Budgeting for Home Renovation: What Is the Cost to Move HVAC Ductwork?

If a home’s HVAC system acts as its lungs, its ductwork is like its veins and blood vessels. As a result, it’s important to keep them well-maintained to prevent leaks and improve efficiency.

However, moving ducts isn’t a DIY-friendly project. It requires a pro to access crawl spaces and attics, which can add to overall costs.

Cost of Materials

Ductwork is a network of square or round metal tubes that connect to your HVAC system and distribute air throughout the house. The amount of ductwork needed depends on the size of your home, the number of vents and their locations.

The type of ductwork also affects cost. For example, fiberglass ducts are more affordable than sheet metal. If your ducts are damaged, the total repair cost will increase.

If the problem is minor, such as a leaky corner joint or small holes, patching will reduce costs. But if there is significant damage, such as an infestation of rodents, the cost will rise significantly.

Ducts are priced per linear foot. To estimate the number of linear feet of ductwork needed, an HVAC professional will assess the home’s layout and where the vents are located. In some cases, relocating ducts will require structural changes to support columns or load-bearing walls. The additional work will add to the overall project cost.

Cost of Labor

Your ductwork is a complex system that moves treated air throughout your home. When it’s damaged, it can cause problems such as a drop in efficiency or high energy bills. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your ductwork in good condition.

Duct repair costs vary by the nature of the issue and location. If your ducts are located in hard-to-access areas like attics or crawl spaces, the replacement process will take longer and increase labor costs.

A HVAC contractor will inspect the condition of your ductwork before beginning the replacement process. They’ll look for damage, leaks and insulation that may need to be replaced. Older homes built before the mid-1980s may contain asbestos, which needs to be professionally abated before replacing ductwork.

If you’re installing new ductwork, it’s important to factor in other installation expenses such as building and plumbing permits, inspection fees, electrical upgrades, drywall and paint. If you don’t have enough money saved to cover these costs, consider getting a personal loan or credit card. These options offer quick approval and a flexible repayment period.

Cost of Moving

Ductwork is a large system that sends heated or cooled air from HVAC units throughout your home. It comprises a series of long tubes or rectangular sheet-metal channels made from fiberglass, steel or aluminum that typically run in your attic, basement or crawl space.

Old leaky ducts waste energy and strain your HVAC equipment, which may lead to higher repair or replacement costs down the road. Getting them replaced can lower your utility bills significantly.

If your ducts are easy to access, they’ll cost less to repair than those in hard-to-reach areas of the house like attics and crawl spaces. This makes it a smart idea to insulate your ducts, as this can cut their cost by up to 30%.

If you have substantial equity in your home, a HELOC could be the best way to fund the replacement or relocation of your ductwork. This type of mortgage lets you borrow against your home equity at a low rate and use the money as needed, with tax-deductible interest.

Cost of Installation

Air ducts act as the home’s lungs, delivering heated and cooled air to the farthest corners. The price of new or replacement ducts depends on the size and layout of the house, how many vents are needed, and the material used. The cost also varies depending on where the ducts are located and whether they need to be encased or hidden.

Many homeowners opt for sheet metal ducts because they’re durable and don’t leak easily. However, they’re more expensive than other options, such as fiberglass. Ducts located in the attic, basement or crawl space are easier to access than those in finished walls, which increases labor costs.

Older homes often have asbestos in their insulation, which requires a permit and professional abatement. Mold in ductwork may also require remediation. All of these factors can add up to an extensive repair bill.