Columbus, OH Heat Pump Leasing & Installation
In this guide
01
Benefits of Palmetto Heat Pumps
Say goodbye to clunky old systems and surprise repairs. Palmetto Comfort Plan gives you a brand-new heat pump, installation, and full support, all wrapped into one subscription.
Year Round Comfort
A high-efficiency heat pump keeps your home cool in summer, warm in winter, and your energy use in check all year long.
Forget the maintenance
With a Comfort Plan subscription, installation and maintenance are fully covered, no surprise bills, no weekend DIY.
Rewards for renewing
Stick with us and earn credits toward your next system upgrade. It’s our way of saying thanks for building a cleaner, comfier future with us.
02
Columbus, OH Heat Pump Load Calculator
Use our calculator below to estimate your home’s heating and cooling needs based on ACCA-standard design conditions for Columbus, OH: 91°F for cooling and -5°F for heating. This square-footage method provides a helpful starting point. For a precise Manual J load calculation and personalized quote, connect with Palmetto’s team. Get in touch with our team for an official quote.
Step 1 of 3
Home location & size
Your home’s location and size directly impact heating needs.
Step 2 of 3
Home attributes
Step 3 of 3
Additional details
Description of what this means for context.
Estimated Heating Needs
Your home’s location falls within the a climate zone with the average extreme winter falling between 10° – 15° F.
Home Details
Recommended equipment capacity
60,000 BTU
5 Tons
Calculated Cooling Mode
102,000 BTU
8.5 Tons
03
Buy it or finance it. Your comfort, your call
There's no wrong way to get cozy. Here's how the options stack up, so you can choose what works best for you.
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Cash |
Loan |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Payment schedule | $0 upfront, then monthly subscription | Full price upfront | $0 upfront, then monthly payment |
| Term length | 10 or 12 years | None | Variable |
| End of term options | Flexible with 25% renewal term credits to new system | No credits to new system | No credits to new system |
| Maintenance included | |||
| Eligible for incentives |
Cash
Loan
Local Incentives
Heat Pump Financing in Columbus
Unfortunately, the federal IRA tax credits for heat pumps expired on December 31, 2025, and Ohio's state-level HOMES and HEEHRA rebate programs have not yet launched as of February 2026. While some utility companies like AEP Ohio and First Energy offer modest rebates (typically $500-$750), comprehensive heat pump incentive programs are not currently active in Columbus. Palmetto's Comfort Plan lease offers an alternative solution with $0 upfront cost, allowing homeowners to access heat pump technology without waiting for incentive programs or paying installation costs upfront.
Federal IRA Tax Credit
EXPIRED - Not availableThe Inflation Reduction Act provided a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations. NOTE: This credit expired December 31, 2025 and is no longer available for 2026 installations.
Palmetto Comfort Plan: $0 Upfront Heat Pump Leasing
Even without local rebates, Palmetto's Comfort Plan makes upgrading easy. You get a high-efficiency heat pump installed with $0 upfront cost, predictable monthly payments, and all maintenance and repairs included for the life of the plan.
Incentive information is based on publicly available data as of February 2026. Federal tax credits expired December 31, 2025. State rebate programs (HOMES and HEEHRA) are pending federal approval with no confirmed launch date. Contact your utility provider and the Ohio Department of Development for the latest program status.
04
Climate Zones
Columbus sits in IECC Climate Zone 6, which means cold winters (design temps around -5°F) and warm summers (up to 91°F). This temperature range directly impacts which heat pump system will keep your home comfortable year-round without overworking or underperforming. At Palmetto, we factor in Columbus's specific climate when sizing and selecting your system. Explore other zones below, or enter your ZIP code to confirm yours.
Climate Zone 1
Climate zone 1 is not typically seen within the United States outside of Alaska. It represents the coldest climates on the planet.
Climate Zone 1A
Avg. extreme winters: -60° to -55° F
Climate Zone 1B
Avg. extreme winters: -55° to -50° F
Columbus Electricity Prices
Understanding electricity costs in Columbus helps you make smarter decisions about your home's heating and cooling systems.
Ohio electricity rates have climbed steadily from 12.8 cents per kWh in 2021 to 16.1 cents in 2024—a 26% increase in just three years that directly impacts your monthly energy bills.
Heat pumps offer a practical response to rising rates. Because they're 2-3 times more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, they use significantly less electricity to deliver the same heating and cooling comfort for your home.
As electricity costs continue rising, efficiency becomes increasingly valuable. A heat pump's lower energy consumption means your monthly bills stay more manageable, protecting your budget against future rate increases while maintaining year-round comfort.
Price of Energy: Ohio vs National Average
Columbus Area Utility Providers
Columbus residents are served by two main utility providers with notably different electricity rates. According to 2023 data, AEP Ohio charged 18.6¢ per kWh, while Duke Energy charged 14.7¢ per kWh.
AEP Ohio's rates sit above both the national average (16.0¢) and Ohio's state average (15.40¢), while Duke Energy's rates fall below both benchmarks. These differences stem from each utility's infrastructure investments, fuel sources, and service territories across the region.
Understanding your electricity rates helps you make informed decisions about home heating and cooling. Heat pumps are exceptionally efficient—often delivering three times more heating or cooling energy than the electricity they consume—which means lower bills even in higher-rate service areas.
Columbus Utilities Electricity Rates
Let our smart tools do the heavy lifting.
Get personalized tips, usage insights, project tracking, and that daily satisfaction of making your energy work smarter with the Palmetto mobile app.
