Most homeowners pay $4-$18 per linear ft for new residential ductwork depending on material, size, and access; total duct systems for a typical U.S. house run $1,200-$8,000. This article gives per-linear-foot pricing and the main cost drivers for ductwork cost per linear foot so readers can estimate, compare, and budget accurately.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic flexible duct | $4 per lf | $6-$9 per lf | $12 per lf | Assumptions: 6″–8″ flex, normal access. |
| Galvanized sheet metal | $6 per lf | $10-$14 per lf | $18 per lf | Assumptions: 6″–12″ round to rectangular, standard labor. |
| Insulated rigid duct | $8 per lf | $12-$16 per lf | $22 per lf | Assumptions: R-6 or R-8 wrap, attic install. |
| Complete new system (2,000 sq ft) | $1,200 | $3,500-$5,500 | $8,000 | Assumptions: mix of metal and flex, midrange labor. |
Typical Ductwork Price For A 2,000 Sq Ft Home
For a 2,000 sq ft single-family home with a central air handler, expect total ductwork pricing of $1,200-$8,000 depending on material mix and how much attic/crawlspace access is needed.
Average installs for that size are usually $3,500-$5,500 using a combination of metal trunks and flex runs. Assumptions: suburban U.S., standard 8-10 supply/return runs, R-6 insulation where required.
Material, Labor, Equipment, Permits Cost Breakdown
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits |
|---|---|---|---|
| $4-$12 per lf (flex $4-$9, metal $6-$18) | $75-$125 per hour; typical crew 4-12 hours | $50-$300 (lift, tools) included in contractor fee | $0-$300 (local permit if major remodel) |
Materials typically account for 35%-55% of the per-linear-foot installed cost while labor is the largest single line item on tight-access jobs. Assumptions: materials priced retail/contractor rates; labor varies by region.
How Size, Material Gauge, And Run Length Change Final Price
Linear-foot price rises with duct diameter and rectangular equivalent area; a 12″ round run costs more than a 6″ run because material and labor increase.
Expect a jump of roughly 40%-80% per lf when moving from 6″–8″ runs to 10″–12″ runs due to thicker sheet metal and larger fittings. Numeric thresholds: flex ducts under 10 lf may carry $25-$75 minimum charges; runs longer than 40 lf often reduce per-lf material waste but raise labor due to handling.
Ways To Lower Ductwork Price Per Linear Foot On A Remodel
Keep runs short and centralized: locating the air handler centrally reduces total linear footage. Choose flex ducts for branch runs where allowed and avoid oversized rectangular trunks where possible.
Simple scope choices—centralize the air handler and use flex for branches—can cut installed system cost by 20%-35% versus full metal systems. Other cost controls: provide clear attic access, bundle multiple rooms per run where code permits, and accept standard fittings instead of custom transitions.
How Regional Labor Rates And Location Affect Duct Pricing
Labor rate differences drive wide per-lf variation: coastal urban markets often see $95-$125 per hour, while rural Midwest crews may charge $60-$85 per hour.
Expect installed per-linear-foot prices to be about 15%-40% higher in high-cost metro areas versus low-cost regions. Example deltas: Northeast/West Coast +25%-40%; Mountain Plains -10%-20% relative to national average. Assumptions: typical contractor overhead and travel.
Common Add-Ons And Extra Charges That Increase Per-Linear-Foot Price
Insulation wrap, sound attenuation, fire dampers, boots, register boots, and removal/disposal add to total costs and are often priced per unit rather than per linear foot.
| Add-on | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| R-6 Insulation Wrap | $1.50-$4 per lf | Depends on blanket thickness and adhesive. |
| Fire/Suppression Dampers | $150-$450 per damper | Required at some fire-rated penetrations. |
| Register Boots/Collars | $12-$45 per boot | May be bundled with register installation. |
| Removal/Disposal | $150-$800 total | Depends on old duct complexity and hazardous material. |
Add-ons often change the effective per-linear-foot installed price by $0.50-$4 per lf on average systems. Plan separately for unit-priced items when collecting quotes.
Three Real-World Quote Examples For Typical Jobs
| Job | Specs | Labor Hours | Per-lf Avg | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small attic retrofit | 1,200 sq ft, mostly flex, 8 supply runs | 8 hours | $7 per lf | $1,200 |
| Full replacement | 2,000 sq ft, metal trunks + flex branches | 20 hours | $12 per lf | $4,500 |
| High-end new build | 3,500 sq ft, insulated rigid, long runs | 40 hours | $16 per lf | $8,000 |
These examples show how material choice and labor hours directly change per-linear-foot and total system pricing. Use similar specs to request apples-to-apples quotes from contractors.