Professional AC Installation and Replacement Services in Columbus, OH

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Our Services
When the summer heat hits Columbus, Ohio, having a reliable air conditioning system isn’t just about comfort. It’s about creating a safe, healthy environment for your family. At Waterworks & Hetter Heating and Cooling, we understand that choosing the right AC installation service in Columbus, OH can feel overwhelming. That’s why our NATE-certified technicians bring over 236 years of combined experience to every project, ensuring your new cooling system performs efficiently for years to come.
Our Columbus AC installation services cover everything from central air systems to ductless mini-splits. Whether you’re building a new home, upgrading an outdated unit, or dealing with a complete system failure, our team provides honest recommendations and professional installation that meets the highest industry standards.
Why Choose Professional AC Installation in Columbus, Ohio?
Installing an air conditioning system requires more than just connecting a few wires and pipes. Proper AC installation involves precise calculations, careful planning, and expert knowledge of local building codes. When you work with our AC installation company in Columbus, OH, you’re getting technicians who understand Ohio’s unique climate challenges and humidity levels.
Many homeowners try to save money with DIY installations or unlicensed contractors, only to face costly repairs, poor performance, and voided warranties. Our professional approach ensures your system operates at peak efficiency from day one. We perform detailed load calculations for every installation, determining the exact cooling capacity your home needs based on square footage, insulation levels, window placement, and local climate data.
The benefits of professional installation extend far beyond the initial setup. Properly installed systems use less energy, last longer, and require fewer repairs. Our customers typically see 15-20% lower energy bills compared to improperly installed units. Plus, manufacturer warranties remain valid when you choose certified installers like our team.
Comprehensive AC Replacement Services in Columbus, Ohio
Sometimes repair isn’t the best option. When your air conditioner is over 10 years old, requires frequent repairs, or struggles to keep your home comfortable, replacement becomes the smart financial choice. Our AC replacement service in Columbus, OH helps homeowners make informed decisions about when to repair versus replace their cooling systems.
Signs you might need AC replacement include rising energy bills, uneven cooling throughout your home, strange noises, frequent breakdowns, and poor indoor air quality. Our technicians perform thorough system evaluations, explaining your options in clear, understandable terms. We never pressure customers into unnecessary replacements, but we also won’t recommend expensive repairs on systems that are beyond their useful life.
Our Columbus AC replacement services include complete system removal, proper disposal of old equipment, and installation of your new unit. We handle all permits and inspections, ensuring your new system meets local codes and manufacturer specifications. Every replacement comes with our workmanship guarantee, giving you peace of mind in your investment.
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Our AC Installation Process
When you choose our AC installation near Columbus, OH, you’re getting a systematic approach that ensures quality results. Our process begins with a comprehensive home assessment where we evaluate your current system, ductwork, electrical capacity, and cooling needs. This isn’t a quick sales visit. We spend time understanding your comfort preferences, budget considerations, and long-term goals.
Next, we perform detailed load calculations using industry-standard software. These calculations consider factors like your home’s orientation, insulation levels, window efficiency, and local climate data. Many contractors skip this crucial step, leading to oversized or undersized systems that waste energy and provide poor comfort.
Our installation team arrives with all necessary equipment and materials. We protect your home with floor coverings and take care to minimize disruption to your daily routine. The installation process includes setting the outdoor unit on a proper pad, running refrigerant lines, connecting electrical components, installing or modifying ductwork as needed, and programming your new thermostat.
Before we consider the job complete, we test every component of your new system. This includes checking refrigerant levels, verifying electrical connections, testing safety controls, and ensuring proper airflow throughout your home. We also provide detailed operation instructions and maintenance recommendations to help you get the most from your new system.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings
Modern air conditioning systems offer impressive energy efficiency improvements over older units. When you invest in our AC installation services in Columbus, Ohio, you’re not just buying comfort. You’re making a smart financial decision that pays dividends through lower utility bills and reduced repair costs.
