Ductwork Replacement Cost Calculator
Estimate full ductwork replacement costs including removal of old ducts, new material, labor, and asbestos remediation if applicable.
How It Works
Assess current ductwork
Identify whether you need partial or full replacement, and check for asbestos in pre-1980 homes.
Enter home size
Input square footage — this determines the total linear footage of ducts to replace.
Choose new material
Flexible duct is cheapest; sheet metal is most durable and efficient.
When Should You Replace Your Ductwork?
Age
Ductwork older than 15–20 years may have deteriorated seals and joints.
Energy Bills
Rising energy bills with no HVAC changes often signal duct leaks.
Airflow Issues
Rooms that never reach the right temperature may have damaged ducts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does ductwork replacement cost?
Full ductwork replacement costs $5,000–$15,000 for a typical 2,000 sq ft home. This includes old duct removal ($1,000–$3,000), new duct installation ($3,000–$8,000), and sealing. Asbestos abatement for ducts in older homes adds $2,000–$6,000. Partial replacement of problem sections costs $500–$3,000. Prices vary by material choice and accessibility.
How long does ductwork last?
Sheet metal ductwork lasts 25–30 years with minimal maintenance. Flexible duct lasts 10–25 years depending on installation quality. Fibrous glass duct board lasts 15–20 years. Signs of aging include visible deterioration, excessive leakage in testing, disconnected joints, collapsed sections, or pest damage. Older homes with original ductwork should be inspected when the HVAC system is replaced.
Can old ductwork contain asbestos?
Ductwork in homes built before 1980 may have asbestos-containing insulation on the ducts or asbestos tape at joints. Duct tape and fibrous insulation wrap from this era commonly contained asbestos. If you have older ductwork that hasn't been tested, have it inspected before any work. Asbestos abatement for ductwork costs $2,000–$6,000 and must be done by licensed professionals.
Should I replace ductwork when replacing HVAC?
Replace ductwork at the same time as HVAC if: ducts are over 20 years old, testing shows more than 15% leakage, there are disconnected or collapsed sections, ducts are undersized for the new system, or asbestos is present. If ducts are less than 15 years old and in good condition, sealing leaks and cleaning the ducts before the new system is usually sufficient.
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Answer 5 questions for a replacement cost range matched to your home.
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