How Much Does Furnace and AC Replacement Cost in Columbus, OH? [2026 Data]

The average cost to replace a furnace and AC system in Columbus, OH, is $7,163, and most projects total between $4,775 and $11,938. Your price depends on many factors, but the most impactful ones include the type of system and the capacity of the equipment. Your costs can climb much higher if you’re converting from one type of system to another, or if you need ductwork installed or repaired.

Furnace and AC Replacement Cost Factors

Some HVAC replacement projects in Columbus, OH, cost as low as $2,388, but some residents pay up to $14,325 or more. Make sure you consider all of the following factors to get a better idea of where your total will fall within this range.

Type of HVAC System

There are four primary types of HVAC systems, including split systems, duct-free systems, sometimes called ductless systems or mini-splits, hybrid systems, and packaged heating and air systems. The typical cost ranges for each of these in Columbus, OH, are as follows:

• Split systems: $3,600–$7,200

• Duct-free systems: $1,900–$13,850

• Hybrid systems: $2,400–$9,550

• Packaged heating and air systems: $9,550–$13,400

Split systems are the most common types of HVAC systems in Columbus. The central AC is plenty efficient to handle cooling in the moderately hot summers in the area, and the heating side of the system, a traditional furnace, is ideal for providing adequate heat in the long, cold winters. Some homeowners in the area upgrade to hybrid systems to get better efficiency and lower utility bills without losing the high heat output that’s necessary in Ohio.

Unit Size

The square footage of your house will largely determine what size furnace and air conditioner you need to heat or cool your space efficiently. However, there are other factors that affect your unit size, and a local HVAC company can help you determine what size you need exactly by doing a load calculation.

While it’s always best to have a pro do a formal calculation, you can estimate your HVAC system’s cost by comparing your home’s square footage to the average home in the area. The average home size in Columbus, OH, is 1,700 square feet, so HVAC systems in larger homes can cost more than average, while those in smaller homes can cost less.

Unit Brand

HVAC equipment costs an average of $4,500, but the brand you buy can change this number. For example, brands like Amana or Coleman tend to come in the lower end of the spectrum at $2,850, while brands like Trane and York can reach up to $5,750 or more. Keep in mind that this cost is just for equipment, and labor will still play an important role in determining your total.

HVAC Pro Costs

Speaking of labor, between 40% and 60% of your total cost will go toward labor when you hire a professional HVAC company in Columbus, OH. That means labor alone will total between $2,850 and $4,300. On an hourly basis, the cost is less than you’d pay in most other cities, as the cost of living, which plays a big part in hourly labor costs, is a bit below the national average.

In addition to labor, you’ll see a line item on your estimate and invoice for an HVAC permit. The City of Columbus requires permits for all major changes to your home’s mechanicals, and the average cost for a permit to replace your furnace and AC is $250 in the area. Make sure you budget for this separately to avoid surprises.

Does Replacing Your AC and Furnace Increase Home Value?

Replacing your AC and furnace will boost your home value, as the project usually comes with a return on investment (ROI) of 30%. You can maximize your value increase by investing in a reliable heating system that can weather the brutal Ohio winters, either as part of a split system or a hybrid system. You may see a higher ROI if you choose a hybrid system, as these are more efficient, and buyers may pay more for equipment that helps save on utility bills.

How Angi Gets Its Local Cost Data 

To help homeowners plan their next project, Angi provides readers with carefully researched cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We start with national average project costs, which we collect by analyzing competitor information, retailer material costs, and input from professional contractors. We then apply local price index data to calculate location-specific estimates that reflect what homeowners typically pay in their local area. To do that, we use data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), including its Regional Price Parities (RPPs), which measure price differences across cities. This helps us account for differences in labor, materials, and overall cost of living, so estimates in higher- or lower-cost areas better reflect real-world local pricing.

Every estimate undergoes a thorough editorial review to verify accuracy, consistency, and alignment with observed market conditions.

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