AC Duct Replacement Cost in Texas (2026): Flex vs Metal
Most Texas ductwork sits in the attic, where summer heat bakes flex duct, loosens connections and breaks down insulation. When rooms stop cooling evenly or bills climb with no change in use, the ducts are often the problem rather than the AC unit. Below are 2026 prices from a Texas statewide estimate, Houston project data, two Texas HVAC companies and a national cost guide, plus where they disagree.
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Full duct replacement, Texas statewide | $2,400–$11,700; about $5,300 typical [1] |
| Full replacement, Houston | $813–$2,959; $1,852 average [2] |
| Full flex duct replacement (Spring, TX) | $1,500–$5,000 [3] |
| Full flex duct, 1,500–2,500 sq ft (San Antonio) | $1,600–$5,500 [4] |
| Full rigid sheet metal ductwork | $3,000–$8,000+ Spring, TX [3]; $4,000–$10,000+ San Antonio [4] |
| Full replacement, national | $1,400–$5,600; $3,500 national average [5] |
| Per linear foot, removal plus new duct | $25–$55 [5] |
| Per duct run | $250–$600 per supply run [1]; $270–$500 per duct [5] |
| Partial replacement (problem sections) | $500–$2,000 [3] |
| Duct sealing instead of replacement | $300–$1,500 [3]; $400–$1,900 manual, $1,300–$2,700 aerosol [5] |
| Permit | $85–$305 [1]; $50–$250 [5] |
Where the sources disagree
The spread is wide. Angi's Houston average of $1,852 [2] is well under the $5,300 typical project in the Texas statewide estimate [1], which is a modeled figure based on national baselines adjusted for local prices, not a set of real invoices [1]. Some of the gap comes from scope. Angi's Houston figures run $813–$2,959 for a 1,000–2,000 sq ft home but $5,000–$9,000 for 3,000–4,000 sq ft [2], so a large two-story house can land near the top of the statewide range. Both Texas HVAC companies put sheet metal at $3,000 or more and flex at roughly $1,500–$5,500 [3][4]. Before comparing quotes, ask how many linear feet and how many supply and return runs each one covers.
What moves the price
- Home size and number of runs. More square feet means more duct and more supply and return runs, priced per run or per foot [1][5].
- Flex vs. sheet metal. Rigid sheet metal costs more installed but lasts longer [4]. Material costs alone run $2–$4 per foot for insulated flex and $7–$13 for sheet metal [5].
- Where the ducts are. Attic replacement runs $2,200–$5,600 and crawl spaces $3,000–$7,300 [5]. Angi's Houston figures are almost the same [2].
- Labor share. Labor is about 60% of a Houston job [2] and 60–70% of most San Antonio invoices [4].
- Hidden problems. Asbestos testing ($250–$700), mold work, extra insulation and drywall repair ($300–$1,500+) are often extra [5].
Practical tips
- If the ducts are in decent shape and the main problem is leaky joints, sealing can cost far less than replacing them [3][5]. A duct leakage test can show which one you need [3].
- Texas attic heat wears out flex duct faster. One San Antonio contractor suggests checking flex duct at 12–18 years instead of the 15–25 years often quoted nationally [4].
- Replacing the AC unit too? Ask whether the ducts are sized for the new system, and see AC and HVAC replacement cost in Texas.
- If only one room is warm, the fix may be a repair, not new ducts. See AC repair cost in Texas.
- Duct work is HVAC work that needs a permit and inspections [1]. See how to check a Texas contractor license.
Sources
- Hometriva, Ductwork Replacement Cost in Texas (model reviewed August 2026)
- Angi, How Much Does Air Duct Replacement Cost in Houston? [2026 Data]
- AC Repair Expo Heating & Cooling, How Much Does AC Ductwork Replacement Cost in Texas? (2026 Guide)
- Honeycomb Air, Duct Replacement Cost in San Antonio (2026 Guide)
- HomeGuide, How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace Ductwork? (2026)
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