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How Much Does Exposed Ductwork Cost to Install? [2026 Data]
Normal Range: $1,600 - $4,800
The average U.S. homeowner spends $2,200 on exposed ductwork costs, but it ranges from $1,600 to $4,800, depending on the project’s scope.
How we get this data
Photo: rh2010 / Adobe Stock
Photo: rh2010 / Adobe Stock
Cost Insights
Installing exposed ductwork typically costs between $1,000 and $8,000, with most homeowners paying an average of $2,200 for the project.
Exposed ductwork costs between $1.25 to $2.50 per square foot to install, depending on the home size and complexity of the job.
The material chosen for the ductwork significantly affects the price, with galvanized stainless steel costing $7 to $14 per linear foot and fiberglass at a more affordable $3 to $6 per linear foot.
Labor fees for exposed ductwork installation range from $50 to $150 per hour, depending on the project’s complexity.
Additional costs, such as $300 to $900 for sealing ducts, $80 to $400 for fixing noisy ducts, or $450 to $2,200 for asbestos removal, can add to the overall price.
Exposed Ductwork Installation Cost per Square Foot
Exposed ductwork costs less to install than ductwork behind walls or in crawl spaces. Here’s a look at the average cost to install exposed ductwork based on a home’s size.
| Home Size in Square Feet | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 800 | $1,000–$1,800 |
| 1,000 | $1,400–$2,200 |
| 1,800 | $2,000–$3,200 |
| 2,500 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| 3,000 | $5,000–$8,000 |
Exposed Ductwork Installation Cost by Material
Photo: FabrikaCr / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
The most common type of ductwork material used for exposed ductwork is pressed metal, also called sheet metal, which is aluminum. However, you can increase thermal efficiency and life span by choosing galvanized stainless steel, or save significant money by choosing fiberglass ducts.
Which material you choose will depend largely on your aesthetic preferences and budget.
| Duct Material | Cost per Linear Foot (Material Only) |
|---|---|
| Galvanized Stainless Steel | $7–$14 |
| Non-galvanized Stainless Steel | $5–$11 |
| Aluminum | $3–$9 |
| Fiberglass | $3–$6 |
| Flexible Non-insulated | $1–$3 |
| Flexible Insulated | $2–$5 |
Additional Exposed Ductwork Cost Factors
Several other factors may also play a role in the cost of ductwork for your home.
Type of Ductwork
There are three main types of residential ducting: Rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible.
Rigid ducting is made from sheet metal and helps minimize bends in the system. It is the ideal ducting material whenever possible, but it’s also the most expensive.
Semi-rigid ducting is a zero-leakage system made from aluminum or sheet metal that aids in a system’s optimal performance while still bending around corners as needed.
Flexible ducting is made from PVC and steel wire. It’s less durable but common in tight spaces where more rigid materials cannot reach. It’s also the most affordable material.
A system may include lengths of all three ducting materials.
Location
Accessibility impacts ductwork installation costs. Installing or replacing ductwork in a crawl space costs more than in an open attic or basement. If drywall needs to be removed or replaced to access ductwork, this will also increase costs.
Demolition and Prep
Exposed ductwork is, well, exposed, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be required to do some light demo work. If some of your ductwork disappears behind drywall, you will need to remove it. Any non-loading beams or other features suspended from the ceiling may need to be removed. To adequately prep the space for work, it needs to be clean and free from obstruction.
Related Repairs
Your pro may need to do some additional repairs while installing your exposed ductwork. Some complications that may contribute to your project’s overall cost include:
Sealing ductwork: $300–$900
Fixing noisy ductwork: $80–$400
Asbestos removal: $450–$2,200
Permits
You’ll most likely need a permit to do any HVAC work. To avoid any permit penalties, check with your municipality or have your contractor verify what’s necessary.
Accessibility
Just because ductwork is exposed doesn’t mean it’s easy to access. Take a loft with high ceilings, for example. The ductwork is right there, but it may require persistent work 15 feet or more off the deck. Anyone doing the work will need a sturdy ladder and a head for heights.
