The cost of ductwork for central air varies widely: most homeowners pay between $1,500 and $8,000 depending on home size, material, and complexity. This article lists typical total prices, per-foot rates, major cost drivers, and practical ways to reduce the final price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New ductwork for 1,000–1,500 sq ft | $1,200 | $3,500 | $7,500 | Assumptions: single-story, metal round ducts, midwestern labor. |
| Per linear foot (material + install) | $4 per ft | $8 per ft | $15 per ft | Includes supply and return runs in standard attic/crawlspace. |
| Repair / patching per leak or run | $75 | $250 | $800 | Depends on access and patch size. |
| Vent/register installation | $25 | $75 | $150 | Per register, includes basic booting. |
Typical Total Price To Install New Central Air Ductwork
Full replacement for a typical 1,200–1,800 sq ft home commonly ranges from $2,000-$6,000; higher for two-story or complex layouts. Expect $4,000 on average for a mid-sized house with metal ducts installed in the attic or crawlspace.
Smaller homes (under 900 sq ft) can be closer to $1,200-$2,500; larger homes (2,000+ sq ft or multi-level) often cost $6,000-$12,000 or more if extensive drywall work is required.
Material, Labor, Equipment And Delivery/Disposal Line Items
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Delivery/Disposal |
|---|---|---|---|
| $400-$2,000 (sheet metal, flex, fittings) | $75-$125 per hour or $1,000-$4,000 total | $50-$300 (scaffold, lift rental) | $50-$600 (debris removal, dumpster) |
| $4-$9 per sq ft for insulated flex in simple runs | $150-$400 for HVAC testing/blower door | Included in some contractor bids |
Materials and labor are the largest parts of a quote—materials often 20%-40%, labor 40%-60%.
How Home Size, Total Duct Length, And Duct Material Grade Change Price
Price increases roughly with total duct length and number of branches: under 150 linear ft is low-cost, 150–400 ft is average, 400+ ft is high-cost. Switching from basic flex to sheet metal raises material costs by 15%-40% but can improve longevity and airflow.
Numeric thresholds that matter: 0-150 linear ft ($4-$8 per ft), 150-400 linear ft ($6-$12 per ft), 400+ linear ft ($10-$18 per ft). Also, higher insulation (R-8 vs R-4) adds $1-$3 per linear foot.
Practical Ways To Lower Your Ductwork Price Without Sacrificing Performance
Keep or reuse existing trunk lines where possible, choose insulated flex for accessible runs, and schedule work in shoulder seasons to avoid peak contractor demand. Providing clear attic/crawlspace access and removing small obstacles can cut labor hours and reduce the total quote.
Other cost-control tactics: accept standard diffusers, bundle with an AC replacement for contractor discounts, obtain at least three written quotes, and limit unnecessary rerouting or cosmetic drywall work.
How Regional Markets Affect Ductwork Pricing Across The U.S.
Labor-heavy markets (coastal metro areas) push prices up 15%-40% above national averages; rural Midwest and South are often 10%-25% below coastal rates. Expect 20%-30% higher total quotes in high-cost metros versus small towns.
Example deltas: Northeast/West Coast +20%-40%, Sun Belt/Plains -10%-25%, Mountain states variable by access and season.
Common Add-Ons, Permits, Testing, And Hidden Fees That Raise Final Price
Typical extra charges include air balancing ($300-$800), permit fees ($50-$500), new boots/registers ($25-$150 each), and access restoration (drywall repair $300-$1,200). Blower-door or duct leakage testing often adds $150-$400 but identifies costly hidden losses.
Also factor in potential attic insulation repair, rodent damage repair, or asbestos/lead remediation which can add thousands if present.
Three Real-World Quote Examples With Specs And Pricing
| Scenario | Specs | Labor Hours | Per-Unit Rates | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small bungalow | 900 sq ft, 120 linear ft, flex ducts | 16 hours | $6 per linear ft | $1,200-$1,800 |
| Typical suburban home | 1,600 sq ft, 300 linear ft, mixed sheet + flex | 40 hours | $8-$10 per linear ft | $3,200-$5,000 |
| Large two-story | 3,000 sq ft, 600 linear ft, sheet metal, new boots | 80+ hours | $10-$15 per linear ft | $6,000-$12,000+ |
Assumptions: Typical U.S. labor rates, normal access, mid-grade materials. Use these examples to compare a contractor’s per-foot and per-hour breakdown against your quote.