Typical buyers pay $3-$20 per linear foot for HVAC ductwork depending on material, size, and installation complexity; the duct cost per foot is the key metric contractors quote. Main cost drivers are duct material (flex vs. sheet metal), diameter/size, linear footage, and labor access.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supply-only flexible duct | $2.50 per ft | $4.50 per ft | $8 per ft | Assumptions: 6″–10″ diameters, retail roll stock. |
| Installed sheet-metal duct | $6 per ft | $12 per ft | $20 per ft | Assumptions: 6″–16″ R8–R10, typical attic/crawl access. |
| Round insulated duct | $5 per ft | $9 per ft | $15 per ft | Assumptions: R6–R8, standard fittings included. |
Typical Duct Cost Per Foot For Residential Projects
Installed residential duct runs typically total $1,200-$8,000 for a whole-house system; per foot pricing is used to estimate sections or repairs. Expect average installed pricing around $8-$12 per linear foot for sheet-metal trunk runs and $3-$6 per foot for branch flexible ducts. Assumptions: 1,000–1,500 sq ft home, normal attic access, standard R-value insulation.
Price Breakdown: Materials, Labor, Equipment, and Disposal
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Delivery/Disposal |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50-$15 per ft (flex, insulated, sheet metal) | $75-$125 per hour; typically 1-4 crew-hours per 50 ft | $50-$250 (lift, scaffolding, torque tools) | $50-$400 per job |
Materials are often 30%-60% of a small duct job; labor becomes dominant for complex attic or ceiling installs.
How Duct Size, Material, and Run Length Affect Price
Diameter and cross-sectional area change costs significantly: 6″ flex runs are the cheapest while 14″–16″ sheet-metal trunks increase metal thickness and price. Switching from 8″ flex ($3-$5/ft) to 12″ sheet metal can raise cost to $10-$18 per ft for the same length.
Numeric drivers: runs over 50 linear feet often drop material unit cost by ~10% but add labor due to staging; duct diameter increases cost nonlinearly—expect +25%-60% when moving up two size categories.
Practical Ways To Lower Duct Installation Price
Control scope: shorten run length, use more efficient routing, and leave attic framing exposed for easier access. Choosing insulated flex for branch lines and reserving sheet metal for trunks cuts typical installed price 20%-40%.
Other savings: bundle ductwork with HVAC replacement, provide clear attic access, obtain three bids, and accept contractor scheduling flexibility to avoid peak-season premium charges.
Regional Price Variations Across The U.S. That Impact Per‑Foot Rates
Labor and permit variations change per-foot pricing: coastal metro areas are ~15%-35% above national average; rural Midwest or South can be ~10%-20% below. A $12/ft installed trunk in the Midwest may cost $14-$16/ft in a high-cost coastal city.
Assumptions: metropolitan vs rural labor markets, local permit fees not included in per-foot samples.
Common Add‑Ons, Removal Fees, And Inspection Costs That Add To The Quote
| Item | Typical Charge | How It’s Priced |
|---|---|---|
| Old duct removal | $150-$800 | Flat fee per job or $1-$3 per ft for full removal |
| Air sealing & mastic | $2-$6 per ft | Per linear foot of joint sealed |
| Insulation upgrades | $1.50-$6 per ft | Per foot for added R-value |
| Permit/inspection | $50-$400 | Flat local fee |
Include these add-ons when comparing per-foot quotes; exclusion of removal or sealing can make a low per-foot rate misleading.
Real-World Quote Examples With Specs And Totals
| Example | Specs | Labor | Per-Foot Avg | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small repair | 30 ft flex, attic access | 2 hours × $95/hr | $4.50 per ft | $250-$400 |
| Whole-house remodel | 400 ft mixed trunks/branches, sheet metal trunks | 40 hours crew | $10-$13 per ft | $4,000-$5,200 |
| New install, premium | 600 ft, insulated sheet metal, complex routing | 80 hours crew | $13-$18 per ft | $7,800-$10,800 |
These examples illustrate how labor hours and material mix determine the final duct cost per foot and total project price.