Today’s high-efficiency systems use variable-speed technology that adjusts cooling output to match your home’s needs. Instead of constantly turning on and off like older units, these systems run at lower speeds for longer periods, maintaining consistent temperatures while using less energy. Many of our customers see 30-40% reductions in cooling costs after upgrading to modern, properly sized systems.
The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating tells you how efficiently an air conditioner operates. While older systems typically have SEER ratings of 8-10, new systems start at 14 SEER and can reach 20+ SEER for premium models. Our technicians help you understand these ratings and choose the efficiency level that makes sense for your home and budget.
Beyond energy savings, efficient systems provide better humidity control, quieter operation, and more consistent temperatures throughout your home. These comfort improvements often surprise customers who didn’t realize how much their old system was struggling to maintain proper conditions.
Ductless Air Conditioning Options
Not every home is suited for traditional central air conditioning. Older homes without existing ductwork, room additions, and homes with challenging layouts often benefit from ductless mini-split systems. Our AC installer in Columbus, OH specializes in these versatile systems that provide efficient cooling without the need for extensive ductwork.
Ductless systems consist of an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor air handlers. Each indoor unit can be controlled independently, allowing different temperature settings in different rooms. This zoned approach eliminates the energy waste associated with cooling unused spaces and gives family members individual comfort control.
Installation of ductless systems is typically less invasive than central air, requiring only small holes through exterior walls for refrigerant lines. The indoor units mount high on walls or suspend from ceilings, taking up minimal space while providing powerful cooling performance. Many models also offer heating capabilities, making them year-round comfort solutions.
Financing and Warranty Protection
We understand that AC installation represents a significant investment. That’s why we offer flexible financing options to help Columbus area homeowners get the comfort they need without straining their budgets. Our financing programs include options for all credit levels, with competitive rates and terms that fit your financial situation.
Every installation comes with comprehensive warranty protection. Manufacturer warranties cover equipment defects, while our workmanship warranty protects the quality of our installation. We also offer extended service agreements that provide ongoing maintenance and priority service, helping you protect your investment for years to come.
Our service agreements include annual tune-ups, priority scheduling for repairs, and discounts on parts and labor. Regular maintenance is crucial for maintaining efficiency, preventing breakdowns, and preserving warranty coverage. Our maintenance programs take the guesswork out of system care, ensuring your AC receives professional attention when it needs it most.
Local Expertise and Community Commitment
As a locally owned company serving Columbus and surrounding communities, we understand the unique challenges Ohio homeowners face. Our technicians are familiar with local building codes, utility programs, and climate conditions that affect AC performance. This local knowledge helps us recommend solutions that work specifically for central Ohio homes.
We’ve built our reputation on honest service and quality workmanship. Our BBB Torch Award recognition reflects our commitment to ethical business practices and customer satisfaction. When you choose our AC replacement company in Columbus, OH, you’re working with neighbors who care about your comfort and satisfaction.
Our service area includes Columbus and surrounding communities like Dublin, Westerville, Reynoldsburg, Grove City, and Hilliard. We maintain a fleet of fully stocked service vehicles and keep common parts in inventory to minimize delays and ensure prompt service when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most AC installation projects take 6-8 hours for a straightforward replacement of an existing system. New installations or complex projects may require 1-2 days, depending on ductwork modifications, electrical upgrades, or permit requirements. Our team provides accurate time estimates during your consultation and keeps you informed throughout the process.
The right size depends on multiple factors including your home's square footage, insulation levels, window efficiency, ceiling height, and local climate conditions. Our technicians perform detailed load calculations to determine the exact cooling capacity your home needs. Oversized units waste energy and provide poor humidity control, while undersized units struggle to maintain comfortable temperatures.
AC installation costs vary based on system type, efficiency level, home size, and installation complexity. Basic central air systems start around $3,000-$5,000, while high-efficiency systems can range from $5,000-$10,000 or more. We provide detailed written estimates that include all equipment, labor, permits, and warranty information with no hidden fees.
Yes, we offer flexible financing options with competitive rates and terms for all credit levels. Our financing programs help make quality AC installation affordable with monthly payments that fit your budget. We also accept major credit cards and offer seasonal promotions throughout the year.
