Short answer: Replacing or adding ductwork can boost comfort, airflow, and efficiency in older homes. Costs depend on access, duct layout, and whether electrical upgrades are needed.
What can change total project cost
- Home layout and available attic or crawl space
- Number of zones and duct run length
- Electrical upgrades for new HVAC equipment
- Permits and inspection requirements
- Repairs needed to existing ducts
Local essentials and challenges for older Las Vegas homes
- Attic heat: Summer attic temps exceed 140°F, stressing duct insulation.
- Historic layouts: Narrow chases and low ceilings limit duct paths.
- Rooftop options: Packaged units are common when interior space is tight.
- Dust and wind: Requires tighter sealing and more frequent filter checks.
- Permits: Older homes often need electrical upgrades and inspections.
Step 1: Choose The Right Contractor To Install The Ductwork
You should always choose an HVAC contractor carefully. Choose a professional with the appropriate HVAC equipment to get the job done smoothly. More so, if you don’t want an HVAC installation to damage or change the character of an older home. Unfortunately, there are a lot of HVAC contractors in Las Vegas who are poorly qualified. Some are unscrupulous and will cut corners to increase their profit on a job. That’s why it’s important to do some research before hiring a contractor. Contractors in Nevada must be state-licensed. Always choose a licensed contractor that can prove they employ trained HVAC technicians. Next, check that they offer a warranty on equipment and parts and a guarantee on labor. This covers any potential problems that may arise after the installation. Lastly, hire a contractor that knows what city building permits to apply for if major alterations are required to replace old window ACs, boilers, and radiators with a centralized heating and cooling system. HVAC contractors must comply with city building regulations, especially if any electrical work is being done.Step 2: Home Evaluation and Load Calculation
Once you’ve selected the contractor, they will do a home evaluation. The contractor will examine the house’s structure to determine the specifics of the job. The contractor will also assess the home’s insulation. Older homes were not built as “tightly” as new homes, resulting in drafty window frames and doors. If the home’s insulation is poor, the cool or warm air generated from your HVAC system will escape to the outside and outside air will also be able to flow in. This results in temperature fluctuations that the HVAC system will constantly try to compensate for. To prevent this, your contractor may recommend sealing all air leaks before installing the HVAC system. You also need regular duct cleaning after installation, too. A professional contractor will then conduct a load calculation, also called a Manual J. calculation. This is the industry standard to ascertain the heating and cooling needs of the building so that the contractor can install the right size HVAC unit. Units that are too big or too small won’t heat and cool the house properly. A load calculation takes into account the home’s square footage, how high the ceilings are, the number of windows, and how much sun the house gets. The technician can also tell where flexible duct would work better than sheet metal ducts. This is an important step. So make sure that the contractor installs the correct size for the best efficiency. You want a unit that can cover your heating and air conditioning needs.Step 3: Installing New Ductwork
Some older homes do not have a system of ducts to deliver conditioned air. This means an HVAC contractor will have to install new ductwork. Homes with existing ducts that are old and leaky will also benefit from ductwork replacement. Our guide to ductwork and HVAC efficiency explains how duct condition affects comfort and energy costs. The biggest challenge in installing new ductwork is often space. Older homes were not designed to house bulky central air systems. Traditional split system HVAC systems consist of an outdoor condenser unit, an indoor evaporator unit, and duct system that delivers air through the house. In most cases, the technician will put the indoor unit in the attic or basement. And then the ductwork runs from the unit to the rest of the house. If your house has enough space, it will be fairly easy for your contractor to install an AC unit and add the ductwork. But prepare for the disruptions, though. Installing a new duct system is labor-intensive and usually adds an extra 2-3 days to the job. If you have a two-story home, the installation will take longer.Step 4: Upgrading the Electrical System
Depending on how old the home’s electrical system is, it may be necessary to redo the wiring when replacing a heating and cooling system. If the electrical wiring from a mid-century home has not been upgraded, it will not be able to handle the higher load that a new HVAC system will place on it. Your HVAC contractor should check the electrical system before starting work on installing a new HVAC system. This is an extra step in the process that pushes up the cost and extends the duration of the project. However, in some cases, it is unavoidable when switching over from an old heating and cooling system to a modern one, and here’s why. The wiring in older homes can only cope with 60-100 amps of power. Today, with so many modern appliances and electronic devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets all plugged into electrical outlets, 60 amps is no longer sufficient. Add to that a new high-efficiency HVAC system and you won’t stop having tripped circuits breakers and electrical shorts. Overloading the electrical circuit is hazardous. If your home still has aluminum wiring, this presents even more of a danger. Aluminum wiring easily overheats and can spark a fire. It’s time to replace it with copper wire that can better withstand heat.Step 5: Weighing Up The Cost of Installing Central Air Conditioning
