How Much Does It Cost to Replace Your Ductwork?
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 your 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 look too bad in retrospect. This is because old, worn-out ductwork can cause all sorts of problems you might not even think of when trying to save a few dollars.
But how much does it cost to replace your ductwork? The following are eight factors that will affect the cost of replacing your ductwork system.
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. There are different types of duct systems, including fiberglass ductwork, which costs $6.50 to $13.50 per linear foot, and aluminum ductwork, which costs about $6.50 to $11.50 per linear foot. There is also galvanized steel ductwork, which costs between $11.50 and $19.50 per linear foot, and flexible ductwork, which costs about $6.50 to $10 per linear foot. The more expensive your choice of ductwork is, the more money you will spend when replacing it.
Additionally, the cost of replacing your ductwork will vary depending on the material it is made of. For instance, replacing steel ductwork will be more expensive than replacing silicone, PVC, rubber, or stainless steel ductwork. This is due to the fact that steel duct systems have built-in heat resistance and are durable. That is why you need to be very careful when choosing the material. It will affect its lifespan and the amount of money you will use afterward for maintenance and repairs.
The Size and Layout of Your Home
The size of your home is another major factor determining the cost of replacing your ductwork. If you have a two-story building, the replacement cost will be greater than replacing ductwork in a one-story building. This is because larger homes need more linear feet of ductwork to reach all the rooms. A significant amount of labor is also needed to get all the work done.
Although the size of your house may affect the cost, the layout may interfere with the cost too. For instance, if there are two homes of 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. However, the estimated cost of completely replacing the ductwork in your home likely ranges from $3,000 to $6,000.
The Location of Your Ducts
The placement of the ductwork in your house is very important in determining the general costs of replacing it. HVAC ducts should be placed in exposed locations in homes. This makes them more accessible during replacement and maintenance.
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 for complete replacement. This leads to more work for the contractors, thus causing the project’s overall cost to increase.
Model of the Ductwork
Just like clothes or any other commodity, the brand of a ductwork 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 ductwork system and, most importantly, fit within your budget. As much as cost contributes to the company you choose your ducts from, ensure to also consider the lifespan of the ducts from the company to avoid the need for constant future replacements.
Duct Size
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 as well as the velocity of the air flowing through them. It is essential to find the right size for your HVAC system to reduce malfunctions in the future.
As for the diameter of your ductwork, the bigger it is in inches, the more expensive it gets. Ducts with smaller diameters are cheaper to purchase, replace, and also to insulate if there is a need to do so. However, in this case, it would be best to let the professionals choose the right size regardless of the price.
Shape of Your Ductwork
The most commonly used shapes of ductwork are round and rectangular-shaped ductwork. Round ductwork is preferred because it has reduced air leaks, 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.
But how does the shape of your ductwork affect the cost of replacement? Rectangular ducts are composed of 1/3 more material and require more insulation support than circular ducts. This makes them more expensive to purchase. In addition, rectangular ducts are harder to install during replacement. Therefore, more labor is required. As a result, replacing rectangular ducts is more expensive than circular ones.
Contractors
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 many contractors exist 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 use more money on high-quality replacements so as to avoid issues that may arise in the future.
Insulation
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 amount of money you will have to pay for ductwork insulation during its replacement is about $1,000 to $2,700 for 1,000 square feet of ductwork insulation. This is about $1.15 to $5.50 per square foot.
Contact the Professionals
C & C Heating & Air Conditioning is a reputable HVAC company that provides affordable duct replacement services for the residents in Michigan and surrounding areas. Apart from duct replacement, we offer a wide range of HVAC products like air conditioners, heat pumps, evaporator coils, furnaces, thermostats, and fan coils. We also provide quality heating and cooling services like furnace repair, installation, and maintenance as well as AC repair, installation, and maintenance. We can help you with duct cleaning, air filtration system services, water heater installation or maintenance, and installation of UV lights as well.
Our staff is 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 us today for quality HVAC services.
