Running new ductwork in a U.S. home typically costs $1,200-$8,000 total depending on size and complexity; contractors often quote $4,000 on average. The cost to run ductwork depends on trunk size, number of runs, material (flex vs. sheet metal), labor access, and whether walls/ceilings require cutting or repair.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small 1–2 bedroom run | $600 | $1,500 | $3,000 | Assumptions: 2–4 registers, flex ducts, easy access. |
| Typical 3-bedroom home | $1,800 | $4,000 | $7,500 | Assumptions: 6–10 registers, mix sheet metal and flex. |
| Major retrofit or basement to attic | $3,500 | $6,500 | $12,000 | Assumptions: long runs, drywall repair, permits. |
Typical Total Price to Run Ductwork in a House
Most homeowners pay $1,800-$4,500 for a common 3-bedroom duct run including materials and labor; smaller jobs fall under $1,000 and complex retrofits exceed $8,000. Average price reflects mid-range materials, 6–10 new registers, and standard attic/crawlspace access.
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard 2–3 ton HVAC, normal access.
Ductwork Quote Line Items and Price Breakdown
Typical contractor quotes separate materials, labor, permits, and disposal; comparing line items reveals where savings are possible. Demand a written breakdown showing duct type, insulation R-value, register count, and finish repairs.
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Overhead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $200-$2,500 (flex $4-$9 per ft, sheet metal $8-$18 per ft) | $350-$3,000 ($75-$125 per hour) | $50-$600 (lifts, cutters) | $0-$400 | $50-$600 | $100-$800 |
How Trunk Size, Runs, and Square Footage Affect Final Price
Price scales with total duct linear footage and trunk diameter: small jobs under 50 ft cost $600-$1,800, mid jobs 50–200 ft cost $1,800-$5,000, and large runs over 200 ft cost $5,000-$12,000. Replacing a 10″ trunk with a 14″ trunk increases material and labor 15–30% due to heavier sheet metal and support needs.
Numeric thresholds: additional register adds $75-$200 each; every 50 ft of flex duct adds roughly $200-$600 installed.
Practical Ways to Lower the Price of Running Ductwork
Control scope by limiting new registers, using flexible insulated duct where appropriate, and scheduling work in shoulder seasons for lower labor demand. Simple changes—choose flex ducts instead of custom sheet metal and reduce register count—can cut costs 20–40% on many jobs.
Other cost controls: bundle ductwork with HVAC replacement, provide clear access to attic/crawl, and pre-paint or pre-finish exposed areas to avoid contractor markups on patching and paint.
How Regional Labor and Market Conditions Change Pricing
Labor and permit costs vary: coastal metro areas often run 10–30% above national average, while rural and interior regions run 10–25% below average. Expect $3,500-$7,000 typical in high-cost metro areas versus $1,800-$4,500 in lower-cost regions.
| Region | Typical Range | Delta vs. National Average |
|---|---|---|
| High-cost metros (CA, NY, MA) | $2,800-$8,000 | +15% to +40% |
| Mid-cost (Midwest, Southeast suburbs) | $1,600-$4,500 | ±0% to -10% |
| Rural/Small towns | $900-$3,500 | -10% to -30% |
Typical Crew Size, Job Duration, and Labor Rates
Most residential duct jobs use a 1–3 person crew and take 4–40 hours depending on scope: small installs 4–12 hours, full-home runs 20–40 hours. Expect labor rates of $75-$125 per hour per tech; multiply hours by rate for labor portion.
Common Add‑Ons, Removals, and Repair Costs That Increase the Quote
Expect extra charges for removing old ducts ($150-$800), drywall repair and paint ($200-$1,500), sound baffling ($50-$200 per register), and high-efficiency insulation ($2-$6 per ft). Hidden costs often come from access work and post-install repairs—budget 10–20% contingency.
Three Realistic Job Examples With Specs and Totals
Example 1: Small condo run — 35 ft flex, 3 registers, attic access: materials $220, labor 6 hrs × $90 = $540, total $800-$1,000. Good for simple add-on registers or mini-split connective ducts.
Example 2: 1,800 sq ft suburban home — 120 ft mixed duct, 8 registers, some sheet metal: materials $1,200, labor 24 hrs × $95 = $2,280, permits $150, total $3,500-$4,500.
Example 3: Full retrofit — 300 ft sheet metal, 12 registers, drywall repair and attic lift rental: materials $3,200, labor 40 hrs × $110 = $4,400, disposal $400, total $8,000-$12,000. Retrofits with multiple ceiling repairs and long runs reach the high end.