Heating & Furnace Contractors in Columbus, OH (Ohio)

For homeowners in Columbus, Ohio, maintaining the heating system and furnace is incredibly important as the average winter temperatures in the area range between 28 and 33 degrees. From standard maintenance and yearly cleanings to modern and more energy-efficient upgrades, heating and furnace contractors in Columbus serve a vital role in the daily function of a home, as well as when it comes to adding value. With more than 1,600 HVAC professionals throughout the area, homeowners have their choice of heating systems professionals for a variety of jobs.

Areas in Columbus Commonly Serviced

Columbus is consistently ranked among the top growing metropolitan areas in the nation. Enjoying both a high job growth rate and relatively low cost of living, the city is also the state's capital and home to a number of universities and tech/research companies. Located in the middle of the state, in Franklin County, it has a population of just under 800,000, according to the 2010 census, making it the 15th largest city in the U.S. The following five neighborhoods are among the most popular areas for homeowners in Columbus:

• German Village
  The downtown German Village was first settled in the mid-19th century and is home to some 1,600 buildings listed in the National Register of Historic places. Popular among upper middle class families and the gay/lesbian population, most of the homes in this area are renovations.
  
  
• Clintonville
  One of the larger Columbus "neighborhoods," Clintonville is located to the north of downtown and is home to more than 23,000 residents, many of which are families or students at Ohio State University.
  
  
• Merion Village
  A diverse working class area located south of downtown, Marion Village was originally developed in the early 20th century. Its population includes new residents as well as many families who have lived in Columbus for generations.
  
  
• Eastmoor
  To the east of downtown, Eastmoor is a largely residential area with large homes, winding drives, and abundant foliage.
  
  
• Westgate
  Located west of downtown, Westgate is one of the more suburban areas around Columbus. Many of its homes were built following World War II and the area as a whole maintains a nostalgic, never-changing feel.
  

Local Cost Information for Heating and Furnace Contractors

In the U.S., the average hourly wage for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technician is $21.46 per hour. In Columbus, the average hourly wage is slightly higher at $22.04. Jobs performed by these heating and furnace contractors generally fall into one of two categories: repairs and maintenance or installation. The following statistics display the differences in cost between different jobs within these two major categories in Columbus, as compared to the national average:

• Average Cost to Repair a Furnace
• Nationwide: $267
• Columbus: $227

• Average Cost to Install a Furnace
• Nationwide: $3,881
• Columbus: $3,736

• Average Cost to Clean a Chimney
• Nationwide: $205
• Columbus: $191

• Average Cost to Clean Ducts and Vents
• Nationwide: $334
• Columbus: $363

As the data above clearly indicates, the most common heating and furnace-related jobs performed in Columbus are similar in cost to those same jobs nationwide. Homeowners should keep that in mind, along with hourly costs for projects, when working with individual contractors.

Licensing & Insurance Requirements

Columbus requires all HVAC contractors to obtain an Ohio state license to perform HVAC work before doing any contract jobs within its limits. Ohio requires HVAC technicians to meet the following requirements to obtain their HVAC license:

• Be over age 18
• Be a United States citizen or legal alien
• Pass the Ohio state licensing exam
• Have a combination of experience and education equivalent to 5 years working in the trade

In addition, the state requires licensed HVAC technicians to carry a minimum of $500,000 of liability insurance. This means any HVAC tech working in the area should carry the same level of insurance.

How Heating and Furnace Systems Affect Home Values in Columbus

Due to the Midwest’s notoriously humid climate, which includes cold, dry winters, a properly working heating system is essential for homes in Columbus. A home's value increases with an energy-efficient heating system and furnace, especially because heating oil and fuel prices can vary from year to year.

At minimum, Columbus homeowners need to regularly service all aspects of their heating system by scheduling annual cleanings and addressing the need for repair. This ensures their comfort throughout the winter and maintains the value of their homes.