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How Much Does It Cost to Reroute Ductwork? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $1,500 - $9,000
The average cost to reroute ductwork is $4,500, but can increase based on your duct material and home size.
How we get this data
Photo: Getty Images 1094435244 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images 1094435244 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Cost Insights
Ductwork costs depend on the material—Non-insulated flexible ductwork costs $1 to $3 per foot, while an insulated version costs $2 to $4 per foot.
If you are hiring pros to reroute your ductwork, expect them to charge $5 to $10 per foot for labor.
Don’t forget to consider costs associated with new vents, drywall repair, and any required HVAC inspections.
If your newly modified ductwork means modifications to the existing return air drop, it can add between $300 and $400 to the overall project.
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.
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
Photo: ljubaphoto / E+ / Getty Images
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.
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.
Pro Tip
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.
Why You Should Hire an Air Duct Installer
Hiring a duct installer near you accounts for 75% to 85% of the cost of installing an air duct. Although this accounts for the majority of the installation cost, you’ll want to hire a professional to ensure it’s done correctly, thereby avoiding harm to your indoor air quality.
Here’s why it’s ideal to hire an air duct pro
Air duct installation is a multifaceted project, so here’s why you should hire a pro:
A pro can determine if your old air ducts were installed poorly and determine if rerouting the ductwork would improve airflow.
Old air ducts can contain mold or asbestos, which are dangerous to remove and should be left to the pros.
Rerouting ductwork may require opening up walls or ceilings to access the space—something a pro can get right the first time around, so as to lower your repair costs.
Installing air ducts is a physically tedious, lengthy process, especially if it’s difficult to access the ducts.
You may need specialized tools to reach into smaller spaces, which is something a pro has on hand.
Your professional is familiar with the steps required to obtain a permit for your area and will handle the permit application on your behalf.
They’re also aware of any local building regulations that need to be followed.
High-quality ductwork can increase your HVAC system’s efficiency by up to 30%.
Cost of Common Add-Ons
There are some common add-ons associated with the cost to move HVAC 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.
Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Pro
Be ready to discuss the type of ductwork material you want for your home, as non-insulated flex is the most budget-friendly, while sheet metal has the highest price point.
If increasing your indoor air quality is extremely important to you, talk with your pro about installing or replacing a return air drop duct to better filter your home’s air.
Talk with your pro about any drywall or ceiling repair that may be needed to access the ducts or install new ductwork.
Discuss what would happen if they encounter mold or asbestos during the installation process so that there are no surprise costs.
If you have room left over in your budget, consider similar services, like installing new duct insulation, installing additional vents, and conducting an HVAC inspection.
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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