What is the price to install a high-velocity duct system like SpacePak in Toronto?

A high-velocity duct system like SpacePak or Unico costs $10,000 to $25,000 installed in a GTA home, with most projects landing between $12,000 and $20,000. This is significantly more than a conventional duct system ($3,000 to $15,000), but high-velocity systems solve a specific problem that conventional ducts cannot — delivering central heating and cooling to homes where standard-size ductwork simply will not fit.

High-velocity systems use small-diameter flexible tubing (typically 2 to 3 inches) instead of conventional 6-to-14-inch round or rectangular ducts. The air handler pushes conditioned air through these small tubes at high velocity, and the air enters each room through small, round outlets roughly the size of a drink coaster. Because the tubing is so small, it can be fished through existing wall cavities, between floor joists, and through tight spaces without major demolition — making these systems ideal for older Toronto homes where retrofitting conventional ductwork would require tearing open walls and ceilings.

The homes that benefit most from high-velocity systems in the GTA are pre-war and early post-war houses in established neighbourhoods like Rosedale, The Annex, High Park, Riverdale, and Leaside. These homes often have radiator heating with no existing ductwork, plaster walls that are expensive to repair if opened up, limited floor cavity depth, and architectural features worth preserving. A high-velocity system lets you add central air conditioning (and forced-air heating if desired) without the destructive renovation that conventional ductwork would require. The small outlets are far less visually intrusive than standard registers and can be placed in ceilings, walls, or floors.

The cost breakdown typically includes the air handler unit ($3,000 to $6,000), the tubing and outlet fittings ($2,000 to $5,000 in materials), and installation labour ($5,000 to $12,000). Labour is the largest component because routing the small-diameter tubes through an existing home's structure is meticulous work, even though the tubes themselves are easy to handle. The number of outlets needed — typically 15 to 30 for a whole home — drives the total cost. Each outlet requires its own home run back to the air handler's plenum, so a 25-outlet system means 25 individual tube runs.

High-velocity systems do have trade-offs. They can be noisier than conventional systems due to the high air velocity, though modern units with sound attenuators have reduced this significantly. They also have higher operating costs because the air handler works harder to push air through small tubes. Energy efficiency has improved substantially in recent models, but a conventional duct system will always be more efficient when it fits.

These installations require a building permit from your local municipality. Get quotes from contractors who specialize in high-velocity systems specifically — this is not a job for a general HVAC contractor who has never installed one. Toronto Ductwork can connect you with experienced professionals through the Toronto Construction Network.