When it comes to home comfort, most people think about the air conditioner itself — the shiny condenser outside or the sleek furnace inside. But if you’ve ever peeked into your attic or basement, you know that ductwork is just as critical. Your AC can’t keep you cool if the air isn’t flowing efficiently through your ducts.
I’m Mike Sanders, and after 20 years in the HVAC industry, I’ve seen firsthand how ductwork affects comfort, efficiency, and the overall cost of installing or replacing an air conditioner. In this guide, we’ll break down air conditioner ductwork prices, explain ductwork replacement cost calculators, and answer common questions like: “How much will it cost to replace AC vents?” and “What is the cost to replace ductwork on a 1,000 sq ft house?”
We’ll also touch on how proper HVAC and duct installation can make a system like the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle more efficient and save money over time.
🔍 Why Ductwork Matters
Ducts are the hidden highways of your HVAC system. Even the most efficient air conditioner or furnace is only as effective as the ducts distributing air. Poor ductwork can lead to:
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Hot or cold spots in your home
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Higher energy bills due to leaks and inefficiency
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Shortened lifespan of your HVAC equipment
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Poor indoor air quality
Because ducts are hidden, homeowners often overlook them when budgeting for HVAC replacement. But understanding air conditioning ductwork replacement cost is key to planning a complete installation.
💰 Air Conditioner Ductwork Prices
The cost to replace or install ductwork depends on several factors:
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Home Size – Measured in square feet. For example, the cost to replace ductwork on a 1,000 sq ft house is different than a 2,500 sq ft home.
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Number of Vents and Runs – More vents or complex layouts increase labor and materials.
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Type of Ducts – Flexible, sheet metal, or insulated ducts all come at different prices.
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Labor – Professional installation ensures proper airflow, sealing, and safety.
For a standard home, air conditioner ductwork prices generally fall between $35–$55 per linear foot for new ducts, including labor and materials.
If you want to get a quick estimate for your home, you can use a ductwork cost calculator to see approximate prices based on your square footage and system type.
🔧 Cost to Replace AC Vents
Homeowners often ask, “How much will it cost to replace AC vents?” AC vents are a small but essential part of your system. Replacing or updating them can cost:
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Per vent: $50–$150 depending on style and material
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Labor: $75–$150 per vent, depending on accessibility
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Total for a typical home: $500–$1,500 for 10–12 vents
Even though vents are a small part of air conditioning ductwork replacement cost, replacing damaged vents can improve airflow, energy efficiency, and indoor comfort.
📊 Cost to Replace Ductwork
Replacing full ductwork is a larger project, but it ensures your HVAC system works efficiently. Typical ductwork replacement cost ranges:
| Home Size | Ductwork Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | Flexible | $2,500–$4,000 |
| 1,000 sq ft | Sheet metal | $3,500–$6,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | Flexible | $4,500–$7,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | Sheet metal | $6,000–$10,000 |
The cost to replace AC vents and main ducts can vary based on material, complexity, and home layout. As HVAC.com notes, proper design and professional installation are key for energy efficiency and comfort.
🏠 HVAC and Duct Installation Cost
When installing a new HVAC system, it’s smart to consider both HVAC and duct installation cost together. Doing both at once saves labor and ensures your system operates efficiently.
Factors affecting total installation cost:
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System size and type – Larger air conditioners or furnaces require bigger ducts.
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Home layout – Multi-story homes or irregular layouts increase labor.
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Existing ductwork – If ducts are in poor condition, replacement may be required.
The total cost to install HVAC and ductwork in a standard home typically ranges from $8,000–$16,000, depending on system size and complexity.
⚡ Air Conditioning Ductwork Replacement Cost Factors
Several elements affect the final air conditioning ductwork replacement cost:
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Material Type
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Flexible ductwork: Affordable, easy to install, and suitable for most homes.
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Sheet metal: Durable and long-lasting but more expensive.
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Insulated ducts: Reduces energy loss and noise, but increases cost by 20–30%.
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Number of Vents – More vents mean more materials and labor.
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Accessibility – Attic or crawlspace installations can be more labor-intensive.
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System Design – Properly designed ductwork ensures even airflow, energy efficiency, and better comfort.
💡 How Much to Replace HVAC Ductwork
Homeowners frequently ask, “How much to replace HVAC ductwork?” Here’s a quick guide:
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Small home (1,000–1,500 sq ft): $2,500–$5,000
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Medium home (1,500–2,500 sq ft): $4,500–$8,000
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Large home (2,500+ sq ft): $7,000–$12,000
If you’re only replacing a few runs or vents, expect significantly lower costs, around $500–$1,500.
🔄 When to Replace Ductwork
Not every HVAC replacement requires new ductwork. Signs you may need replacement include:
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Leaky ducts causing uneven cooling or heating
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High energy bills despite a new air conditioner
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Rusted or corroded sheet metal ducts
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Sagging flexible ducts in attics or crawlspaces
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Poor airflow or strange noises from vents
Replacing ducts during an AC or furnace upgrade can save money and energy in the long run. According to Energy.gov, properly sealed and insulated ductwork can improve HVAC efficiency by up to 20%.
🏷 How Much Does It Cost to Replace AC Vents and Ducts
Here’s a practical look at air conditioning ductwork replacement cost by component:
| Component | Cost (materials + labor) |
|---|---|
| Single AC vent | $50–$150 |
| Flexible duct per linear foot | $8–$12 |
| Sheet metal duct per linear foot | $10–$20 |
| Full 1,000 sq ft duct replacement | $2,500–$6,000 |
| Full 2,000 sq ft duct replacement | $4,500–$10,000 |
Replacing all vents and main ducts in conjunction with a new HVAC system can significantly improve efficiency, reduce energy bills, and extend system life.
🔧 Tips to Reduce Ductwork Replacement Cost
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Repair vs. Replace – Minor leaks can be sealed instead of full replacement.
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Bundle Installation – Replacing ducts during AC or furnace installation saves labor.
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Use Existing Pathways – Avoid tearing into walls or floors when possible.
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Consider Flexible Ducts – Affordable, faster installation, and sufficient for most residential homes.
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Get Multiple Quotes – Prices vary widely; comparing helps ensure fair pricing.
🌱 Long-Term Benefits of Proper Ductwork
While ductwork replacement may feel expensive, it pays off over time. Properly designed and sealed ducts:
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Improve HVAC efficiency
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Reduce energy costs by up to 20%
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Deliver more even heating and cooling
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Improve indoor air quality
Pairing new ductwork with an efficient system like the Goodman 3 Ton 14.5 SEER2 R-32 Bundle ensures long-term comfort and savings.
✅ Final Thoughts
If you’ve been asking questions like:
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“How much to replace ductwork?”
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“What is the cost to replace AC vents?”
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“How much will it cost to replace HVAC ductwork?”
…you now have a clear picture. Air conditioner ductwork prices vary depending on size, materials, and complexity, but investing in proper ducts improves efficiency, comfort, and system longevity.
Pairing new ductwork with a modern HVAC system ensures your home stays comfortable year-round while controlling energy costs. Replacing or upgrading ducts may feel like a big investment, but it’s one of the smartest moves for long-term comfort and savings.
