, CO, may catch a break.

Materials and Labor

The cost of materials in your area, and the labor charges set by your contractor, can add thousands of dollars to the project. A ductwork installation job lasts two or three working days on average, at eight to ten hours each. Hourly rates are considerable when you figure about 30 hours of labor, so this is something to work into your budget.

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