Here's How Much It'll Cost You To Repair Your Home's Ductwork
The ductwork in your home is a critical component of the entire HVAC system, helping to move treated air from your furnace or air conditioner to each room of the house. If you've noticed a drop in airflow or an increase in energy costs you cannot otherwise pinpoint, it could be due to damage to the ductwork. Over time, these systems wear down, sometimes developing holes and other times deteriorating along the seams. Don't put off repairs by a trusted professional.
The average range for ductwork repair costs tends to be between $200 and $1,000. However, it could be as high as $6,000 in situations where you need to remove walls to gain access or replace the entire system. It's also not always easy to pinpoint the exact problem, so a thorough inspection prior to an estimate is often a good idea, and could be an extra charge. Other factors impacting cost include the type of ductwork itself as well as where you're located. However, your investment in your home's ducts could help your home's HVAC system operate more efficiently, lowering your costs in the long run.
The specific issue affects the cost
One factor that determines the cost of repairing ductwork is the actual problem. You may have a corner joint that's loose or coming apart, which requires minimal overall repair, often costing under $500 to fix. Similarly, if a hole develops in one of the ducts and it is easily accessible, patching it may cost around $150 to $350. A larger problem, such as a leak, could indicate that there's significant damage to at least a portion of the system. If that's the case, expect costs to range from $350 to $650.
Other mid-range problems include rust development in a single area, a clog that needs to be cleaned out (without damage or repair to the actual ducts), or condensation buildup that's caught early. These types of repairs typically cost under $1,000, depending on their location in the house.
There are situations where the problem is much more significant, such as a nest of furry pests that decides to call your ducts home. In that situation, rodent removal will likely cost between $450 and $2,000, which may also warrant additional repairs if they've damaged a large part of the system. Other times, it's possible for mold to build up in the ducts, especially if it was present in your home's furnace or air conditioner. This is a more extensive repair that may require mold remediation, so you can expect this to cost between $2,000 and $6,000 for comprehensive repairs.
Duct materials will also affect the bill
Typically, ducts are either rigid or flexible systems that run throughout the home. When they suffer damage, you'll likely need to replace them with the same material already present unless you remove the entire system.
One common material is a flexible but non-metal system that's often used in home additions built on a budget. The least expensive option, repairs to these systems range from $200 to $800 for replacing about 30 linear feet. If you have flexible aluminum ducts, a common choice in tight spaces or exposed areas, expect to pay a bit more. You can spend as much as $850 for the same type of replacement.
Some homes have fiberglass ductwork systems, which are often used because they are lower in cost than sheet metal but provide a durable, rigid body and shape. They also are an excellent choice in areas where the temperature fluctuates often. Repairing a section of fiberglass will range from $250 to $900. Sheet metal is also commonly used, and the most expensive to fix, ranging from $250 to $1,000, depending on if you have high-end stainless steel or more affordable galvanized steel. Once you have a new system in place, be sure to have your ducts cleaned routinely and inspected by a professional to minimize the need for future repairs.