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Guides · Heating and cooling

Ductwork: maintenance schedule and lifespan

What your ductwork needs and how often, how long it usually lasts, and what replacing it tends to cost.

20–30 yearstypical service life
$5,000–$12,000typical installed replacement, for a 2,000 sq ft house
1 jobto keep on a schedule

The maintenance schedule

every 5 years

How often should you duct cleaning and inspection?

A typical schedule is every 5 years.

How long does your ductwork last?

Usually 20 to 30 years. Where yours sits in that range depends on when it went in and how it's been looked after, which is why the install year is the most useful thing to write down. Something past its typical life isn't due for replacing on that account: most things are run until they fail. It's a reason to put money aside, not to spend it.

What does replacing it cost?

Roughly $5,000 to $12,000 installed in the U.S. for a 2,000 square foot house, more or less in proportion to size. Treat it as a range for budgeting until you have a quote.

Generic schedules start from the calendar. Yours should start from your house. Keeping House takes the year each system went in and works out what's due and when, sends the reminders, and keeps the history a buyer or insurer will ask for.

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Related guides

Intervals and lifespans are typical figures for U.S. homes, in line with commonly cited industry ranges; costs are rough installed prices in 2026 dollars. Your manufacturer's manual and local conditions come first.