Cost is one of the biggest factors homeowners take into consideration when installing a central air conditioner in an older home. If your home already has ductwork, installation is easier and will cost less. If your home needs this done, the cost can double. With the ductwork in place, installing a new AC system in an old house will cost less. However, the cost can be higher depending on the brand, size of the unit, and the SEER rating. The SEER rating tells you how energy efficient the system is. The higher the rating, the higher-priced the unit will be. However, you will reap the additional cost over time with the money you save on lower energy bills. If you want additional systems fitted, like a humidifier or air purifier, the price goes up even more.Las Vegas Cost Drivers
Ductwork installation costs in Las Vegas typically range from $3,000-8,000 for a single-story home and $5,000-12,000 for two-story homes, depending on access, home size, and complexity. Rooftop installations may add $1,000-3,000 due to access difficulty. Electrical upgrades (often needed in older homes) add $1,500-4,000. Total project costs including new HVAC equipment typically range from $8,000-20,000 for single-story homes and $12,000-25,000 for two-story homes.
For a detailed cost breakdown, see our HVAC pricing guide.
Energy savings from new ductwork and high-efficiency systems can be significant in Las Vegas. Replacing leaky ducts and old window units with a modern 16-20 SEER system can cut cooling bills by 30-50%, saving $75-200/month during summer. With NV Energy's peak demand rates (1-7 PM), properly sized and sealed ductwork helps avoid peak charges, further reducing costs.
Learn about available federal tax credits for energy-efficient HVAC equipment.
Try our energy savings calculator to see how much you could save.
Decision guidance: ducted vs ductless
- Choose new ducts: You want whole-home comfort and have attic or crawl space access.
- Choose ductless: Tight spaces or preserved finishes make ducts intrusive.
- Hybrid option: Ductless for additions or upstairs while keeping existing ducts.
- Plan zoning: Multi-zone systems improve comfort and reduce runtime.
Other Things To Consider When Adding Ductwork to an Older Home
Updating your older home with a modern central air conditioning system means better comfort and can raise the value of your Las Vegas home. However, there are two more things to consider before tackling a renovation like this.Retaining an Older Home’s Character
If you like the original features of an older home in Las Vegas, you may have concerns about the damage installation work can do to certain features of the home. High ceilings, crown moldings, pillars, wood trims, and hardwood floors are features of the home you want to retain. Well-preserved homes often fetch top dollar in the property market. Installing ductwork often means lowering the ceilings or creating boxed corners to hide ducts. The alternative is to install the heating and cooling system under the floor. So you will cut holes in the floor for the vents. Discuss your concerns with the HVAC contractor who can advise you on the best way to install a central air conditioner without detracting from the home’s character. In a single-story home with an attic, the ducts laid in the attic can easily connect with the registers in each room. In two-story homes, the best way to feed ductwork from the attic to the lower level is to run ducts through the closets on the second floor. You may lose some closet space but it is the least intrusive way to add ductwork to a home.What To Do If Your Home Has No Space For a Split System Unit
Split system units are an effective way to heat and cool a house, particularly larger homes. If, however, there is no basement or attic space to install the indoor unit, you could install a packaged HVAC system on the roof. Rooftop installations are common in Las Vegas. They cost a bit more but it’s easy to install. Simply put, they require less work, you can install them quickly. If you don’t want to spend extra money on a rooftop installation, then you can opt for a different type of HVAC system, like a ductless mini-split system. They are easier to install than a traditional ducted system. Ductless systems, as the name suggests, do not use ducts to deliver air. This makes them the ideal choice for older homes. Your home won’t need any major modifications to accommodate for ductwork. Another benefit of a ductless system is zoning. With a ductless system, you will install air handlers in different areas of the home. So you can individually control each one. This means that different members of the household can heat or cool the rooms they are using according to their temperature preference. Another space-saving option is a heat pump split system. They are similar to the traditional split system with an outdoor unit and indoor air handler. A heat pump uses a single unit to heat and cool a home, eliminating the need to find space for a furnace.Ready to Upgrade Your Home’s HVAC System?