Most air conditioners last 12-15 years with proper maintenance. However, replacement timing depends on repair frequency, energy efficiency, and comfort performance. If your system is over 10 years old and requires frequent repairs, replacement often makes more financial sense than continued repairs.
We specialize in Trane equipment, known for reliability and efficiency. As a certified Trane dealer, we offer competitive pricing, extended warranties, and factory-trained installation. We also work with other major brands when customers have specific preferences or existing equipment compatibility requirements.
While we prioritize emergency repairs during peak season, new installations typically require scheduling in advance. However, we maintain priority lists for customers with complete system failures and work to accommodate urgent situations whenever possible. Our goal is to restore your comfort as quickly as possible.
New air conditioners need annual professional maintenance to maintain efficiency, prevent breakdowns, and preserve warranty coverage. This includes cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, testing electrical components, and replacing filters. We offer comprehensive maintenance agreements that take care of all these requirements automatically.
Beyond choosing a high-efficiency system, you can improve performance by sealing air leaks, upgrading insulation, using programmable thermostats, maintaining clean filters, and scheduling regular maintenance. Our technicians provide personalized recommendations based on your home's specific characteristics and your comfort goals.
Yes, we handle all necessary permits and coordinate required inspections for your AC installation. Our team is familiar with local building codes and ensures your new system meets all safety and efficiency requirements. This service is included in our installation pricing with no additional fees.
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Ready to Upgrade Your Home Comfort?
Don’t let another summer pass with an unreliable or inefficient air conditioning system. Contact Waterworks & Hetter Heating and Cooling today to schedule your free consultation and estimate. Our experienced team is ready to help you choose the perfect cooling solution for your Columbus area home.
Call us at (614) 784-9200 or visit our website to schedule your appointment. Experience the difference that professional installation and local expertise make for your family’s comfort and peace of mind.
What Our Customers Are Saying
Hetter Heating & Cooling has been the trusted choice for thousands of Columbus homeowners, delivering reliable, high-quality comfort solutions. Backed by a 4.9-star rating from 900+ reviews, our customers consistently praise our dependable service and exceptional care. Discover why so many families count on Hetter for their heating and cooling needs today!
The inspection was thorough along with several maintenance tips that were useful-above and beyond.
Complete professionals. Honest in their dealings, don't attempt to find loopholes in warranties or con you into buying things you don't need like other Trane dealers locally. Definitely recommend 👌
Bobby came out to look at our heat pump after it wasn’t keeping temp properly. We had a company come out previous who had given a very large quote which we were ready to do, but figured we would get a second opinion to make sure we were doing the right thing. Not only did Bobby work efficiently and quickly, he also helped advise us on how to properly address the issue instead of diving into a huge repair which might not be our actual issue. We’ll definitely be a repeat customer!
The tech was very knowledgeable and professional. He found the problem right away and got the parts needed really quickly. Everything went great!
We have been very pleased with Hetter's prompt, professional, quality and value/fair priced services- no complaints. We did not have the same prior experience with Waterworks, and so we no longer use Waterworks. We hope Hetter continues to maintain it's quality services now that it has been acquired. Hopefully Waterworks can learn from Hetter's excellent service model.
The technician was prompt, personable, and very knowledgeable and competent. I was very pleased with my entire experience.
I have used Hetter Heating and cooling (Waterworks) over the years to install Trane system at my house. They have always done a great job. Needed some emergency services during one of the hottest days this year and the tech showed up on time and helped get my air conditioning running! Thank you for such great service!!
We used Hetter Heating & Cooling to install a brand new HVAC in September and they did a great job. Unfortunately we had an issue during this season's heat wave with no cold air circulating through the house and couldn't figure out why. Although they were completely booked and swamped with outside temps reaching 100+ degrees, they prioritized us day-of and sent a technician out to diagnose the problem (it was icing over) and get us back up and running ASAP. They take good care of their customers and stay committed to quality!
