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How Much Does Air Duct Replacement Cost in Chicago? [2026 Data]
Normal Range: $289 - $1,129
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Highlights
Replacing ductwork is more affordable if you have a smaller home since it will require less ductwork than a larger one.
Your total costs will also depend on the type and location of your ductwork.
Exposed ducts are the least expensive to replace, and crawl space ductwork is the priciest to replace.
Replacing ductwork isn’t a DIY project, so you should also budget for professional labor.
In most cases, air duct replacement costs in Chicago run between $289 and $1,129, for an average project price of $693. The amount you pay will ultimately depend on your home’s square footage, the accessibility of the ducts, and a few other factors. This guide breaks down these cost figures to help you estimate how much you’ll pay for air duct replacement in Chicago.
Air Duct Replacement Cost Factors
Air ducts are a vital part of your home’s HVAC system, but there are big differences in how much they cost. Here are the main cost factors involved in replacing ductwork in Chicago, IL.
Size
The size of your home directly affects air duct replacement costs. Larger homes require more materials and labor to replace the entire duct system. On average, the cost ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 for a small- to medium-sized home. However, duct replacement can run as low as $1,400 for smaller homes and as high as $9,000 for larger homes. Here’s how the size of your home affects duct replacement costs:
| Home Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000–2,000 | $595–$1,913 |
| 2,000–3,000 | $1,190–$2,848 |
| 3,000–4,000 | $1,785–$3,825 |
Duct Location
If only specific sections of your ductwork need replacement, such as in a renovation project, costs will depend on the location of the damaged or worn ductwork. Replacing ducts in hard-to-reach or concealed areas—like attics, basements, ceilings, walls, or crawl spaces—can increase labor costs. Here’s how the location of the ducts could affect their cost:
| Location | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Exposed | $298–$1,275 |
| Wall or ceiling | $425–$1,700 |
| Basement | $765–$1,318 |
| Attic | $935–$2,380 |
| Crawl space | $1,275–$3,103 |
Duct Material
The material you choose for your replacement ducts affects both their cost and longevity. The most common types of ducts in Chicago, IL, are flexible and sheet metal.
Sheet metal ducts are durable but pricey. Flexible ducts, on the other hand, are more affordable but may need to be repaired or replaced sooner. Here’s a breakdown of air duct replacement costs based on duct material:
| Duct Material | Average Cost per Linear Foot | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible (non-insulated) | $1–$3 | Budget-friendly | Prone to sagging |
| Flexible (insulated) | $2–$4 | Simple installation | Can harbor mold |
| Fiberboard | $4–$6 | Comes insulated | Poor airflow efficiency |
| Fiberglass | $4–$6 | Increased durability over flexible types | Not suitable for small or tight spaces |
| Sheet metal | $7–$13 | Lasts longest | Highest cost |
HVAC Pro Costs
After tallying up the cost of the air ducts themselves, you’ll want to factor in a few other expenses, including permits and sales tax.
Licensing and Certification
There’s no HVAC licensing requirement in Chicago or Illinois. However, the person you hire to replace your air ducts (or perform any other type of HVAC work) should have a general contractor license from the city.
Permits
In Chicago, you don’t need a permit for air duct replacement if the new ducts are the same type, size, and shape as the old ones. But if you want to install new ductwork or a different type of duct, you must get a mechanical permit. Your HVAC pro in Chicago, IL, should secure the right permits for your project, but you’ll be responsible for the cost.
Pro Tip
Quality ductwork will increase the efficiency of your HVAC, sometimes by 20% to 30%. This is because there is reduced air leakage due to better insulation and more optimized airflow. This means your HVAC doesn't have to work as hard to keep the desired temperature, so it uses less energy.
Sales Tax
At 10.25%, Chicago’s sales tax rate is one of the steepest in the country—and it will apply to any air ducts or other materials purchased in the city. So, if your project requires $500 worth of materials, you’d pay more than $51 in sales tax on them.
Does Air Duct Replacement Increase Home Value?
Cracked, moldy, or otherwise damaged air ducts aren’t attractive to prospective homebuyers in Chicago. If your ductwork is in this type of condition, replacing it can boost your property’s appeal (but it might not add a significant amount to its resale value). However, if you choose to install a new HVAC system alongside the upgraded ductwork, you could see a 5% to 7% jump in your home’s value.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
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