Ductwork
The sheet-metal, fiberglass, or flex piping that delivers conditioned air from an HVAC unit to each room and returns it for re-conditioning.
Quick answer
Ductwork: The sheet-metal, fiberglass, or flex piping that delivers conditioned air from an HVAC unit to each room and returns it for re-conditioning. Typical cost: $1,500–$5,000 for sealing and minor rework; $5,000–$15,000 for a full duct replacement..
Why it matters
Leaky or undersized ducts waste 20–40% of HVAC output. Sealing and resizing during a system replacement often outperforms upgrading to a higher-SEER unit.
Typical cost
$1,500–$5,000 for sealing and minor rework; $5,000–$15,000 for a full duct replacement.
Pros
- • Quietly distributes air to every room
- • Filters air through a central return
- • Can be zoned with dampers
Cons
- • Leaks at every joint by default
- • Often undersized in older homes
- • Difficult to access in finished basements/attics
Common uses
- • Whole-home forced-air heating and cooling
- • Multi-zone systems with motorized dampers
Alternatives
Ductless mini-splitsRadiant heat with separate AC
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does duct sealing cost?
- Aeroseal-style internal sealing runs $1,500–$3,500; manual mastic sealing $500–$1,500 depending on access.
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