Heating and air conditioning service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Exposed ducts are the easiest to access and the least expensive to replace.
Ducts in crawl spaces are the most difficult to access, leading to higher costs.
The most common duct type in Houston is sheet metal, which costs $7 to $13 per linear foot.
Labor makes up 60% of the cost of air duct replacement.
Houston’s hot, humid summers make it crucial for homeowners to have reliable air ducts. If your air ducts are leaking or outdated, expect to spend $1,852 for the cost of air duct replacement in Houston, TX. Most homeowners will spend between $813 and $2,959, with the project total dependent on the home size, the duct material, and the air duct location.
Air duct replacement costs in Houston, TX, depend on several different factors, such as the type of ductwork and the size of your house. Consider these cost factors when budgeting for air duct replacement.
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.) | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000–2,000 | $813–$2,959 |
| 2,000–3,000 | $2,959–$5,000 |
| 3,000–4,000 | $5,000–$9,000 |
| 4,000+ | $9,000+ |
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 Location | Cost |
|---|---|
| Exposed | $813–$2,959 |
| Wall or ceiling | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Basement | $1,852–$3,100 |
| Attic | $2,200–$5,600 |
| Crawl space | $2,959–$7,300 |
The material you choose for your replacement ducts affects both their cost and longevity. The most commonly used duct material in Houston, TX, is metal sheeting.
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 Type | Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Flex (non-insulated) | $1–$3 |
| Flex (insulated) | $2–$4 |
| Fiberglass | $4–$6 |
| Fiberboard | $4–$6 |
| Metal sheet | $7–$13 |
Labor accounts for about 60% of the total cost to replace air ducts, meaning that for the average cost of air duct replacement in Houston of $1,852, labor would make up $1,112 of the total. For hourly rates, expect to spend $50 to $110 per hour, with air duct replacement taking five to seven hours.
Your pro will also need to apply for a permit from the City of Houston, and they will build the cost of permits into the project total. Permit costs vary by project type and value, with most Houston building permits costing 1% of the project total.
Always leave air duct replacement to a local HVAC pro in Houston, TX. Attempting to handle ductwork yourself can lead to air leaks and costly energy bills, not to mention DIYing could void your homeowner’s insurance policy coverage and any HVAC part warranties. A pro can quickly and safely replace your ducts and have your HVAC working efficiently again.
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.
In addition to installing new ducts, you may need to hire other pros for repairing drywall, testing and removing mold or asbestos, or improving your home’s insulation. Here’s what you can expect to spend on the following projects in Houston:
Drywall repair cost: $300–$925
Mold remediation cost: $890–$3,300
Asbestos testing cost: $330–$600
Insulation installation cost: $1,310–$2,560
Air duct replacement has a very small effect on your home’s value. However, updated ducts are much more attractive to potential buyers than old, dirty ductwork that will need to be cleaned or replaced soon.
By replacing old, inefficient air ducts, you’ll also benefit from an HVAC system that can work more efficiently, leading to lower energy bills each month.
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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