When my A/C recently quit blowing cold air I called Hetter because they installed it 16 years ago. James the technician from Hetter responded in a timely manner. He examined the unit and clearly explained the issues that were causing it to not work correctly. He suggested possible courses of action to correct the situation and made several helpful recommendations. He quoted what I felt was an extremely fair price to remedy the situation. In addition to his being an excellent technician he showed that he really cared about fixing our problems with the unit. Hetter is a great outfit to do business with and I recommend them without any reservations.
My service tech Tyler was professional and courtesy. I explained what I needed and he went to work. I appreciate the prompt appointment which was earlier than estimated time. Thank you Hetter Heating!
I have been with Hetter Heating & Cooling for the last four years since I moved here to Ohio. Always have been very satisfied with their service. Staff is polite clean and always on time. I feel confident highly recommending the Hetter heating and cooling company.
I had an issue with our new HVAC a year after being installed. They were able to come out the next afternoon and get it working again thankfully.
Update: I used Hetter again recently and had another outstanding experience. David came out to assess our system and was incredibly kind, professional, and helpful. He took the time to explain everything clearly, provided thoughtful guidance, and made what could have been a stressful situation feel manageable. It's rare to meet someone so knowledgeable who also genuinely puts the customer first. Yet again, Hetter proves why they’re the best. Thank you, David! Original Review: Hetter did amazing work. They were friendly and professional. We had an unfortunate experience with the HVAC subcontractor our general contractor used. The work done all had to be replaced. While everyone from Hetter was great, I want to specifically call out Zac and Devan as they spent the most time here. They both were incredibly friendly and professional. I couldn't have been happier with the work done.
Scott was absolutely wonderfull! He jetted across town to squeeze in a quote so I could make an afternoon appointment and then went back and forth with his boss in order to get us the best possible price with free maintenance! He even managed to neogiate with the install guys to get our install moved up 5 days. Amazing!
We had a wonderful experience with the salesperson and set up a time for a new furnace install. Rick and Michael were our installers. They were on time and protected our property and installed our new furnace in a few hours. Rick was knowledgeable about the different thermostats, so we felt confident in our choice. Rick helped my husband set up the new WFI thermostat and made sure we were happy with how the furnace was working. We have dealt with Hetter previously and have always been pleased with all workers that come to our home. I can truly recommend Hetter Heating and Cooling for all your comfort needs.
Hetter always does a great job on servicing my home HVAC. The techs are very knowledgeable, efficient and great to work with on each of my service calls. I’ve been using them for over 6 years and have no need to look for any other providers. Thanks for the excellent customer service
I have always had good service from Hetter. With WaterWorks as a partner the good service continues. I had my AC serviced to make sure it works on the hottest days. I have confidence it will be working when I need it most. Thank you WaterWorks/Hetter.
Always on time. Workers like Chuck are rare. He is respectful and explains everything he is doing.
Just had my annual spring service inspection done on my cooling system. Technician was knowledgeable and professional. Have been a customer of Hetter for many years.
My service tech was very professional, on time and did his job quickly. I like the fact that he didn't try to talk me into any more services (which I have happen often). I am totally satisfied with the work done. I highly recommend!
Been using Hetter for years. After getting estimates, we have chosen Hetter for our HVAC needs. Highly recommend!
Hetter Heating has always been responsible and responsive when we have needed them. They have serviced our HVAC and air conditioner and have been thorough and professional in their service. They fix what needs to be fixed and do not try to upsell you or overcharge you.
I can’t say enough positive things about Hetter Heating and Cooling. We have been using their twice a year servicing program for 5+ years. In that time we’ve had no issues with either our heating or ac systems (I believe this is because the service catches issues before they become catastrophes). Getters technicians check everything on both systems, - cleaning coils, replacing air filters and testing compressor draw as standard procedures. They are honest and trustworthy with a great work ethic. We highly recommend them to anyone needing heating and cooling help.
Arrival to property as confirmed with scheduling team. Comprehensive seasonal inspection and maintenance completed in a timely manner. Technician friendly, focused and stays on task from arrival through departure. Once again, a terrific outcome. Thank you ~
I've had nothing but positive experiences with Hetter and would recommend them without reservation.
