How Much Can I Expect to Pay to Replace Existing Ductwork in My Home?
Ductwork is a set of tubes installed in your home to carry air from a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system by facilitating airflow between rooms. The thought of replacing old and worn-out ductwork is an off-putting one for most homeowners.
After all, it’s a major project that will take time, energy, and money. However, if you’ve gotten tired of constantly battling leaks, the expense might not be worth the investment. Read our 5 Star Reviews!
8 Factors Affecting the Cost to Replace Air Ducts
Once you settle the question of having to replace your ductwork, you will immediately have another question: how much is it going to cost to replace it? The following are eight factors that will affect the total project cost of replacing your ductwork system:
- The Type of Ductwork
- The Size and Layout of Your Home
- The Location of Your Air Ducts
- Manufacturer of Ductwork
- Size of the Air Ducts
- The Shape of Your Ductwork
- The HVAC Contractors You Hire
- Insulation Needs
Determine New HVAC Ductwork Installation Costs
1. The Type of Ductwork
Figuring out the type of ductwork installed in your home is the first step if you want to know the amount of money it will cost you to replace your ductwork. Below is a brief breakdown of the different types of air duct systems and their costs:
- Fiberglass Ductwork: $7 to $15 per linear foot
- Aluminum Ductwork: $8 to $16 per linear foot
- Galvanized Steel Ductwork: $8 and $16 per linear foot
- Flexible Ducts: $1.50 to $3 per linear foot.
The more expensive your choice of ductwork is, the more money you will spend when replacing it. Of course, the type of ductwork system you choose will determine its lifespan and impact on the function of your HVAC system efficiency.
2. The Size and Layout of Your Home
The size of your home is another major factor determining the cost of replacing existing ductwork. The cost to replace ductwork in a two-story building will always be higher than that of a single-story home. Larger homes need more linear feet of ductwork to reach all the rooms. Labor costs are also higher for larger homes with ductwork replacement needs.
The layout will affect the total cost too! For instance, if there are two homes with the same square footage but different layouts, replacing the ductwork in one home may be more expensive due to differences in the size of the HVAC systems and the size of the ducts.
C&C Heating and Air Conditioning offers free estimates on the cost of replacing ducts!
Call us to take advantage of our free estimates and superior services!
3. The Location of Your Air Ducts
The placement of the ductwork in your house is very important in determining the general costs of replacing it. Typically, it is best that HVAC ductwork is placed in exposed locations in homes to allow for easier access during replacement and maintenance services.
But what happens if the contractors find it hard to access the ductwork in your house during replacement? In such a situation, the contractors will have to deal with additional work cutting into ceilings or walls to reach the needed areas for duct installation This leads to more work for the contractors, thus causing the labor costs of the air duct replacement to increase.
4. Manufacturer of the Ductwork
The brand of a new duct system determines whether it is of high or low quality. There are different models of ductwork that you will have to choose from during replacement. They are mostly graded according to the companies that produce them.
With over 10,500 HVAC companies that manufacture or distribute different types of ductwork, it is up to you to choose one that will provide you with a high-quality duct material that fits your budget.
The HVAC technicians at C&C Heating and Air Conditioning will you through every step of choosing the right duct material for your home!
5. Size of the Air Ducts
Rectangular ducts come in different sizes that range from 3 by 7 inches to 35 by 40 inches, while circular ducts’ diameters can range anywhere from 4 to 41 inches. The size of the ductwork system affects the airflow and its velocity. The right size of your air ducts will help maintain proper airflow and air conditioning function, helping you avoid the need for repairs in the future.
Overall, the bigger the ductwork is in inches, the more expensive it gets. Air ducts with smaller diameters are cheaper to purchase, replace, and also to insulate if there is a need to do so. In this case, it is best to let the HVAC professionals choose the right duct size regardless of the price.
6. Shape of Your Ductwork
The most commonly used shapes of ductwork are round and rectangular-shaped ductwork. Round ductwork is preferred because it is less likely to develop leaky ducts, is easier to install during replacement, and is aesthetically appealing. Round ductwork also allows efficient airflow and causes less noise pollution than rectangular ducts.
If you initially had rectangular ductwork installed in your Michigan home and are torn between choosing a suitable shape for your ductwork during replacement, you can ask for professional assistance from the HVAC technicians from C & C Heating & Air Conditioning.
How does the shape of your HVAC ductwork affect the cost of replacement?
Rectangular ducts are composed of 1/3 more material and require more insulation support than round air ducts. This makes them more expensive to purchase. In addition, rectangular ductwork installation is more labor-intensive due to its complexity. Thus, replacing rectangular ducts is more expensive than circular ones.
7. The HVAC Contractors You Hire
The expertise of the contractor and his knowledge about ductwork is one of the most critical factors that help determine the cost of your ductwork. If there are many HVAC ductwork installation contractors in your area, you can simply choose one that offers better rates. The most common factors affecting a contractor’s price are professionalism, experience in the field, and knowledge about the required ductwork during replacement.
Many companies have different products, resulting in differences in duct replacement prices. However, you should keep in mind that although duct replacement is important, the outcome of the ductwork operation will be determined by the expertise used in replacing it. It is better to spend more money on high-quality replacements to avoid issues that may arise in the future.
8. Insulation Needs
The cost of replacing your ductwork is also going to be determined by your decision to include insulation in your new ductwork or not. Insulating your HVAC ductwork will help lower your energy bills and make it easier to maintain the system at low costs. The total cost for duct insulation will depend on the amount and type of insulation needed and the material costs.
Contact C & C Heating & Air Conditioning
We are a reputable HVAC company that provides affordable duct replacement services for the residents of Roseville and its surrounding areas. In addition to duct replacement services, we offer a wide range of installation services for HVAC products such as air conditioners, heat pumps, evaporator coils, furnaces, smart thermostats, and fan coils. We also provide repairs, maintenance, and indoor air quality services.
We are committed to providing the best services to make your home as comfortable as possible. We offer affordable prices so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank.
Contact C & C Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule a furnace tune-up with one of our HVAC technicians.
