IN THIS GUIDE ▾
This is a contractor guide to pricing ductwork replacement. It covers what customers expect to pay in 2026 ($2,000-$6,000, typically $3,500 for a full replacement; $300-$1,500 for repairs), what the job costs you in material and labor by duct type and home size, and the margin that leaves. Ductwork is labor-heavy, so estimate hours carefully before you price it.
Ductwork Replacement pricingby size and type.
Ductwork costs depend on material choice, accessibility, and total linear footage. Most homes have 150-300 linear feet of ductwork.
The Equipment column is roughly what the customer sees on the equipment line; the Installation column is labor, materials and permits. Your cost sits below both. The gap between your cost and the Total column is the margin you have to work with.
Turn the numbers above into a quote you can send from the driveway.
Load your equipment cost, labor hours and rate, apply your markup, and EstimateKit produces the itemized PDF with good-better-best options. Not sure what margin to target? Run the job through the markup calculator first.
What moves the ductwork replacement priceand your cost.
Each factor below changes what you can charge, what the job costs you, or both. Use the impact figures to explain price differences to customers and to decide which upgrades belong in your better and best options.
Flexible ducts are cheapest but restrict airflow slightly. Sheet metal is most durable and efficient. Fiberboard offers built-in insulation.
Ducts in accessible attics or crawlspaces are easier to replace than ducts in finished walls, soffits, or concrete slabs.
Larger homes need more ductwork. Multi-story homes and complex layouts require more materials and labor.
Properly sized ducts based on Manual D calculations ensure adequate airflow to each room.
Ducts in unconditioned spaces need insulation to prevent energy loss and condensation.
Many older homes have inadequate return air. Adding returns improves comfort and efficiency.
What ductwork replacement sells forby region.
Labor rates, permitting and cost of living move the going rate. Price against your local market, not the national average.
High labor costs and older homes with complex access challenges increase ductwork replacement prices.
San Francisco · New York · Boston · Los Angeles · SeattleCompetitive markets and relatively accessible attic installations keep prices moderate.
Phoenix · Dallas · Atlanta · Denver · ChicagoLower labor rates and simpler construction styles reduce ductwork replacement costs.
Oklahoma City · Memphis · San Antonio · Indianapolis · LouisvilleEstimateKit is used by contractors in Phoenix, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston and every other market. See how it works for your area →
Add-on lines to includein the quote.
These are the items that get forgotten on a rushed quote and then eaten as unbilled cost. Put them on the estimate as separate lines so the customer sees them and you get paid for them.
How to price ductwork replacementaccurately.
Customers compare 3-5 quotes on a job this size. The ones that win are rarely the cheapest; they are the clearest. Build your ductwork replacement price from cost up, then present it so the customer can see what they are paying for:
Set your markup percentages once, pick the equipment and hours, and the itemized quote is ready to send in 10-15 minutes, with customer records and scheduling in the same place.
See how contractors quote ductwork replacement in EstimateKit →Selling against DIYand lowball bids.
When a customer asks why they should not do it themselves or take the cheapest quote, these are the points to put in your proposal.
Payment and financingoptions to offer.
Offering a financing path raises close rates on larger tickets. These are the ways customers typically pay for ductwork replacement; put the ones you support on the quote.
Straight answers you can reuse on the phone, in the proposal, or on your own website.
Signs include uneven temperatures, dusty rooms, visible damage, age over 15-20 years, and high energy bills. A duct leakage test can quantify how much air you're losing.
If ducts are in good condition but leaky, professional sealing costs $300-$800 and can improve efficiency by 15-25%. Severely damaged or undersized ducts need replacement.
Most complete ductwork replacements take 2-4 days. Simple attic replacements may be done in 1 day, while complex installations take longer.