How Much Does It Cost to Repair Ductwork?

In this guide

Cost to Repair Ductwork by Type

There are various types of ductwork, each with advantages and features. The type can directly impact the overall price of your repairs because some materials and forms are easier and cheaper than others. The table below shows average costs for several common types.

Flexible Non-Metallic Ductwork Repair Price

The average cost for flexible non-metallic ductwork repairs is between $150 and $700. Flexible non-metallic ducts are some of the cheapest ducts a home can have. They can be made from different materials, and they are ideal for helping air move through tight spaces or around corners because they are flexible. However, they can suffer cracks, holes, and other damages because they are cheaper and weaker than metal alternatives.

Aluminum Flexible Duct Repair Price

Expect to pay from $150 to $750 to repair aluminum flexible ducts. Aluminum flexible ducts are ideal for branches, tight spaces, and exposed areas, and aluminum is commonly used for ductwork. It is relatively tough and resistant, but there is still a risk of aluminum ducts cracking, collapsing, or having condensation problems from lack of insulation.

Fiberglass Duct Board Repair Price

Fixing a fiberglass ¹ duct board ranges from $200 to $800. Fiberglass duct boards are a popular alternative to sheet metal ducts because they are significantly cheaper to install. They also have good insulation, so they do not usually suffer from leaks or condensation issues. However, issues may arise with these ducts, such as cracks, gaps, and holes.

Sheet Metal Ductwork Repair Price

Sheet metal ductwork repairs average $200 to $900. Sheet metal is the most expensive material to have installed and repaired. However, it is one of the strongest materials, with decent insulation and durability. This type might need patching if holes appear or reattaching if it becomes loose or collapses.

Cost to Repair Ductwork by Location

The location of your ducts also influences the cost. Ducts can be found under the home, in the attic or basement, and several other areas. Some areas are more accessible and easier to fix than others, impacting the costs. The table below shows common locations and the average repair costs for each.

Mobile Home Ductwork Repair Price

Homeowners pay $150 to $600 to fix mobile home ductwork. Fixing ducts in a mobile home is cheaper than fixing ducts in a regular house. This is because the duct system is usually smaller, and the ducts are more easily accessible, reducing the amount of time and labor required to do the repairs.

Basement Ductwork Repair Price

The average cost for basement ductwork repairs is between $200 and $750. The price depends on the problem and how easy it is to access your basement ducts. In most homes, basements are relatively easy to access, and contractors should not have many issues getting to the ducts, but extra labor may be needed if your basement is cluttered.

Attic Ductwork Repair Price

Fixing attic ductwork ranges from $200 to $800. It all depends on how easily accessible the attic and attic ducts are. If the attic is easily accessible and well-organized, contractors should not have problems getting there to carry out the repairs. They may take longer and cost more if the attic is hard to access or has other issues like uneven flooring.

Crawl Space Duct Repair Price

Homeowners pay between $200 to $850 to fix crawl space ductwork. This is more expensive than average because crawl spaces can be difficult to access, and it might be harder for a contractor to work in cramped conditions. Clearing out the crawlspace before the contractor arrives makes their work easier.

Repairing Ductwork Under a House Price

It costs between $250 and $900 to fix ductwork underneath the house. The price depends on how accessible the ducts are. It is almost always more expensive to repair ducts in hard-to-access areas, and under the house can be one of the trickiest places.

Cost to Repair Ductwork by Type of Repair

Various issues can arise with a home’s duct system, from holes and loose sections to rust problems, leaks, clogs, and condensation. The repair method varies depending on the problem. Costs range from high to low, depending on how much work must be done. The table below shows common repairs and the average costs for each.

Duct Vent Repair Price

The average cost for duct vent repairs is between $100 and $250. Vents are situated on the ends of your ducts and can get damaged, dented, or degrade. They might need patching, cleaning, or refreshing, depending on the damage. It is usually cheaper to mend vents than replace them.

Repair a Hole in Ductwork Price

Homeowners pay between $150 and $300 to fix a hole in a duct. Holes occur for various reasons, such as impacts or gradual damage. They can cause big problems because air escapes through the hole, increasing utility bills and making the ducts less efficient. The hole must be patched to fix this.

Repair Rusted HVAC Duct Price

Repairing rust in air ducts ranges from $150 to $350. It is important to inspect for rust regularly, especially in homes where it is relatively old, because this problem must be addressed quickly. If the rust is spotted early, it can be scraped away with simple tools like steel wool and sandpaper. However, the rusted section may need to be replaced if left too long and allowed to spread, increasing costs.

Loose Ductwork Repair

Homeowners pay between $150 and $450 to deal with loose sections of ductwork. Loose sections of ducts can cause problems if left unattended because gaps and weaknesses in the structure may begin to appear, causing leaks and other issues. Mastic sealant or aluminum tape may fix loose sections or joints, or the loose parts might need to be refastened and secured.

Clogged Air Duct Repair

Expect to pay between $150 and $500 to fix a clogged air duct. The price depends on the clog’s location, how accessible it is, and how much work is needed to remove it. There are a few potential causes of clogged ducts, from dirty and clogged filters to physical blockages like pieces of insulation. The source of the problem must be found and removed.

