Furnace/HVAC Replacement Cost in Columbus (2026)
Average cost in Columbus
US$4,775 — US$18,400
US$3 — US$6 per sq ft
Cost Breakdown
ItemizedFurnace and AC units (R-454B compliant)
48%
Installation and professional sizing
32%
Refrigerant lines, electrical, and venting
12%
Columbus BZS mechanical permits
3%
Old unit removal and haul-away
5%
Sales Tax at 5.75%
📋What's Included
ScopeTypically Includes
- Furnace or AC unit
- Thermostat
- Basic ductwork connections
- Refrigerant
- Labor & installation
- Old unit disposal
Typically Excludes
- Full ductwork replacement
- Zoning systems
- Smart home integration
- Permits & inspections
- Humidifier or air purifier
Based on a standard 2,000 sq ft home with existing ductwork.
🧮Estimate Your Cost
InteractiveEstimated Cost
US$5,152 — US$7,728
Based on 12 sources and market data for Columbus. Actual costs may vary depending on specific project requirements.
📈Price Momentum
Year-over-year~1 year ago
US$8,412
Today
US$9,043
Furnace/HVAC Replacement in Columbus is ↑ 7.5% compared to roughly a year ago — about US$631 more on the average project.
Comparison derived from the year-over-year change rate, not a month-by-month price index. We don't store historical snapshots yet — when we do, this will become a real time series.
🏢Top HVAC Replace Contractors in Columbus
Verified providersCustom Air Conditioning and Heating Co.
935 Claycraft Rd, Columbus, OH 43230, USA
1,075 reviews
Sears Heating and Cooling
3981 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43224, USA
2,694 reviews
Provider data sourced from public business directories. Ratings and reviews are public and may change. LookupCost is not affiliated with listed providers.
💬What People Actually Paid
Community❓Common Questions
The City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS) requires a mechanical permit for all HVAC replacements. In 2026, the base permit fee for a standard residential HVAC replacement is approximately $141.40, though complex projects or those requiring additional electrical work can see total permit costs reach $350.
As of January 2026, all new installations must use low-GWP refrigerants like R-454B. This transition has added approximately 10% to 30% to the cost of equipment compared to older R-410A systems, contributing to the higher average project totals seen this year.
Yes, Columbus homeowners can access federal tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of up to $2,000 for high-efficiency heat pumps. Additionally, local utilities like AEP Ohio and Columbia Gas of Ohio offer equipment-specific rebates ranging from $100 to $750 for qualifying Energy Star systems.
Due to Columbus's climate of humid summers and frigid winters, a typical 1,700 to 2,000 sq. ft. home requires a furnace capacity of 56,700 to 113,400 BTUs and a 2.5 to 3-ton AC unit. Proper load calculations are critical to avoid the 25-40% energy waste associated with poor ductwork or improper sizing.
📊Our Methodology
How we collect dataAggregated from 12+ verified web sources and cost databases
Licensed contractor estimates and regional cost guides
Government construction and labor statistics
Community-reported project costs and reviews
Last data collection: 4 days ago. Updates run weekly. All costs in USD.
About this data
Cost figures are estimates synthesized from public market data using AI research and refreshed regularly. Real project costs vary by scope, materials, contractor, and site conditions. Always get verified quotes from licensed contractors for your specific project.
Spotted bad data? Let us know — we'll review and update.