How Much Does It Cost to Reroute Ductwork? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,500 - $9,000
The average cost to reroute duct work is $4,500, but can increase based on your duct material and home size.
The cost to reroute ductwork for a 1,000- to 2,500-square-foot home, including labor, can fall between $1,500 and $9,000, with the average cost falling around $4,500. Whether you're planning a home renovation or addressing HVAC system issues, understanding the expenses involved is crucial. We'll explore the factors that influence the overall cost, additional factors to consider, and some money-saving tips.
- Average
- $4,500
- Low end
- $750
- high end
- $13,500
Ductwork Rerouting Cost Factors
Let's dive deeper into the various components that make up the overall cost of rerouting ductwork. Understanding these elements will help you plan your budget effectively.
Duct Material
Rerouting ductwork often requires additional duct materials to be installed. The type of ductwork material you choose can significantly impact the overall cost. For example, non-insulated flexible ductwork costs between $1 and $3 per linear foot, whereas durable sheet metal ductwork can cost as much as $13 per linear foot.
| Material | Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Non-insulated flex | $1–$3 |
| Insulated flex | $2–$4 |
| Fiberglass | $4–$6 |
| Sheet metal | $7–$13 |
Duct Length
The length of new material required for moving your ductwork is another crucial factor when determining the cost to reroute ductwork. Since duct materials cost between $1 and $13 per linear foot, making your ducts longer means higher costs.
Return Air Drop Replacement or Addition
A return air drop is a duct that serves as the pathway for air to return from the living spaces back to the HVAC system for reconditioning. It’s typically equipped with filters to remove dust and contaminants before the air re-enters the HVAC system, contributing to improved indoor air quality. If your newly modified ductwork means modifications to the existing return air drop, it can add between $300 and $400 to the overall project. If a second return air drop needs to be installed, the cost could be as much as double that.
Labor
Labor costs are a significant part of rerouting ductwork expenses. Ductwork installers typically charge between $5 to $10 per linear foot for labor alone. Extensive duct rerouting projects or situations where the ductwork is in a less accessible location—like a small crawl space—may require more labor or specialized tools.
Ceiling and Drywall Repair
When rerouting ductwork, it’s possible that walls and ceiling will need to be opened up. Be sure to budget for this type of aesthetic restoration, including the cost of drywall repairs—which average between $150 and $330—as well as ceiling fixes, which can range from $300 to $1,200.
| Aesthetic Repair | Cost |
|---|---|
| Drywall repair | $150–$330 |
| Ceiling repair | $300–$1,200 |
Mold and Asbestos Issues
Discovering mold or asbestos during the ductwork rerouting process can be a costly surprise. Prior to any rerouting, schedule an HVAC inspection to uncover any harmful issues and facilitate their safe removal. While these steps are vital for a healthy living environment, they do add to the overall project cost:
Cost of asbestos testing and inspection: $250 to $700
Cost of mold inspection and testing: $200 to $650
Cost of asbestos removal: $700 to $2,200
Cost of mold remediation: $450 to $6,000
Permits
Obtaining the necessary permits is often a mandatory step in rerouting ductwork. We'll explain the permit requirements and associated expenses.
Why Reroute Ductwork?
There are various reasons why homeowners should consider rerouting ductwork. One of the most common reasons is poor placement. This happens when the original ductwork isn't configured optimally, which can cause certain spaces to lack proper heating, cooling, and airflow.
"Quality ductwork will increase the efficiency of your HVAC, sometimes even by 20-30%. This is so because there is reduced air leakage due to better insulation and more optimized airflow. Because this makes your HVAC work more efficiently, it really doesn't have to work too hard to keep the desired temperature; thus, its energy consumption is lowered directly."
— Yashar Mosaferi, President of Klondike AC, Casper, WY
Another reason to reroute ductwork is air leaks caused by worn-out areas and poorly connected ducts. Although patching leaks can help, rerouting is sometimes necessary to ensure the ductwork's position doesn't make it vulnerable to future leaks.
Rerouting your home's ductwork has a huge benefit of maximizing energy efficiency, which translates to long-term cost savings.
Other perks of rerouting ductwork include improved household air quality, moisture control, and more comfortable temperature control.
DIY vs Hiring a Pro to Reroute Ductwork
Deciding between a DIY ductwork rerouting and hiring a professional largely depends on your skills, comfort level, and the complexity of the project. For straightforward rerouting jobs, DIY may be possible and can certainly save money. However, if the project involves intricate adjustments, permits, or safety hazards like asbestos, hiring a local air duct installer is crucial.
Professionals bring expertise, ensure compliance with local regulations, and guarantee quality work. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, keeping safety and long-term results in mind when making your choice.
Cost of Common Add-Ons
There are some common add-ons associated with the cost to reroute ductwork, and these additions can enhance the efficiency of your HVAC system or improve indoor air quality.
| Add-On | Cost |
|---|---|
| HVAC inspection | $70–$500 |
| Air duct cleaning | $150–$700 |
| Duct insulation | $1–$6 per sq ft |
| Adding vents | $250–$500 |
HVAC Inspections
Regular professional inspections are essential to ensure your system functions optimally. You may need inspections prior to or after rerouting your ductwork to ensure the absence of harmful substances as well as the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. HVAC inspections cost between $70 and $500 depending on your home’s size and the type of system.
Cleaning Existing Ductwork
Cleaning your existing ductwork can improve air quality and system efficiency, and when you’re already doing work on your ducts, it’s a good time to have them cleaned. Air duct cleaning costs $150 to $780, depending on the size and type of ducts and the number of air vents you have.
Duct Insulation
Insulated ducts are much more energy efficient, so ensuring proper insulation on any new portions of ductwork can ensure your utility bills stay manageable. Duct insulation costs between $1 and $6 per square foot of ductwork.
Adding Vents
When you reroute ductwork, chances are you’re going to need to move an air vent to another area of your home or even add an entirely new vent. This will ensure your home’s comfort and help prevent hot and cold spots. Adding a new air vent can cost between $250 and $500 per vent.
How to Save Money on Rerouting Ductwork
To save money on ductwork rerouting, consider these cost-effective strategies:
DIY where possible: If you have the necessary skills, tackle simpler tasks yourself, like adding duct insulation or moving air vents.
Multiple quotes: Obtain quotes from multiple HVAC professionals to compare prices and ensure you're getting a competitive rate.
Choose a more affordable duct material: Sheet metal is one of the most pricey duct materials, whereas fiberglass or flexible ducts cost less.
Bundle services: If you have multiple HVAC needs—like air duct cleaning or HVAC inspection—bundling services with one provider may result in overall project cost savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
The length of time a ductwork rerouting project takes will vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the task, the size of the space, and the extent of modifications required. On average, these projects may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to complete. Simple rerouting tasks might be finished relatively quickly, while more extensive projects involving multiple rooms or complex configurations could take longer. Consult with a professional who can provide a more accurate timeline based on the specific details of your project.
Yes, rerouting ductwork can offer significant energy-saving benefits. By optimizing the layout and sealing any leaks or gaps, rerouting can improve the overall efficiency of your HVAC system. This ensures that conditioned air reaches its destination more effectively, reducing energy waste. Moreover, rerouting can help balance temperature distribution throughout your home, preventing overworking of your HVAC system and ultimately lowering energy bills.
You can determine if your ductwork needs rerouting by looking for common signs of issues. Uneven heating or cooling in different areas of your home, unusual noises from the ducts, and a noticeable increase in energy bills may all indicate problems with your duct system. Additionally, if you've recently renovated or there are structural changes in your home, it's a good idea to assess whether your current ductwork layout is still efficient.