Repair Condensation in Air Ducts

Fixing condensation in air ducts averages $150 to $1,000. There are several causes of condensation in air ducts, including clogs and blockages, a lack of insulation, and dirty filters. A contractor might need to clean the filters, remove clogs, or install new insulation, with varying costs depending on the repair type that must be done.

Air Duct Leak Repair Price

The average cost for air duct leak repairs is between $350 and $600. Leaks commonly occur due to cracks or gaps in the ducts, allowing air to escape and making the entire system less efficient. Contractors inspect the ducts to find the leak’s source and seal the area to stop air from escaping.

Repairing a Collapsed Air Duct Cost

If there is a collapsed section of ductwork, it costs between $500 and $2,000 to have it fixed. As time goes by, sections of the ducts may weaken and collapse from old age and general degradation. This issue needs to be fixed as quickly as possible because it interferes with the entire airflow. A contractor must reattach collapsed sections and secure them, possibly adding sealant and insulation.​

Cost to Repair Ductwork by Solution

Professionals and contractors use a wide range of repair methods or solutions to fix problems. For example, they may need to patch holes or install insulation to prevent leaks or condensation issues. Costs vary depending on the solution. The table below shows common methods and the average prices for each.

Patching Ductwork Price

Patching ductwork costs between $150 and $300. Patching is a good method to cover holes and gaps, and it can be more cost-effective to patch a damaged piece than have it replaced. To patch a hole, a piece of duct material is screwed or taped over the hole and sealed with caulk to prevent air from escaping.

Cost to Seal Ductwork

The cost to seal air ducts is between $200 and $400. Sealing is the preferred method when dealing with leaking ducts losing air from cracks and gaps. This method makes the system more efficient and lowers utility bills.

Cost to Insulate Ductwork

Insulating ductwork averages $200 to $1,000. The price depends on the insulation and the amount of insulation needed to cover the ducts. There are various types, such as fiberglass insulation, preformed duct insulation, and blown-in insulation. Good-quality insulation can reduce the risks of condensation heat loss in the ducts.

Rodent-Proof Ductwork

Homeowners pay between $250 and $500 to remove rodents and make the ducts rodent-proof to prevent future infestations. That fee covers removing mice or rats from ducts with traps and installing a sealant or cover to prevent rodents from getting into the ducts.

Ductwork Mold Removal

If there is mold in a home’s duct that must be removed, this mold removal service costs between $2,000 and $6,000. The first step is to do a mold test, with each test costing around $50. If mold is detected in the ducts, a mold remediation specialist must come to the house, find the source, and remove it. It is very important to deal with mold because spores can be released into the air and threaten a person’s health.

Labor Costs to Repair Ductwork

Homeowners have to pay between $75 and $150 per hour for the services of ductwork contractors and HVAC repair professionals. Some contractors may also have set fees for jobs rather than charging per hour. They might also have minimum fees of around $100 or call-out fees of $75 to $100, which may be waived if you hire them. Contractors can provide the necessary tools and materials to mend the ducts and charge accordingly, but you may also speak with them and arrange to purchase some or all the materials yourself.

Air Duct Inspection Cost

Air duct inspections cost between $75 and $125. Inspections are an essential part of general duct and HVAC maintenance, and they can be really useful for identifying issues before they grow into bigger problems. During an inspection, an HVAC professional can tell if and when your ducts need cleaning.

Air Duct Maintenance

To reduce the risk of repairs and replacements, it is a good idea to look after your home’s ducts as well as you can. You can do this in several ways. One of the most important aspects of duct maintenance is cleaning. Professional cleaners can remove dust and dirt from your ducts, or homeowners can do some or all the cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, brushes, and other basic tools. It is also a good idea to clean and change the air filters regularly to reduce the risk of the ducts getting dirty or dusty. Homeowners are encouraged to have professional ductwork inspections regularly to look for signs of damage or problems.

Repair vs Replace Ductwork

Depending on the damage, you may hesitate between repairing or replacing your duct system. Consider several factors if you are unsure, starting with the price. The national average cost of installing new ducts is between $1,900 and $6,000. You may have to pay extra fees to remove and dispose of your existing ducts. So, you may want to go ahead with the repair if it costs significantly less. However, replacing it might be the best option if your contractor gives you a high repair quote.

You should also think about your ducts age and condition. It usually lasts around 10 to 15 years in most homes, and as it gets older, it can be at a much greater risk of rust, pest infestations, gaps, cracks, and leaks. So, it might be a good idea to replace your ducts if they are old and regularly cause problems.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Air Duct Cleaning Cost

Homeowners pay between $350 and $1,000 for professional air duct cleaning. It can be significantly lower or higher, depending on your duct system’s type and size. Cleaning is important if the ducts have become dusty or dirty because dirty ducts do not function well and are at a greater risk of degrading, attracting pests, and causing problems.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Fiberglass: Plastic that is reinforced with glass fibers. The fibers may be mixed randomly throughout the plastic, or come in the form of a flat sheet, or be woven into a fabric