Cost to Ductwork Installation in Denver, CO (2026)
If you’re budgeting a ductwork installation in Denver, most projects run $2,220-$8,880, 11% above the $3,800 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Duct Material: Flex vs. Sheet Metal vs. Fiberglass. On its own it can swing the cost by $3 - $20 per linear foot, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: Before replacing ducts, have a duct leakage test done ($150-$300) - if your system leaks less than 10% of total flow, sealing may be sufficient instead of replacement, saving thousands.
In the Mountain West (where Denver sits): Labor costs are elevated and the HVAC installer pool is thinner than coastal markets. Altitude affects system design - HVAC contractors should derate equipment for elevation. Colorado and Utah have strong utility rebate programs for duct sealing.
$2,220-$8,880 in Denver
11% above the national average · 1.11x cost multiplier
Expect to pay $2,220-$8,880 for a ductwork installation in Denver, about 11% above the national benchmark. The Mountain West region's contractor market and material costs account for most of this difference. The detailed breakdown below shows how budget, mid-range, and premium projects compare at Denver prices.
Cost Breakdown in Denver
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per linear ft | $11 | $22 | $44 |
| Materials | $636 | $1,590 | $3,710 |
| Labor | $1,376 | $2,868 | $6,882 |
| Permits | $318 | $530 | $848 |
| Total | $2,330+11% vs. national avg | $4,988+11% vs. national avg | $11,440+11% vs. national avg |
Budget
Flex duct replacement, accessible attic or crawl space, straightforward run
Mid-Range
Sheet metal main trunk with flex branches, new system for 1,500 sq ft
Premium
Sheet metal throughout, exposed basement, complex multi-zone layout, test and balance
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Denver may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Flexible Duct (Flex Duct) | $4 - $8 per linear foot installed | Branch runs in accessible attics, budget-conscious repairs, short runsCheap, fast to install, flexible routing around obstacles, widely available |
| Sheet Metal (Galvanized Steel) | $12 - $25 per linear foot installed | Main trunk lines, commercial applications, high-performance systemsDurable (40+ year lifespan), smooth interior for maximum airflow, takes mastic sealant well |
| Fiberglass Duct Board | $10 - $18 per linear foot installed | Conditioned attic spaces, commercial buildings, systems with quietness requirementsBuilt-in insulation (R-4 to R-6), lightweight, quieter than metal |
| Insulated Flexible Duct | $6 - $12 per linear foot installed | Branch runs in unconditioned attics or crawl spaces where insulation is neededCombines flex routing with R-6 to R-8 insulation in one product |
| Spiral Round Duct | $15 - $30 per linear foot installed | Exposed basement or industrial-aesthetic installations, high-efficiency systemsExtremely smooth interior (lowest friction loss), visually attractive for exposed installations |
Other Projects in Denver
Denver Estimate
Typical Range
$2,220-$8,880
vs. National Average
11% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.11x
Cost Per linear ft
$11-$44
This 1.11x estimate prices Denver labor from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) and applies a lighter regional adjustment to materials and permits, which vary less by metro than labor does. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →