How Much Does It Cost to Replace Ductwork In a Crawl Space? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $2,600 - $7,300
The cost to replace ductwork in a crawl space ranges from $2,600 to $7,300, with an average of $4,800. You’ll pay more if your crawl space is inaccessible or requires upgrades.
If you have aging ductwork running through your home’s crawl space, you’ll likely need to replace it at some point. While a crawl space is a tight area for a pro to work in, it’s a necessary project that a skilled technician can handle. Replacing ductwork in a crawl space costs between $2,600 to $7,300 for difficult installations with limited access. Most homeowners spend an average of $4,800. Expect to pay between $30 and $60 per linear foot of duct for the project.
- Average
- $4,800
- Low end
- $1,000
- high end
- $16,000
Size of the Ductwork Replacement Project
The size, or length, of the ducts will greatly impact the cost of ductwork replacement. However, replacing ductwork within your home's crawl space can present unique challenges, including access issues.
While wall repairs after the fact and the total size of the home may not be prominent factors as they are in typical duct replacements, the installation costs for crawl space ducts average slightly higher, at between $30 and $60 per linear foot.
Type of Ducts
Depending on the rules and building code in your municipality, you may have your choice of materials when it comes to the best crawl space ductwork for your home. Flexible ductwork, if it's allowed, can provide a less expensive option than rigid materials. Because of its flexibility, installing it can also reduce labor costs by minimizing the time it takes to fit it into place.
| Duct Material | Cost Per Linear Foot (Material Only) |
|---|---|
| Steel | $4.25–$12 |
| Aluminum | $2.20–$5.50 |
| Insulated Flex | $1.50–$7 |
| Non-Insulated Flex | $1–$3.50 |
Demolition
When replacing the ductwork in your home's crawl space, demolition of the existing system is included in the price estimate. Contractor costs for demolition run between $50 and $100 per hour, and include any disposal or recycling costs.
HVAC Installer Costs
A qualified ductwork installer will replace the ducts in your crawl space. Your installer or HVAC company will provide the necessary demolition, materials, and labor to handle the entire job. The company will supply a written estimate that includes all of these various tasks. On average, the estimate will contain labor costs equal to between $50 and $250 per hour, depending on the job's complexity and the amount of time it will take to complete.
Waterproofing Costs
If your crawl space ductwork needs to be replaced due to water damage, pests, or condensation, you may consider encapsulating or waterproofing your crawl space. This will protect your new ductwork and the structure of your home as well. Crawl space encapsulation costs $5,000 to $15,000.
Mold Remediation Costs
Crawl spaces experiencing mold growth can create a hazardous situation for your family's health and the home's structural well-being. Dealing with a mold problem may be necessary when replacing your crawl space duct work. Mold remediation costs $1,125 to $3,345.
Asbestos Removal Costs
Asbestos surrounding HVAC ductwork systems in older homes can be hazardous and require professional removal and disposal, which will increase the cost of your replacement job. Asbestos removal costs $1,190 to $3,255, on average.
Additional Cost Factors
While most of the details involved in replacing your crawl space ductwork will be in the estimate you receive from your contractor, here's what some of the numbers mean regarding specific related tasks.
Demolition and Prep
The cost of demolition and disposal of the existing ductwork will depend on the time it takes to remove it and any related disposal fees. The time involved will be closely related to how easy or difficult it is for the technicians to reach and remove the materials.
Accessibility
Expect to pay more if your home has a particularly tight crawl space. The location's accessibility is closely related to the time it takes to complete the removal and installation of the ductwork in your crawl space. While many crawl spaces are several feet high with plenty of space to move and manipulate HVAC materials, many others can be as tight as 18 inches tall and have other mechanical and structural elements in the way.
Permits
HVAC permits cost between $250 and $400 to obtain. Your contractor is responsible for getting the proper permit and handling the subsequent inspections.
Repairs
Crawl space duct replacement can incur extra costs due to flooring or wall repairs after the ducts are replaced. This is especially true in homes with inaccessible crawl spaces.
Drywall repair costs: $295 to $925
Flooring repair costs: $205 to $635
Electrical Upgrades
A straight-up replacement of your crawl space's ductwork on a one-for-one basis likely won't require the skills of any other professional outside your HVAC installer. However, if you're upgrading your HVAC system, perhaps to include zoned air conditioning, some electrical work may be necessary by a licensed pro. Hiring an electrician costs between $50 and $100 per hour to move or add wiring to accommodate your new HVAC needs.
DIY Ductwork Installation in a Crawl Space vs. Hiring a Pro
If you're an avid DIYer, you may have the skills to perform duct installation work. However, in most municipalities, doing it yourself is illegal. Most localities only allow licensed HVAC installers to obtain a permit and perform the work. For that reason, contacting a local duct installation expert is the best approach.
Crawl Space Ductwork Replacement vs. Repair
Replacing all of the ductwork in your home's crawl space can be a big job. In many cases, your HVAC contractor may suggest lower-cost ductwork repair over a full replacement as a way to help control pricing. There are benefits to choosing either one. Factors to consider include the following:
The expected life span of the existing and new equipment
The extent of the damage to the existing ducts
The added benefit of a work warranty related to installing new ductwork
| Ductwork Replacement | Ductwork Repair |
|---|---|
| Costs more than repairs | Costs less than replacement |
| Opportunity to improve the crawl space | Limited work warranty |
| Chance to upgrade the system | Not a system upgrade |
Ways You Can Save Money When Replacing Ductwork In a Crawl Space
There are a few ways to help reduce ductwork replacement costs in a crawl space.
Discuss and negotiate pricing with your installation company. Consider scheduling the work during the company's slower times of the year, such as spring and fall.
Consider only replacing the sections of your crawl space ductwork that need it, and repairing sections instead where possible.
Choosing energy-efficient or well-insulated ductwork may not save money upfront, but can yield a big cost difference in energy savings down the road.
Hire your HVAC professional for regular maintenance and cleanings to ensure your new ductwork lasts as long as possible and to avoid having to do the job again or perform potentially expensive repairs.
Does Ductwork Replacement In a Crawl Space Increase Home Value?
Ductwork replacement in and of itself won't do much to increase the value of your home. However, projects like replacing your HVAC system or encapsulating your home's crawl space can add between 5% and 7% to your home's value, and you can realize up to 60% ROI on the projects. The primary benefit to your home's value when replacing ductwork is that having new ducts can increase the selling appeal to potential buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Replacing your home's ductwork isn't always a question of whether it's worth it. Rather, it may be a question of necessity. If your ductwork is repairable, it's often more cost-effective to fix repairable areas and replace any ducts that aren't. However, replacing your ductwork can offer an opportunity to upgrade to new materials and install insulation to make it more efficient.
When your home's ductwork should be replaced is a matter of its functionality. If your ductwork is 20 years old, in good shape, has no leaks, and you haven't upgraded your HVAC system recently, you likely won't need ductwork replacement. However, if your ducts require frequent repairs, leak, or can't handle the demands of a new HVAC system, it's probably time for replacement. If you have concerns about the air quality in your home, completing an indoor air test can provide helpful insight.