HVAC Services in Columbus, OH: Hiring and Assistance

Book a diagnosis with a defined scope

Describe the problem when you book: no heat, no cooling, uneven room temperatures, noise or a planned equipment change. Record when it started, your thermostat setting and any displayed error. Send photographs of equipment labels and describe access to indoor and outdoor equipment. Ask what the diagnostic visit includes and what you owe if you decline further work.

Request a written explanation of the fault and the proposed repair. If the contractor recommends replacement, ask why and request a repair option where appropriate. For uneven temperatures, have the contractor explain how the proposed work addresses the affected rooms. Seek another opinion before approving a major purchase if the explanation leaves questions unresolved.

For suspected gas leaks or carbon monoxide symptoms, Columbia Gas instructs you to go outside, call 911, then call its emergency line at 1-800-344-4077. Follow those instructions before arranging a routine service appointment. [3]

Compare written quotes before authorizing work

Give contractors the same job description and request itemized quotes. Ask them to identify equipment, labor, removal, thermostat setup and any proposed duct, electrical or gas work. For replacement, request model numbers and an explanation of equipment sizing. Ask who will check permit requirements for your address and arrange any required approvals or inspections.

Build your budget from written quotes for your home. Compare included work, exclusions and payment milestones alongside the total. Request separate equipment and labor warranty terms, responsibility for warranty registration and a procedure for approving changes discovered during installation. Verify applicable credentials and insurance before hiring.

Before signing, ask how the installer will check operation and demonstrate thermostat controls at handover. Agree on the documents you will receive. If you hope to use assistance, ask the program administrator what it can approve before counting a possible benefit toward your budget.

Check furnace assistance before replacement

Columbia Gas describes WarmChoice as a year-round service for qualified customers. Its home energy inspection includes natural gas appliance safety checks. Possible no-cost improvements include insulation, air sealing, and natural gas furnace or water heater repair or replacement. Customers with income up to 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify. [3]

For a Franklin County property, Columbia Gas directs customers to MORPC at 1-614-621-1171. The utility assigns other counties to other providers. Check your property's county before choosing whom to contact. Ask about eligibility, assessment and scheduling before authorizing a privately funded replacement, and explain whether your furnace still operates. [3]

Ohio Power's HELP program serves eligible residential customers with household income at or below 300 percent of federal poverty guidelines. Eligible dwelling types include single-family homes, townhomes and individually metered multifamily dwellings. An assessment guides recommended low- or no-cost upgrades, which may include HVAC equipment. Ohio Power states, as of October 10, 2026, that applications are paused for 2026 and asks customers to check back in fall for 2027 assistance. [1]

Choose a thermostat and understand enrollment

Ohio Power requires Power Rewards participants to have a residential rate, an eligible Wi-Fi thermostat, and central air conditioning and/or electric heating controlled by that thermostat. Check the exact model against the utility's eligible list and ask your installer to confirm compatibility with your equipment and wiring. Include installation, connection and setup in your quote. [2]

Ohio Power may call up to 16 conservation events per year, each lasting four hours or less. During an event, it may adjust your thermostat's set point by no more than 3 degrees. You can override adjustments, and the utility restores your target temperature and original schedule after the event. Consider these terms against your household's comfort needs before enrolling. [2]

The utility lists separate purchase and enrollment offers. An eligible thermostat bought through another retailer may qualify for a $25 purchase gift card, subject to current-year purchase and installation requirements. Enrollment of an existing eligible thermostat carries a one-time $50 gift card. Participation in at least 75 percent of the year's peak-demand events carries a $25 yearly gift card. Confirm the applicable route and restrictions before buying. [2]

Ohio Power thermostat gift-card offers

Choose your next step

Your hiring checklist

1. Record symptoms, thermostat settings, error messages and equipment model numbers.
2. Confirm the diagnostic charge and what the visit covers.
3. Request a written fault explanation and repair or replacement options.
4. Compare matching work scopes, model numbers and exclusions.
5. Ask who checks permits and arranges any required inspections.
6. Verify applicable credentials, insurance, warranties and payment milestones.
7. Check your utility account, property county and assistance timing.
8. Have the installer demonstrate operation and thermostat controls at handover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get help replacing a natural gas furnace?

Columbia Gas says qualified WarmChoice customers may receive natural gas furnace repair or replacement at no cost. Contact the provider for your county to discuss eligibility and an inspection. Columbia Gas names MORPC as the Franklin County provider. [3]

Is Ohio Power accepting HELP applications?

Ohio Power states, as of October 10, 2026, that 2026 applications are paused and describes a planned fall reopening for 2027 assistance. Confirm current availability before arranging your replacement schedule around HELP. [1]

Can I override a Power Rewards adjustment?

Yes. Ohio Power says you retain control and can override its adjustments at any time. After an event, the utility returns your thermostat to its target temperature and original schedule. [2]

What should a replacement quote explain?

Ask for the diagnosis, reason for replacement, equipment model numbers and sizing explanation. Request an itemized scope, exclusions, warranty terms and payment schedule. Have the contractor identify who handles permit checks and how the installer will demonstrate operation.