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Air Conditioner Installation
in Columbus, OH

Choosing and installing a new air conditioner is not a decision to take lightly. It's a significant investment financially and your home's indoor comfort for the next 20 years or more. Our team is confident that we can provide you with the information and the equipment options for your budget to make the right decision for your home.

How Much Does a New Air Conditioner Cost?

The cost of installing a new air conditioner varies.

There are many variables that can affect the price of an installation of a new air conditioner.

  • Air Conditioner Unit
  • Additional Accessories
  • Permits Required
  • Applicable Rebates

The Air Conditioner You Choose

Air conditioners are available in a variety of capacities, efficiency ratings, and feature sets to suit different home comfort needs.

Standard Efficiency Systems

These systems focus on reliable performance and essential cooling. They typically meet baseline energy efficiency requirements and provide a practical solution for those seeking a straightforward, budget-conscious installation without extra specialized features.

Enhanced Comfort Systems

Mid-range units offer a balance of increased efficiency and additional features. These systems are designed to provide improved climate control and more consistent cooling performance while remaining accessible for many homeowners.

High-Performance Systems

Top-tier air conditioners feature the industry’s most advanced technology, reaching the highest energy efficiency ratings available. These systems often include premium benefits such as variable-speed compressors for precise temperature management, significantly quieter operation, and smart-system compatibility for ultimate control and comfort.

Additional Accessories

The best time to pick accessories is when installing new equipment as the cost is minimized. Many customers choose a dehumidifier when installing a new air conditioner to keep their home comfortable in the humid and warm temperatures. Other homeowners may also opt-in for a whole home media filter to keep dust and allergies under control.

We offer a variety of accessory options that can be installed with your new air conditioner system.

The Permits Required

Ensuring that the proper permits are obtained is very important to ensure that the work being done is safe, up to code, and lawful. The permits required to install and replace your air conditioner typically cost $95. Always make sure you work with a reputable company that obtains the appropriate permits. Otherwise, the safety and potential cost to re-do the work can cost you several thousand dollars more.

Applicable Rebates

Many times there are rebates available that can reduce the cost of installation. This sometimes depends on the equipment purchased and the current available rebates at the time. Many times your utility company, such as AEP or Columbia Gas, have rebates available when purchasing a new energy-efficient system.

In many cases, a rebate through your utility provider can reduce the cost by up to $300.

What to Expect At Your Estimate

Watch a quick 2 minute video on what you can expect at your estimate for a new HVAC system.

We know how significant this investment is to you, and choosing the right unit is critical. Our process is the most comprehensive in town when it comes to selecting the right air conditioner for your home and desired comfort level.

A Fire & Ice comfort consultant will come out to survey your house and perform a load calculation to determine your home's BTU requirements allowing us to provide you with a quote on four different options based on budget and comfort needs.

The Step-by-Step Process

The process explained from beginning to end.

  1. 1. Determine If a New Air Conditioner Is Right for You

    When your Air Conditioner starts costing you more money on repairs and inefficiency, it's time to have it replaced. The average lifespan of an Air Conditioner is around fifteen to twenty years. Not only is replacing your Air Conditioner a financial investment, but an investment into your home and lifestyle for more than the next decade.

  2. 2. Schedule an Estimate

    Reach out to us and schedule an in-home estimate with a residential sales professional to visit your home and discuss your comfort needs and available options for your home. We typically provide four system options suited to your comfort needs and budget.

    Don't worry; we don't use any high-pressure sales tactics.

  3. 3. Consult and Choose an Option

    If you believe we are a great fit for you, let us know. A residential sales professional will answer any additional questions you may have. This is a significant investment for your home, and we want you to be satisfied with your purchase.

    Financing is available. Financing Details

  4. 4. Planning and Preparation

    We are a fully licensed HVAC contractor and obtain all the necessary permits for the work we perform in your home. Before starting the work, our team will create a custom-fit design for your home.

    We will work with you to collect the necessary information and apply any rebates that are applicable with your purchase.

  5. 5. Installation Day

    An exciting day for homeowners. The installation team typically arrives around between 7:30 am and 8 am in a branded/marked truck with professional uniforms and identification badges. You will receive a courtesy call when the installation team is on their way.

    The installers will begin by placing drop cloths and any necessary protective equipment to ensure no damage to your home or property occurs.

    After removing the old equipment from your home, the new equipment is prepared and installed. Once ready, the installation team tests the new system to ensure everything is in the expected working order.

    Most installations wrap-up around 4 pm that day. Your installation team will then show you how the system works and will go over any questions you have about your new system thoroughly.

  6. 6. Post-Installation Inspection

    Our residential sales professional will return to your home after you’ve had your new equipment for 7 plus days. They will look over the installation, look you in the eye, shake your hand, make sure you are happy. Any issues that do not meet our high installation standards, if identified, will be promptly remedied.

    Learn more about our post-installation inspection.

What to Expect Post-Installation

Rest Assured, We are Here For You.

Built into our installation process is a post-installation inspection. This is where we reach out to you after you’ve had your new equipment for 7 plus days to schedule an appointment where our residential sales professional will return to your home. They will look over the installation, look you in the eye, shake your hand, make sure you are happy. Any issues that do not meet our high installation standards, if identified, will be promptly remedied.

Additionally, during this time, many homeowners have equipment and product education questions that may arise with their new system. This is an excellent opportunity to address those questions, concerns, or share feedback about your experience.

However, if you believe something is not right, or have any issues with your new system either before or after our post-installation inspection, as rare as it is, let us know. The equipment purchased through us and our labor is covered under warranty. If an issue does occur, we will make our best effort to minimize the inconvenience and correct the situation as quickly as possible.