Crawl spaces often have exposed ductwork but the spaces are small and difficult to work in. Expect to pay a premium of 30% or more for complicated access.
Why You Should Hire a Pro for Exposed Ductwork Installation
Hiring a local ductwork pro for exposed ductwork installation costs more upfront, but you benefit from proper design, secure installation, and a clean, finished look. Pros bring the right tools, materials, and expertise to ensure that your exposed ductwork is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, while also preventing potential future issues.
Here’s why it’s ideal to hire an exposed ductwork installation pro
Installing exposed ductwork requires knowledge of proper sizing, material choice, and ensuring that the ducts are securely fastened while maintaining a sleek, industrial look. Here are some of the top reasons to work with a pro:
Professionals ensure that ducts are properly sized and routed to optimize airflow and system efficiency, avoiding air pressure problems or reduced heating/cooling performance.
They know how to securely hang and mount ducts using the correct brackets, straps, and supports, reducing the risk of sagging or noise over time.
Hiring a pro ensures that all safety codes and regulations are followed, preventing fire hazards or issues with ventilation that could affect indoor air quality.
Many professionals can also provide custom finishes, such as painting or coating the ducts to match your home’s décor, while ensuring the system is sealed and insulated properly for energy efficiency.
If you want to DIY parts of the project
If you want to take on some tasks yourself, here are a few DIY steps that can help save time and labor costs:
Plan and mark the layout of your ducts before installation, considering the best routes that minimize bends and optimize airflow.
Clear the area around where the ducts will be installed to allow the technician easy access to the installation site.
Measure and cut ducting pieces in advance, if appropriate, but always leave the final installation and connection to the professional to ensure it’s done safely and securely.
Exposed Ductwork Replacement vs. Repair
Know when air duct repair is possible and when replacement is necessary to help decide the best solution for your home.
Replacement
Replacing ductwork is the more expensive option, but it can make sense in certain scenarios. It’s a long-term solution that directly tackles any mold or biological growth, ensuring clean air in the house. Another reason to simply replace is if the exposed ductwork is old or damaged, and fixing it will take longer and be more expensive than just ripping it out and reinstalling it. You may also get bulk deals when replacing your entire ductwork.
Repair
Repairing exposed ductwork makes sense if only a section of the ductwork is damaged, or if the reaper is superficial, like sealing ducts. Repairs are less expensive, faster, and usually don’t require any demo or prep work. This results in a much less disrupted living space. However, you don’t want to stick a bandaid on any real problems, so talk with a pro to make sure a repair is good enough for the problem.
Repairs can often be expensive and sometimes fixing the problem is more of a hassle than replacing. Remember that if a repair exceeds 50% of what it would cost to replace, you’re better off just replacing it.
Ways to Save Money Installing Exposed Ductwork
There are two major factors to focus on when trying to save money: labor and materials. Labor can be negotiated down if you follow some of the tips below:
Hire a contractor when they aren’t busy with other work (usually fall and spring).
Shop around and gather quotes.
Take referrals from friends and family.
See if you can work alongside and do some of the manual labor yourself.
However, these only address the human hours required. What about saving money on materials? Some creative ways to save a few bucks are:
Use recycled material.
Shop around for the best deals.
Don’t settle for 10% off. Try to get 20% or more via discount codes.
Check with contractors and see if they have leftover materials.
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Ductwork Pro
Share the layout of the space where the ducts will be installed so the pro can plan the most efficient route and ensure proper airflow.
Discuss the type of ductwork (e.g., metal, flexible, insulated) and what material best fits your needs and budget.
Ask about any potential prep work, such as moving furniture or clearing access to walls or ceilings for installation.
Confirm whether there may be additional costs for things like custom ductwork or required modifications to existing systems.
If you’re considering upgrades like air purifiers, dampers, or better insulation, ask if it’s cost-effective to install those while putting in the ducts.
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 extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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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