- Rewards for smarter energy usage
- Energy insights & Dashboard
- Personalized Savings Tools
- Whole Home Energy Management
- Support Whenever You Need It
Repair versus replace
When a heat pump is in need of repair it is worth considering whether a replacement would be a better investment. While each case is unique, we generally recommend investing in a new unit when repairs exceed $5,000.
A heat pump's lifetime is impacted by a number of factors including environment, use and the quality of the unit. It's important to choose the right unit for your climate zone and home's unique attributes.
When you are in need of repair, we recommend choosing a service provider that is an expert in the heat pump brand you have installed, and checking online reviews to ensure you are investing in the right level of service.
| Potential repair | Cost range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitor Replacement | $150 - $400 | Common issue when unit struggles to start or makes a humming noise. Capacitors store the electrical energy needed to start the compressor and fan motors. |
| Refrigerant Recharge | $250 - $750 | Needed when the system loses cooling or heating efficiency due to low refrigerant levels. Includes leak detection, repair of minor leaks, and recharging the system to the manufacturer-specified level. |
| Reversing Valve Replacement | $450 - $900 | Required when the unit cannot switch between heating and cooling modes. The reversing valve directs refrigerant flow and is unique to heat pump systems. |
| Compressor Replacement | $1,500 - $3,000 | Major repair needed when the unit fails to heat or cool entirely. The compressor is the heart of the system, circulating refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor coils. |
| Evaporator/Condenser Coil Replacement | $1,200 - $2,800 | Replacement needed when coils develop leaks or corrosion that cannot be economically repaired. Coil damage reduces heat transfer efficiency and can cause refrigerant loss. |
| Control Board Replacement | $500 - $1,200 | Required when the system has electrical failures or erratic behavior. The control board manages all system operations including defrost cycles, fan speeds, and compressor staging. |
| Full System Replacement | $4,500 - $8,000+ | When repairs exceed the value of the unit or multiple major components fail simultaneously. Includes removal of the old system and installation of a new heat pump with updated refrigerant lines and electrical connections. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, heat pumps make excellent sense in Columbus. Modern heat pumps work efficiently in Climate Zone 6, handling both Columbus's cold winters (down to -5°F design temperatures) and warm summers (up to 91°F). With Ohio's electricity rates at 16.1¢ per kWh, heat pumps typically cost less to operate than traditional heating systems while providing both heating and cooling in one unit.
Columbus homeowners have flexible options to get started. Palmetto's Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs, making it easy to switch without financial stress. Alternatively, purchasing a heat pump outright may qualify you for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus potential local rebates.
Heat pumps perform well in Columbus's Climate Zone 6, efficiently heating homes even when temperatures drop to the design low of -5°F. Modern cold-climate heat pumps can deliver 2-3 times more heating energy than the electricity they consume, making them cost-effective even with Ohio's 16.1¢ per kWh electricity rate, particularly compared to traditional heating systems.
During Columbus's cooling season, with design temperatures reaching 91°F, heat pumps operate exceptionally efficiently—often achieving efficiency ratings above 300%. This year-round performance makes them a smart investment for local homeowners, whether you choose Palmetto's Comfort Plan with zero upfront costs and included maintenance, or direct purchase to access federal tax credits up to $2,000.
The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in Columbus depends on your financial situation and preferences. Leasing through a Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs, making it ideal if you want predictable costs. Buying means paying upfront but you'll own the equipment and may qualify for federal tax credits up to $2,000 plus local rebates.
Consider Columbus's Climate Zone 6 conditions, where heat pumps work year-round from -5°F winters to 91°F summers. With Ohio's electricity rates at 16.1¢ per kWh, a heat pump can provide efficient heating and cooling for decades. Leasing removes maintenance worries, while buying maximizes long-term savings and lets you benefit from available incentives.
Heat pump costs in Columbus typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 for a complete installation, depending on your home's size, existing ductwork, and the system's efficiency rating. Climate Zone 6 requirements mean Columbus homes need systems capable of handling -5°F winters and 91°F summers, which influences equipment selection and pricing.
Palmetto offers two payment options to fit different budgets: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and predictable monthly payments that include all maintenance and repairs, or direct purchase where you own the system outright and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act plus local rebates.
Yes, heat pumps are typically worth it financially for Columbus homeowners. Modern heat pumps can reduce heating and cooling costs by 30-50% compared to traditional systems, which adds up significantly given Ohio's 16.1¢ per kWh electricity rate. They provide both heating and cooling in one efficient system, eliminating the need for separate equipment.
Palmetto makes heat pumps accessible through two options: our Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and all maintenance included, or direct purchase where you may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Most Columbus homeowners see a return on investment within 5-10 years through energy savings alone.
In Columbus, heat pumps are installed by licensed HVAC contractors who understand Ohio's Climate Zone 6 requirements, including the ability to handle -5°F winter temperatures and 91°F summer heat. Palmetto partners with certified local installers to provide professional heat pump installation services throughout the Columbus area.
Palmetto offers two installation options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost that includes all maintenance and repairs, or direct purchase where you own the equipment outright and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits. Both options include expert installation by trained professionals who ensure your system is properly sized and configured for Columbus's climate.
A heat pump is actually a type of HVAC system. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning—it's an umbrella term for any equipment that controls your home's temperature. Heat pumps are unique because they both heat and cool your home using electricity, transferring heat rather than burning fuel like traditional furnaces.
In Columbus's Climate Zone 6, modern heat pumps work efficiently even when temperatures drop to -5°F. Unlike conventional HVAC systems that pair a furnace with an air conditioner, a single heat pump handles both jobs year-round. With Ohio's electricity rate at 16.1¢ per kWh, heat pumps often cost less to operate than gas furnaces while keeping your home comfortable through all seasons.