Central air conditioner replacement cost in Columbus, OH
Installed, 3 ton (outdoor unit + matching coil)
A typical central AC (3 ton (outdoor unit + matching coil)) costs about $4,750 installed in the Columbus area, 2% above the national figure, because HVAC technicians here earn a median $31 an hour against $29 nationally.
Prices by size in Columbus
| Size | Low | Typical | High | National typical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 ton (outdoor unit + matching coil) | $3,150 | $3,550 | $4,650 | $3,500 |
| 3 ton (outdoor unit + matching coil) | $4,100 | $4,750 | $6,200 | $4,650 |
| 4 ton (outdoor unit + matching coil) | $5,500 | $6,100 | $7,850 | $6,000 |
| 5 ton (outdoor unit + matching coil) | $6,700 | $7,550 | $9,100 | $7,400 |
Local labor: what HVAC technicians earn here
| Hourly wage | Columbus metro | United States |
|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $24 | $23 |
| Median | $31 | $29 |
| 75th percentile | $39 | $37 |
The Columbus market
Columbus Building and Zoning Services puts both water heater replacement and the "Replacement of a Single Furnace, A/C and/or Heat Pump" on its Approved Minor Work Permit list, as long as the unit is not on a roof. For a 1-3 family home, a minor work permit costs $140 and includes one inspection; a full mechanical, electrical or plumbing permit is $275 with two inspections, and each extra inspection trip is $225. Homeowners may permit work on their own single-family home if they do it themselves or with immediate family, but cannot buy permits for work a contractor will do; hired work must be permitted by a licensed contractor. Ohio homes lean heavily on gas: EIA's 2020 survey found 64% heat with natural gas and 57% heat water with it.
Central air is standard in Columbus, and 74% of Ohio homes have it. A like-for-like condenser and coil swap is simple work. Moving the outdoor unit, or adding new ductwork, makes the job bigger, so ask each bidder to spell out the scope on the quote. Ask whether the coil matches the new condenser. Get the SEER2 rating and tonnage in writing so you can compare prices fairly.
Permits in Columbus
| Permit for this job | Yes (source) |
|---|---|
| Fee | $140 (1,2,3-family Minor Work Permit, includes 1 inspection); full MEP permit $275 (includes 2 inspections); additional inspection trip $225 |
| Who can pull it | Homeowner allowed for own owner-occupied single-family home (doing work themselves) or licensed contractor |
| Inspection | Yes |
Rebates in Ohio
HEAR: status unclear. HOMES: status unclear. Source: Ohio Department of Development, Office of Energy, checked October 13, 2026.
What these programs cover, and other states
Other systems in Columbus
- Gas tank water heater
- Gas tankless water heater
- Gas furnace
- Heat pump (ducted, outdoor unit + air handler)
Central air conditioner cost in other metros
Sources
- Columbus, OH permit source (water heater permit)
- Columbus, OH permit source (who can pull)
- Columbus, OH permit source (notable local rule)
- Columbus, OH permit source: 1-3 family Minor Work Permit (E, M or P only) $140 incl. 1
- EIA RECS 2020: Highlights for space heating fuel in U.S. homes by state
- EIA RECS 2020: Highlights for space heating in U.S. homes by state
- EIA RECS 2020: Highlights for air conditioning in U.S. homes by state
- EIA RECS 2020: Highlights for water heating in U.S. homes by state
- BLS OEWS May 2025, Columbus, OH (49-9021 HVAC mechanics and installers)
- DOE Residential CAC & Heat Pumps Direct Final Rule TSD (Dec 2016), Table 8.2.30, split AC coil-only (2015$; 4-ton interpolated)