You can add a vent to existing ductwork if your AC can handle it. This can provide comfort in rooms not served by your HVAC system. It can even improve indoor air quality and increase your home’s resale value. But what does adding a vent to existing ductwork cost? We’ll explain below and discuss some advantages and how it’s accomplished.
The Average AC Vent Installation Cost
Adding a single vent to your ductwork in 2022 costs around $200 to $500, according to HomeAdvisor.1 That’s not too expensive for most homeowners. But it can reduce efficiency, potentially increasing your energy bill. Also, consider materials and accessibility that can impact the total cost of installation
By comparison, insulating ducts can run anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 to up to $5,000, depending on the size of your home. Installing ductwork, which comes in various materials including aluminum, galvanized steel, and flexible polyester, can cost anywhere from $7,500 to $16,500 for a 2,500- to 3,500-square-foot home. Cutting through the floor or ceiling to reach existing ducts can add up to $3,000 more to the project.
What Does Adding a Vent Cover Entail?
Some homeowners are handy enough to install a vent cover themselves. Whether you choose to do this or hire a professional, the process generally is as follows:
- Protect yourself by putting on a face mask, goggles, and gloves.
- Locate the existing duct board where the vent will be added.
- Measure the vent cover and mark where you’re going to cut.
- Using your outline as a guide, cut a hole with a metal sheer and drill.
- Hold the vent up to make sure it fits the hole (both must match for a perfect fit/seal).
- Cut the insulation around the edges of the traced hole; check the vent’s fit once again.
- Mark the screw holes on the vent and drill them.
- Screw the vent’s nuts into the duct and make sure it fits tightly.
Other Considerations
However, the process isn’t only about installation work. The tonnage of your HVAC system will determine if it can support another vent. Divide the system’s number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) by 12,000 to determine its tonnage and reference the value with the square footage being conditioned (a 2,000- to 2,500-square-foot home requires a 4-ton HVAC system).Â
Proper calculations, preparation, and installation can be done as part of a DIY project. However, hiring a professional with the required knowledge and experience ensures these are done smoothly and correctly. This will add labor to the cost but save time, avoid mistakes, and prevent having to spend on unnecessary repairs.
A professional can measure capacity using more advanced industry calculations. In doing so, they can work more precisely and recommend updates to avoid issues with adding a vent. They can assess the condition of your existing ductwork and HVAC system as well (and determine if adding a vent is worth it). Depending on where you live, building codes may restrict who can perform such work. They may also require an inspection, so research local regulations to decide on DIY vs. professional vent installation.
Contact Sky Heating & Air Conditioning
We provide high-quality heating and cooling services throughout the Portland metro area. Aside from AC, furnace, heat pump, and ductless system installation, we also provide vent and ductwork installation services. Our duct sealing technology can yield dramatic efficiency improvements. To inquire about what adding a vent to existing ductwork costs and other issues you may have, and learn about special offers and maintenance plans, call 503-673-9083 today.
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