Ductwork Cost Calculator

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ductwork cost calculator
By Linear Feet (Most Accurate)By Home Square Footage (Estimate)
Estimated Total Cost:

$ 0.00

function calculateDuctCost(){var type=document.getElementById('calc_type').value;var size=parseFloat(document.getElementById('size_input').value);var matCost=parseFloat(document.getElementById('material_cost').value);var laborRate=parseFloat(document.getElementById('labor_rate').value);var complexity=parseFloat(document.getElementById('complexity').value);var removal=document.getElementById('include_removal').checked;if(isNaN(size)||isNaN(matCost)||isNaN(laborRate)||isNaN(complexity)){alert('Please enter valid numeric values');return;}var effectiveSize=size;if(type==='sqft'){effectiveSize=size*0.25;}var materialTotal=effectiveSize*matCost;var laborHours=(effectiveSize/10)*complexity;var laborTotal=laborHours*laborRate;var removalTotal=removal?effectiveSize*2:0;var total=materialTotal+laborTotal+removalTotal;document.getElementById('resultValue').innerHTML=total.toLocaleString(undefined,{minimumFractionDigits:2,maximumFractionDigits:2});var breakdownText='Breakdown: Material: $'+materialTotal.toFixed(2)+' | Labor: $'+laborTotal.toFixed(2);if(removal){breakdownText+=' | Removal: $'+removalTotal.toFixed(2);}document.getElementById('breakdown').innerHTML=breakdownText;}

Calculator Use

This ductwork cost calculator is designed to help homeowners and contractors estimate the total investment required for HVAC duct installation or replacement. By inputting specific project parameters, you can generate a realistic budget for materials and labor.

To use the calculator effectively, gather the following information:

Project Size
The total linear feet of ducting needed. If you only know your home's square footage, select the 'Square Footage' option, which uses a standard 0.25 ratio to estimate duct length.
Material Cost per Foot
Flexible ducts typically range from $2-$5 per foot, while galvanized steel or rigid ductwork can range from $10-$20 per foot.
Labor Rate
The hourly rate charged by your HVAC professional. National averages typically fall between $75 and $120 per hour.
Complexity Factor
Use 1.0 for simple, open attic installs. Use 1.5 to 2.0 for crawlspaces or multi-story homes. Use 3.0 for highly complex custom routing with limited access.

How It Works

The ductwork cost calculator uses a multi-variable formula to account for both fixed and variable costs associated with HVAC ventilation. The primary formula used is:

Total Cost = (Linear Feet × Material Rate) + ((Linear Feet / 10) × Complexity × Labor Rate) + (Optional Removal Cost)

  • Material Total: Calculates the raw cost of the ducting pipes and connectors.
  • Labor Hours: Estimated based on the rule that 10 feet of ductwork takes approximately 1 hour of labor under standard conditions.
  • Complexity Adjustment: Multiplies the labor hours to account for difficult working environments (e.g., tight crawlspaces).
  • Removal Fee: Adds a flat $2.00 per linear foot for the disposal of existing hazardous or old insulation materials.

Calculation Example

Scenario: A homeowner needs to replace 100 linear feet of ducting in a standard attic using mid-range rigid materials.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Linear Feet: 100 ft
  2. Material Cost: $15.00 per ft
  3. Labor Rate: $100.00 per hour
  4. Complexity: 1.0 (Standard attic)
  5. Material Calculation: 100 × $15 = $1,500
  6. Labor Calculation: (100 / 10) × 1.0 × $100 = $1,000
  7. Total: $1,500 + $1,000 = $2,500

Common Questions

Is it cheaper to use flexible ducting?

Yes, flexible ducting is significantly cheaper in both material and labor costs. However, it is less durable than sheet metal and can restrict airflow if not installed with proper tension. Use the ductwork cost calculator to compare material rates of $3 (flex) vs $15 (rigid) to see the massive price difference for your specific footage.

How long does ductwork installation usually take?

For a standard 1,500 to 2,000 square foot home, a full replacement typically takes 2 to 3 days for a two-person crew. This includes the removal of old materials, sealing joints with mastic, and balancing the airflow across different rooms.

Does new ductwork increase home value?

While it may not provide a 1:1 ROI, new ductwork improves energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Prospective buyers often prioritize a well-maintained HVAC system, and proof of new, sealed ducting can be a significant selling point during a home inspection.

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