How Much Does Air Duct Replacement Cost in Kansas City? [2025 Data]

From hot, sticky summers to bitterly cold winters, Kansas City’s climate puts HVAC systems through their paces. If your ducts are leaking, inefficient, or more than 20 years old, replacing them can improve comfort and reduce energy bills. On average, air duct replacement in Kansas City costs $450, with most homeowners paying between $290 and $663. Final costs depend on the size of your home, the type of duct material used, and the accessibility of your ducts.

Air Duct Replacement Cost Factors 

Kansas City, MO homes vary widely—from historic properties in the Crossroads district to newer builds in Lee’s Summit or Overland Park. That means ductwork replacement costs can differ dramatically. Labor, duct size, material choice, and climate all factor into the final bill. Understanding these factors ahead of time will help you set a realistic budget and avoid surprise expenses.

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 price ranges from $290 to $550 for a small- to medium-sized home. However, duct replacement can run as high as $900 or more for larger homes. Here’s how the size of your home affects duct replacement costs:

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:

Duct Material

The material you choose for your replacement ducts affects both their cost and longevity. In Kansas City, flexible ducts are common in retrofits, while new suburban builds in areas such as Liberty or Olathe often rely on sheet metal for long-term durability.

Sheet metal ducts are durable but pricey. Flexible ducts, on the other hand, are more affordable but may require repair or replacement sooner. Here’s a breakdown of air duct replacement costs based on the type of air duct:

HVAC Pro Costs

You should always hire a pro to handle your home’s duct replacement. The job often requires two or more technicians and takes one to three days, depending on the layout of your home, the accessibility of the ducts, and whether existing ducts need to be removed.

Labor Costs

Hiring an HVAC pro in Kansas City typically costs between $75 and $125 per hour, though rates vary by company size, experience, and the season. During peak demand—like July heat waves or January cold snaps—rates may edge higher as contractors juggle packed schedules. Full duct replacement typically requires at least two technicians and can take anywhere from one to three day.

Permits and Regulations

In Kansas City, a mechanical permit is required for air duct replacement or HVAC system modifications. Permits are issued through the City of Kansas City, MO, Development Services office or the Johnson County, KS, office for homes located across the state line. Fees typically range from $100 to $150, depending on the project size. Permits ensure your ductwork meets local energy codes and safety standards, which is important if you plan to sell your home.

Licensing and Insurance

Kansas City straddles two states, creating different permit requirements depending on your project location. On the Missouri side, Kansas City requires permits for "most electrical, plumbing, or heating and ventilating work" through the City Planning & Development Department. For homes on the Kansas side, particularly in Johnson County areas such as Overland Park, permits are issued through the Johnson County Building Codes, and all contractors must be licensed through the Johnson County Contractor Licensing.

Missouri doesn't license HVAC professionals at the state level, but Kansas City, MO, has local licensing requirements. Similarly, Kansas has no state-level HVAC licensing, though some local jurisdictions may require certification.Permit fees typically range from $100 to $150, though costs vary by jurisdiction and project scope. Always verify requirements with the appropriate authority based on your specific address, as the regulations and fees can differ significantly between the two states.

Local Climate Considerations

Kansas City’s humid summers and frigid winters place unique demands on HVAC systems. Ductwork routed through uninsulated attics or crawl spaces is prone to energy loss, condensation, and mold. Many local pros recommend insulating ducts and sealing joints with mastic (a thick, paste-like sealant) to improve efficiency and protect against moisture damage. In neighborhoods with older homes—such as Midtown or Northeast KC—duct systems may also need to be resized to handle today’s larger HVAC units.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring 

Depending on your project, you may also need to hire additional pros, including:

• General contractors: For demolition or drywall repair, if ducts are hidden behind finished walls.

• Mold remediation specialists: Common in damp basements or older homes with moisture issues.

• Insulation contractors: To wrap new ducts and improve energy efficiency.

• Electricians: If electrical wiring needs to be rerouted around new duct runs.

• Asbestos abatement specialists: In older Kansas City homes built before 1980, asbestos insulation may need to be safely removed before ductwork replacement.

Does Air Duct Replacement Increase Home Value?

The estimated return on investment (ROI) for new ductwork in Kansas City ranges between 30% and 70%, depending on the quality of installation. New ductwork can be a strong selling point for Kansas City buyers. With the area’s harsh seasonal swings, energy efficiency is a top priority. Nobody wants to buy a house with dirty air ducts—fresh ducts improve airflow, lower monthly bills, and create a more comfortable indoor environment.

For buyers in neighborhoods such as Waldo or Brookside—where homes may have outdated systems—new ducts can make a property more appealing. In newer developments such as Lee’s Summit, buyers expect modern HVAC systems, so updated ductwork can help your home compete against those with older ductwork.

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. 

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