What Is the Average Cost of Duct Sealing?
The cost of duct sealing should be a consideration for any homeowner. According to ENERGY STAR, 20% to 30% of air that moves through residential ductwork can escape through holes and poor connections.¹ Your HVAC system must compensate for the loss of heated or cooled air, which requires a great deal of energy. Properly sealing ducts can stop air leakage so your AC and heating units can operate more efficiently.
Duct Sealing Costs
As of 2024, duct sealing can cost from $500 to $4,000. The average is $2,250.² It requires inspecting HVAC ducts that run behind walls, above ceilings, and under floors. While these usually remain hidden, they can break down over time. You’ll notice the difference in reduced comfort and increased energy costs.
Sealing ducts eliminates these issues. It also has long-term cost benefits. Nonetheless, it is not cheap. We’ll look at how duct sealing is priced for each project. These are some of the factors that influence the total cost:
- The Size of Your Home: The larger your home, the more ductwork that’s required to distribute conditioned air. On average, duct sealing costs about $1 per square foot (but it can range from $0.50 to $1.50 depending on system layout and other factors).²
Not every home of the same size has the same amount and layout of ductwork. Generally, home size vs. duct sealing costs look as follows:- 1,000 Square Feet: $500 to $1,500
- 1,500 Square Feet: $750 to $2,250
- 2,000 Square Feet: $1,000 to $3,000
- 2,500 Square Feet: $1,250 to $3,750
- 3,000 Square Feet: $1,500 to $4,500²
- The Sealing Method Used: HVAC ducts can be sealed manually using metal tape, which can cover large holes and gaps. This more labor-intensive approach averages about $2,250. However, an Aeroseal process requires less manual labor. The sealant is sprayed into the system and adheres to small leaks and seams from the inside. For this service, the cost averages about $1,300.²
- Ductwork Accessibility: Since air ducts run throughout your home, not all of them are easy to access. The easiest access points are the vents and air returns. However, leaks are often in duct runs in between these points. Accessing ducts in the attic, basement, or crawlspace is generally less expensive than those under tile floors or behind cabinets, especially if manual duct sealing is required.
- HVAC Duct Inspection: The average ductwork inspection costs $150. A thorough inspection before Aeroseal treatment can cost as much as $300 (if it’s not included in the total price).² Whether it’s required or not, an inspection can determine the exact source of a leak, how extensive it is, and the best method to repair it. It can also help evaluate the overall condition of your ductwork.
- Pressure Testing: A pressure test helps further evaluate the shape of your duct system. It’s often done after duct sealing to see if all leak points have been sealed. A duct fan creates negative pressure so the technician can identify signs of leakage. While it can provide valuable information, an HVAC duct pressure test can cost $200 to $450.
- The Extent of the Damage: If there are larger gaps in your ductwork, they’ll cost more to repair than small leaks. An accessible supply vent may cost just $50 to seal. A leak behind a wall, under a floor, or in the attic may cost as little as $50 to $100 to seal. The more costly projects involve addressing multiple leaks throughout the system.
How to Save on Duct Sealing
You can save money on duct sealing if you’re eligible for rebates. Many states, municipalities, and utility companies offer energy efficiency rebates on services like this. Scheduling an inspection costs money, but can save by either showing you don’t have a leak or identifying a small one to fix to improve efficiency. A pressure test confirms your ducts are sealed, so you know you’ll save on your heating and cooling bills. You can also save on duct cleaning if the technician is already working on your system.
Schedule Air Duct Sealing With NexGen
Clients throughout Southern California trust our licensed and insured technicians to seal, clean, and maintain their ductwork. Duct leaks can decrease HVAC system performance, increase utility bills, and cause noise throughout your home. We use the latest sealing methods to resolve these and other issues to make your heating and cooling system more reliable and efficient. To schedule duct sealing in your home, schedule an appointment online today.
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