Signs It's Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Your System Is 15+ Years Old

Most air conditioners last 15-20 years. If yours is in that range and starting to have issues, a replacement is often more cost-effective than ongoing repairs.

Frequent Repairs

If you've called for AC repair multiple times in the past few years, those costs add up. A new system eliminates recurring repair bills.

Rising Energy Bills

Older systems lose efficiency over time. If your energy bills keep climbing despite regular tune-ups, a new high-efficiency unit can significantly reduce your costs.

R-22 Refrigerant Phase-Out

R-22 (Freon) has been phased out and is increasingly expensive. If your system still uses R-22, upgrading to a new unit with R-410A saves money long-term.

Not sure if it's time? Our technicians can assess your current system and help you weigh repair vs. replacement.

Schedule a Free Estimate

Why Choose Us for Your Air Conditioner Installation

We are constantly evolving and improving the way we do business.

  • 24 Hour Service

    24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, you have Columbus's leading Air Conditioner repair specialists awaiting your call!

  • We Service Your Area

    We service all of the Columbus metro, Columbus, Powell, Westerville, Grove City, Galloway, Pickerington, and more.

  • Affordable Repairs

    After diagnosing the system, your technician will verify the repairs and cost before they perform the work. There are never any surprises at the end of the service!

  • One-Year Warranty

    We stand by our work by offering a one-year warranty on all our repairs and extended repair warranties for our Maintenance Agreement holders.

  • Training

    Fire & Ice's technicians go through on-going training year-round in the largest training facility in Central Ohio, also owned by Fire & Ice.

  • All Makes and Models

    Fire & Ice can repair any Air Conditioner regardless of make and model!

  • Superior Service

    With our accreditation and A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, you can trust that your Air Conditioner is in good hands with Fire & Ice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most central air conditioning installations are completed in one day. If your home needs new ductwork, electrical upgrades, or other modifications, the project may extend to two days. We will provide a detailed timeline during your in-home estimate.
Yes, a mechanical permit is required for AC installations in Columbus and most Central Ohio municipalities. Fire & Ice takes care of all permitting and scheduling the required inspections as part of every installation.
Correct sizing is critical for comfort and efficiency. We perform a Manual J load calculation that accounts for your home's square footage, insulation, sun exposure, window types, and more. This ensures you get a system that cools effectively without wasting energy from being oversized or undersized.
A standard air conditioner installation typically takes one day. More complex installations, such as those requiring ductwork modifications or additional accessories, may take a second day.
The size of the air conditioner you need depends on your home's square footage, insulation, number of windows, and other factors. Our technicians perform a load calculation during the estimate to determine the correct size for your home. An oversized or undersized unit will lead to comfort and efficiency problems.
Not always, but it is often recommended if your furnace is also aging. The indoor coil that sits on your furnace must be compatible with your new outdoor unit. In many cases, replacing both at the same time saves on labor costs and ensures the best system performance.
Rebates vary depending on the equipment you choose and current utility company offers. AEP and Columbia Gas frequently offer rebates for high-efficiency equipment. Our team will help you identify all available rebates during the estimate process.

Become an HVAC Expert!

Prepare for your next HVAC project with educational resources from the Fire & Ice Learning Center, the most comprehensive library of residential HVAC information anywhere on the web.

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Over 3500 Reviews!
4.9 average on Google

Dave LeVeck

The team from Fire & Ice replaced our heating and air conditioning system in our nearly impossibly small furnace room (I feared they would have to remove our hot water tank and move the washer & dryer to get access to the furnace unit) and the outside was also a task because it required a crane to get the A/C unit on the roof of our condo. The team of pros from Fire & Ice were able to accomplish all of these unusual tasks and kept me fully informed on what was needed for them to get our units replaced. We highly recommend Fire & Ice. Dave & Sue LeVeck

Felicia Spinks

Fire an Ice installed my furnace two years ago so I decided to use them to install my new a/c. Bryan did a great job reviewing all my options and working to get the financing that worked for me. He was also very patient with me and answered all my questions. Demetrius and Will did an amazing job! Considering all the work they did, they were done in four hours. I’m very pleased and would recommend Fire and Ice to anyone needing HVAC services

Scott Krouse

The sales experience with Luke was great. The installation team of Demetrius, Tyler and Hassan was fantastic. They were on time, were very thorough and did a great job. They take pride in their work and it shows with the final product. They were very respectful, cleaned up and it was a pleasure having them in our house. I highly recommend all these employees and this company. The company is fortunate to have them.

Nicole Reese

Brandon was the one who installed our new furnace. He was punctual and very professional. Our new furnace is working great and couldn’t be happier with how it looks. Bryan the sales rep was very informational without being pushy and helped us make the best decision for our house. I recommend anyone who needs a new Hvac unit to call fire and ice.

Gary F

We had 2 AC systems relocated and replaced. Roger (our sales contact), spent most of the day with us calculating the load and measuring the house to ensure proper equipment sizing. Roger was very responsive in helping select a proper and sound location to install the new systems. He came out 3 times to answer questions and inspect the retaining wall/pad. On the day of install, Bryan, Nick and Luke were on time and very respectful of the home. They worked tirelessly the entire day (8am - 6pm) removing the old evaporator(s) and installing the new compressors. Everything was done neatly both inside and out. I would highly recommend their service to anyone considering a new system(s). We just followed up with a pair of new furnaces. Fast scheduling and efficient installation. Luke and Brandon protected the floor and cleaned up after the install.

Jon DeBarbrie

I had a positive experience with Fire and Ice in the past and my AC installation was even better. Brandon and DQ were very professional. Not only was the install super clean with an impressive 4 fitting duct bend sealed tight, but I needed to work from home during the install and I barely heard them throughout the day. I’ll be recommending F&I to all my friends.