How Much Does New Ductwork Cost?
Are you interested in installing or upgrading the ductwork for your HVAC system? Taking on this project allows you to improve the heating and cooling system in your home or business in Chicago. However, it’s important to focus on the new ductwork cost.
New ductwork costs as little as $140 in Chicago. It may also cost over $2,000. The costs depend upon the kind of ductwork you want and the amount of ductwork needed in your property. Our team at A Custom Services provides you with information about your unique needs when you call (773) 593-8175 .
Focus on Customizing Your HVAC System
Every HVAC system is unique. Technicians cannot offer you new ductwork costs until they’ve seen your system and know what you need. After reviewing the setup in your home or business, a technician can provide you with a cost estimate to install new ductwork.
An HVAC professional often sets up a design plan before providing an estimate for the cost of new ductwork. In some cases, adding to the existing HVAC system in your home or business allows technicians to reduce the costs for ductwork.
However, new ductwork requires additional work before installation. HVAC professionals will focus on potential problems associated with the installation so that they’re ready to handle any issues that could arise during installation.
New Ductwork Costs by Material
Let’s review the cost for ductwork by material. You should know that there are multiple types of ducts, and each kind of duct costs a different amount. For example, you may want to purchase:
- Flexible non-metallic ducts for $6.50 to $10/linear foot
- Flexible aluminum ducts for $6.50 to $11.50/linear foot
- Fiberglass duct boards for $6.50 to $13.50/linear foot
- Sheet metal ducts for $11.50 to $19.50/linear foot
The variety of materials property owners can choose from allows for greater control of their budget when planning the installation of new ductwork in Chicago. Choosing a more cost-effective material may give you more leeway on your plans.
New Ductwork Costs Based on Square Footage
Larger homes and businesses require more ductwork to complete any HVAC project. This sizing can impact the overall cost of new ductwork. Around the country, basic prices for the installation of new ductwork range from:
- $800 – $1,560 for 1,000 sq. ft.
- $1,900 – $4,000 for 2,000 sq. ft.
- $2,800 – $ 4,875 for 3,000 sq. ft.
As you can see, the national cost for the installation of ductwork is slightly higher than the rates for Chicago. These rates are not set in stone for every project. Depending upon the setup of the HVAC system, the rates may be higher or lower than average for a given project. Costs are often tied to the square footage of the property.
Labor Costs for New Ductwork
Finally, labor costs must factor into any budget for the installation of new ductwork. Some companies include labor expenses into their estimate for the installation project, along with the costs for new ductwork.
However, some companies charge separately for labor expenses. Generally, you may expect to pay up to:
- $7.75/linear foot for installation in an unfinished home or business
- $21/linear foot for retrofitting an established home or business
Working on established buildings costs more due to the difficulty of removing old ductwork and fitting the new pieces on properly. Installing new ductwork takes extensive labor and experience. Technicians need to make sure air circulates through your home or business properly.
Technicians also need to ensure each duct gets sealed properly. Unsealed vents leak air, increasing your energy expenses and costing you money in the long run. Make sure that you hire professionals to install or update your air ducts.
Additional New Ductwork Costs
Installing new ductwork frequently comes with additional costs for associated services. You should factor the costs for these services into your budget before you agree to any upgrades. For example, during the installation, technicians may need to:
- Repair your walls
- Put up new drywall
- Place a drop ceiling
These tasks are often necessary to cover new ductwork that gets installed behind walls or above ceilings. The costs for these considerations do not fall under the estimate for installing new ductwork. For example, installing a drop ceiling may cost up to $1,700 on its own.
Possible Reasons for Ductwork Installation
Many property owners install new ductwork to work with their HVAC system. However, other heating and cooling systems use ductwork, including:
- Central air systems
- Furnaces
- Geothermal heating systems
Technicians have an easier time installing these systems in unfinished homes. The cost to put any of these systems in an unfinished home around the country may reach up to $4,000.
Updating or changing the heating and cooling system in an existing home or business costs significantly more. Property owners face costs of up to $18,000 to install a new central air system, furnace, or geothermal system in their existing home or business.
Time Frame for Air Duct Installation
Times for air duct installation vary based on the size of the property and the presence of previous vent work. Generally, you should expect to set aside one to three days for the entire process. The company you hire to handle the ductwork should provide you with an estimate for costs and time.
Generally, it takes longer to install brand new ductwork in new construction. However, this is not always the case.
Contact Us for New Ductwork Cost Information
Want to know more about new ductwork costs in Chicago? Just contact A Custom Services to get an estimate regarding your unique needs. We handle HVAC projects , and we’re ready to answer your questions when you call (773) 593-8175 or complete our online contact form .