If your home's air feels stale, your energy bills are creeping up, or your HVAC system isn’t performing as it
should, your ductwork could be to blame. Dirty, damaged, or outdated ducts can compromise your indoor air quality and efficiency—costing you more in the long run.
With over 16 years of experience in the HVAC industry, we’ve helped countless homeowners navigate these challenges.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what impacts the cost of ductwork services, including cleaning, repair, and replacement, so you can make the best decision for your home.
Why Does Ductwork Matter?
Your HVAC system relies on ductwork to distribute air efficiently throughout your home. Over time, ducts can accumulate dust, develop leaks, or become outdated, leading to poor indoor air quality and higher energy bills. Understanding the cost factors behind cleaning, repair, or replacement helps you budget accordingly and make the best decision for your home.
How Much Does Ductwork Cleaning Cost?
Typical cost range: $300 – $700+
Duct cleaning improves air quality by removing dust, mold, and allergens from your system using
specialized tools such as high-powered vacuums, rotary brushes, and air whips.
Technicians start by inspecting the ducts for buildup and blockages, then use negative pressure systems to dislodge and extract contaminants. In some cases, antimicrobial treatments are applied to prevent mold growth and improve indoor air quality.
Factors affecting price:
- Home size: Larger homes have more ducts to clean, increasing the cost.
- Extent of buildup: If your ducts are heavily contaminated, expect higher cleaning fees.
- Accessibility: Hard-to-reach ductwork may require specialized equipment.
- Additional services: Some companies offer mold treatment or deodorization at an extra charge.
Who should consider duct cleaning?
- You or someone in your household has allergies, asthma, or respiratory issues.
- You notice excessive dust around your vents or in your home.
- There’s a musty or unpleasant odor coming from your HVAC system.
- You’ve recently completed home renovations that may have introduced debris into the ducts.
- You have pets that shed dander and hair, contributing to duct buildup.
How often should you clean your ducts?
- Every 3–5 years under normal conditions.
- More frequently if you have pets, allergies, or recent construction work in your home.
What duct cleaning won’t fix
- Major airflow issues: If your HVAC system struggles to distribute air evenly, cleaning may not resolve underlying duct damage.
- Leaks or disconnected ducts: If your ducts have significant leaks or separations, cleaning alone won’t improve efficiency.
- Severe mold problems: While some services offer mold treatment, severe infestations may require replacement of affected duct sections.
If your ducts are old, leaking, or damaged, repairs or replacement may be the better option—which we cover in the next sections.
How Much Does Ductwork Repair Cost?
Typical cost range: $200 – $1,000+
Leaks, disconnected sections, and crushed ducts can drastically reduce system efficiency. Repairing them
involves locating problem areas using diagnostic tools such as pressure sensors, smoke tests, and thermal imaging cameras.
Technicians may use mastic sealant, metal tape, or aerosol-based sealants to patch leaks. For disconnected sections, professionals reconnect and secure ducts with reinforced fasteners and support brackets.
Crushed or collapsed ducts may require reshaping or partial replacement to restore proper airflow. These repairs can significantly improve efficiency, reduce energy costs, and enhance indoor air quality.
Common repair types and costs
- Sealing leaks: $200 – $500+
- Replacing damaged sections: $300 – $800+
- Reconnecting ducts: $150 – $400+
- Insulating ducts: $500 – $1,200+ (helps with energy efficiency)
Who should consider ductwork repair?
- You have uneven heating or cooling throughout your home.
- Your energy bills are higher than usual due to air escaping through leaks.
- You hear whistling or rattling noises coming from your ducts.
- You see visible dust buildup around vents, which may indicate leaks pulling in contaminants.
- Your HVAC system is working harder than it should but still not maintaining a consistent temperature.
What duct repair won’t fix
- Old, deteriorated ductwork: If your duct system is over 15–20 years old and has extensive wear, replacement may be a better long-term solution.
- Severely crushed or collapsed ducts: Some damages are too extensive to patch, requiring full section replacements.
- Undersized or poorly designed ducts: If your ducts were not properly sized for your HVAC system, repairs may not resolve efficiency issues.
How Much Does Ductwork Replacement Cost?
Typical cost range: $1,500 – $7,000+
If your ducts are old, inefficient, or beyond repair, replacement may be the best option. New ductwork can
enhance system performance and indoor air quality, making your HVAC system more efficient and improving overall home comfort.
Who should consider ductwork replacement?
- Your ducts are over 15–20 years old and show signs of deterioration.
- You experience persistent airflow issues despite previous repairs.
- There are visible gaps, holes, or significant damage to your ducts.
- Your home has high energy bills due to air leaks and inefficiency.
- You’ve had frequent HVAC system failures, which may be caused by poor duct design.
The ductwork replacement process
- Inspection & Assessment: Technicians use diagnostic tools such as airflow meters, pressure gauges, and thermal imaging cameras to identify problem areas.
- Removal of Old Ducts: The existing ductwork is carefully dismantled and removed to make way for new installation.
- Installation of New Ductwork: Depending on your home’s needs, materials such as sheet metal, fiberglass, or flexible ducting are used. Specialized crimping tools, cutting shears, and duct sealants ensure a secure and efficient installation.
- Sealing & Insulation: The newly installed ducts are sealed and insulated to minimize energy loss and enhance system efficiency.
- Final Testing & Balancing: Airflow balancing tests and leak detection scans confirm that the system operates at peak efficiency.
New ductwork can enhance system performance and indoor air quality, making your HVAC system more efficient and improving overall home comfort.
Factors affecting replacement costs
- Home size & layout: More extensive systems require more materials and labor.
- Duct material: Flexible ducts are cheaper, while metal ducts are more durable but cost more.
- Installation complexity: Attic and crawl space ductwork is harder to install, increasing labor costs.
- Permits & inspections: Some areas require professional inspections, adding to the overall price.
How to Choose the Right HVAC Professional
Hiring the right company ensures quality work and long-term efficiency. Here’s what to look for:
1. Certifications & Licensing
- Ensure they are licensed, bonded, and insured
- Look for NATE-certified technicians
2. Reputation & Reviews
- Check online customer reviews and ratings
- Ask for references from past customers
3. Transparent Pricing & Estimates
- Request a detailed quote before agreeing to work
- Be wary of hidden fees or vague pricing structures
Making the Best Decision for Your Home’s Ductwork
Understanding the costs and benefits of ductwork cleaning, repair, and replacement is the first step toward improving your home’s air quality, efficiency, and comfort. Whether you’re dealing with excessive dust, rising energy bills, or an HVAC system that just isn’t performing the way it should, you now have the knowledge to take action.
Don’t wait for inefficient ductwork to cost you more in energy bills and home discomfort. Whether your home needs a thorough cleaning, essential repairs, or a full ductwork replacement, our team is here to help. Schedule your service call today and take the first step toward a healthier, more efficient home.
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