Get Quotes from Top HVAC Contractors in Columbus, OH

Are You Licensed to Practice as an HVAC Contractor in Columbus?

To carry out HVAC work in Columbus, interested individuals must obtain a license from the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). Any individual who performs any HVAC work without obtaining the relevant license is guilty of a minor misdemeanor on the first violation and a fourth-degree misdemeanor for subsequent violations, which attract several penalties.

The OCILB issues only one kind of HVAC license to interested parties in Columbus, the state-level commercial contractor HVAC license. To qualify for this license, an applicant must:

• Be 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen or a legal alien with proof to legally work in Columbus.
• Obtain at least five years of experience working under a licensed HVAC contractor on projects that require a permit or be a registered engineer in Columbus with three years of business experience in the HVAC construction industry
• Pass a licensing examination

To sit for the required licensing examination, an applicant must complete and send a notarized Test Application Packet to the address indicated on the packet. Similarly, when completing the license application, the applicant must provide proof of at least one permit for each of the five years of working experience under a licensed HVAC contractor or provide proof of being registered as an engineer in Columbus. Applicants should note that they also need to obtain a BCI and FBI background check and send the result to the OCILB before sitting for the exam. Applicants who pass the licensing examination will receive a state license after sending a copy of their examination result, paying the requisite licensing fees, and obtaining contractor liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $500,000. Applicants should also note that per Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, they must obtain mandatory certification from the United States Environmental Protection Agency to carry out maintenance, servicing, or repair any equipment containing refrigerants.

Ohio runs an HVAC licensing reciprocity program with Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee, West Virginia, and South Carolina, allowing individuals from these states to operate without taking the state trade exam. For HVAC contractor licensing and certification-related inquiries, interested persons can contact the OCILB at 614-644-3493 or by email.

You can verify if your intended HVAC contractor has been duly licensed by utilizing the OCILB's eLicense Center.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other HVAC Contractors in Columbus?

The average mean hourly pay of HVAC contractors in Columbus is $23.99. However, how much they charge is influenced by factors like the nature and scope of the services, cost of materials, permits required, labor, and qualification and skill set of your intended HVAC contractor. To ensure you are given fair estimates, you can get quotes and estimates from several HVAC contractors near you before hiring any for your projects. This enables you to compare prices and pick the most qualified HVAC contractor suitable for your budget.

An HVAC Contractor in Columbus earns an annual average wage of $49,890. The table below provides a cost comparison of the mean hourly wages for HVAC contractors in Columbus against those of HVAC Contractors in the rest of Ohio as well as other major cities in the United States:

Do You Comply with Columbus Building Code for HVAC Work?

The Ohio Mechanical Code applies to any project that involves the design, installation, alteration, maintenance, repair, replacement, and inspection of HVAC systems in Columbus. These HVAC systems include heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems, incinerators, and other heat-producing or indoor climate regulating appliances. This makes it necessary for you to hire only qualified HVAC contractors conversant with the Code's provisions. This assures you your work is being carried out without infringing Code requirements, as non-compliance with this Code is considered unlawful, and it attracts the payment of a maximum fine of $1,000, or a maximum jail term of 180 days, or both. You can make code-related inquiries for your HVAC project by contacting the Columbus Department of Building and Zoning at (614) 645-7433.

Will You Get the HVAC Permits as Required by Columbus Code?

Permits must be obtained from the Columbus Department of Building and Zoning to install, alter, or repair any heating or ventilation equipment or system within Columbus. HVAC permits may be obtained by an HVAC contractor duly licensed by the OCILB or the occupying homeowner in an existing single-family dwelling in which the owner resides.

To be issued a permit, applicants can complete an online application via the city's Citizen Access Portal by creating a new user account or logging in with an existing account. They must upload all the necessary documents like plans on the portal for reviews. Alternatively, applicants can download and complete a mechanical application form and submit the completed form, as well as applicable fees and specified numbers of plans if applicable, to:

When the Department receives the application submitted, it will be reviewed for necessary approval. Before a permitted HVAC work is completed, a permit holder must ensure that all required inspections have been approved. A permit holder can request an inspection online, by calling (614) 645-8235, or in person at the address provided above. For more information or assistance with scheduling an inspection, permit holders can utilize the Basic inspection information resource provided by the Department of Building and Zoning. You can direct your queries regarding the permitting and inspection process in Columbus to the Department of Building and Zoning at (614) 645-7433.

What Kind of HVAC Services Do You Offer?

Before hiring an HVAC contractor in Columbus, you should ensure they possess the necessary qualification and experience to perform the work satisfactorily. HVAC contractors in Columbus offer several services, like installing HVAC equipment and appliances, repairs, maintenance of HVAC systems, and offering emergency HVAC services. As such, you must confirm that your intended HVAC contractor specializes in the specific work they are being hired for and how much their services cost.

Listed below are average cost estimates for common HVAC services in Columbus:

Do You Offer Emergency HVAC Services in Columbus?

When faced with emergency HVAC situations like thermostat malfunctioning, blown fuses or tripped breaker, poor or restricted airflow, and leaking ducts, you will need an HVAC emergency service. Ignoring these problems, and HVAC-related problems generally, only increases your energy bills and can result in extensive HVAC system damage, which will cost you more to repair. This is why it is necessary to hire the services of a professional HVAC contractor who can attend to your emergency problems within a reasonable time. You can use the Find a Contractor portal provided by the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association and the Contractor Locator platform provided by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America to find an HVAC contractor near you. You can also utilize third-party websites like Better Business Bureau to find HVAC contractors near you that can offer an emergency HVAC service. However, you should ensure you confirm the licensing status of any intended HVAC contractors found on these platforms by using the OCILB eLicense Center.

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for HVAC Contractors in Columbus?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, 4,764 work-related fatalities were reported across the United States in 2020. When hiring HVAC contractors in Columbus, you should hire only those who maintain the mandated contractor liability insurance of at least $500,000. As such, before completing a work contract with the HVAC contractor you choose, make sure you request a copy of their insurance certificate and verify the certificate with the issuing insurance provider. Doing this reduces your chances of incurring personal expenses if any bodily injury or property damage results from your HVAC project. You can also contact the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) at (614) 644-3493 for more information regarding the state-mandated insurance requirements for HVAC contractors and if your intended HVAC contractor meets them.

Note that HVAC contractors in Columbus must carry workers' compensation insurance where they have more than one employee working with them. You can contact the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation via its toll-free line at (800) 644-6292 for more information regarding Columbus workers' compensation insurance.