Upgrading the heating and cooling system of an older home may seem daunting. Granted, the process is a little more complicated than homes that already have the bones in place for a new central air unit. However, the right contractor will get the job done smoothly. All with minimal disruption or damage to your home. Don’t go through another summer with an old clunky air conditioner. For all residential HVAC replacements to new or old homes in Las Vegas, call The Cooling Company at (702) 567-0707..FAQs About Changing Ductwork
Do I need new ducts to add central AC?
Often yes. Older homes without ducts usually need new ductwork or ductless options. In Las Vegas, many homes built before 1980 lack central ductwork and benefit from new installation or ductless mini-split systems.
How long does ductwork installation take?
Most projects take 2-5 days for single-story homes, 4-7 days for two-story homes. Rooftop installations may take longer due to access difficulty. Electrical upgrades add 1-2 days.
Is ductless a good alternative?
Yes. Ductless mini-splits work well when duct installation is difficult or expensive. They're ideal for older Las Vegas homes with limited attic or crawl space. Zoning capabilities allow individual room control, improving comfort and efficiency.
Will new ducts lower energy bills?
Sealed, properly sized ducts reduce leakage and improve efficiency. In Las Vegas, replacing leaky ducts can cut cooling bills by 20-30%, saving $50-120/month during summer. Proper insulation prevents heat gain in attic ducts, further reducing costs.
Do I need permits for duct changes?
Most major HVAC changes require permits. Your contractor should handle them. Las Vegas building codes require permits for new ductwork installation, electrical upgrades, and major HVAC replacements. Licensed contractors handle permit applications and inspections.
How much does ductwork cost in Las Vegas?
Ductwork installation typically costs $3,000-8,000 for single-story homes and $5,000-12,000 for two-story homes. Total project costs including new HVAC equipment range from $8,000-20,000 for single-story and $12,000-25,000 for two-story homes. Rooftop installations may add $1,000-3,000.
Ductwork Decision Checklist
Use this checklist to determine if your Las Vegas home needs new or upgraded ductwork:
- Home age: Homes built before 1980 often lack central ductwork or have outdated systems
- Current system: Window units, wall units, or radiators indicate no central ductwork
- Comfort issues: Uneven temperatures, hot/cold spots, or rooms that never cool/heating
- Energy bills: Bills exceeding $300/month during summer suggest inefficient ductwork
- Duct condition: Visible leaks, disconnected joints, or damaged insulation
- Access: Attic or crawl space available for ductwork installation
- Electrical system: Older homes may need electrical upgrades for modern HVAC
- Budget: Plan for $8,000-25,000 total project cost including equipment
Prevention and Maintenance Tips
Once new ductwork is installed, proper maintenance extends its life and maintains efficiency:
- Regular filter changes: Replace filters every 1-3 months (more often after dust storms) to prevent dust buildup in ducts
- Annual duct inspection: Have a technician inspect ducts annually for leaks, disconnections, or damage
- Duct sealing: Seal visible leaks with mastic or foil tape (avoid duct tape—it degrades quickly)
- Insulation check: Ensure attic ducts have proper insulation (R-6 minimum) to prevent heat gain
- Return air vents: Keep return vents clear of furniture and debris to maintain airflow
- Professional cleaning: Schedule duct cleaning every 3-5 years, or more often in dusty areas
- Monitor energy bills: Sudden increases may indicate duct leaks or airflow restrictions
Las Vegas-specific maintenance: Desert dust and extreme heat accelerate duct deterioration. After dust storms, check return vents for debris buildup. Attic ducts exposed to 140°F+ temperatures need regular inspection for expansion damage. During monsoon season, ensure condensate drains are clear to prevent water damage to ducts.
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Neighborhoods we serve for ductwork upgrades
We help homeowners in Sunrise Manor, Spring Valley, Angel Park, Winchester, Enterprise, and Henderson with ductwork redesigns and replacements. Tell us your home age and layout so we can plan the least disruptive route.
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Related service: Need ductwork service in Las Vegas? Explore our AC repair and AC maintenance services for Las Vegas homeowners.
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