You can expect to pay $100 for a person to make a house call plus their time on the job.
He was very nice and knowledgeable. I appreciated him fixing so fast. He helped me out at this time in need.
Geni, was courteous, prompt and very thorough on his inspection. Ask if there were any questions or concerns. Hetter Heating & Cooling has been a very good company to work with and will continue using their services in the future.
May 2025. I rely on Lance at Hetter. Honest. Reliable. Knowledgeable. A people person. The best! ---------------------- September 2019 - another informative visit by Lance on the twice-yearly maintenance check. He keeps the furnace and a/c in tip-top shape to avoid long-term issues. Can’t ask for more! ————————— Have used Hetter for 18 years and I am pleased with the service they provide, whether it's the maintenance check or a repair to keep my 20+ year old furnace in working order. And I always learn something new from Lance.
All technicians have been with the company for years, are very thorough, and explain what they are doing and why.
Hetter Heating and Cooling/Waterworks does a great job. The maintenance agreement gives us peace of mind. The technicians are people that have been at my home before and you trust them to do a good job. I asked them tons of questions and watch as they work and they don’t mind and answer everything. May scheduled appointment today was for Spring maintenance and checking in the AC, besides them checking the air cleaner and furnace. Happy they take care of our home.
Technician called ahead, arrived timely and completed all the work neatly and efficiently.
We had our furnace and A/C replaced by Hetter a few years ago, and do the maintenance checks every year. Rick Hoffman just came for the A/C check, and did a great job and explained what he was doing, even in the midst of the pandemic. He wore a mask and booties and stayed far away, but was cheerful and friendly. My dog lies in wait with his tennis ball for your techs to come outside for the A/C test, and Rick was happy to play along for a few minutes 🙂
Fantastic customer service from start to finish. Andy took our call & Tyler was our tech. Both gentlemen were a pleasure to do business with.
Todd was professional, clearly knew what he was doing with our older air conditioner and furnace, and was warm and friendly with us. he checked our thermostat and took out the batteries that were unneeded. He’s an excellent employee!
We have used Hetter Heating and cooling for 20+ years. Now part of Waterworks! Chuck Smith has performed our Spring and Fall service for at least 10 years. We bought a new AC & Furnace from Hetter in 2019. Always experienced high quality, honest service from Chuck & Hetter over the years. Looking forward to having Hetter/Waterworks provide us excellent products and services in the future.
Hetter Heating & Cooling is hands down the best company we have ever used for our HVAC service. Scheduling is easy, and the office staff is always helpful. The techs are friendly, professional, and HONEST. I have never been “upsold” or told something needed to be fixed/replaced when it didn’t need to be. The techs are always happy to answer questions, walk me through processes, etc. I recommend Hetter to everyone I know with confidence.
Very thorough and professional. Explained what was done and the results of his inspection.
David was great when he came to do a scheduled maintenance check on our air-conditioning. Very honest man. When I asked about a deal on setting up a fall maintenance check he quickly told me it would be better for me to do that. Cheaper in the long run. Highly recommend this company. We've used them in the past!
Great communication before and after. Appreciate that the provide a courtesy call when headed my direction in addition to a photo so I know who to expect. They always do great work and are very professional! Appreciate they cover there work boots when entering my home!
Chuck from Hetter came out to complete our annual spring maintenance today. He was prompt, professional, competent, and went above and beyond to clean our AC unit and show me how to keep the lift pump clean.
Technician came on time and very efficiently serviced the AC and was very courteous.
Hvac technician Lance did our spring check on our 14 year old system today. He has been our technician since we bought it. He is very thorough and knowledgeable. The company kept us informed of when he would be arriving. No surprise visit! Wonderful company to do business with and I highly recommend them.
The technician was on time, efficient, knowledgeable, and he reviewed all the finding of his inspection with me. Very professional service. Highest rating.
I have used Hetter HVAC to service my furnace and air conditioner for five or six years now and have always been satisfied with the quality of their service as well as the very reasonable cost of their service contracts. So when I decided to replace my HVAC systems last year, Hetter was my first choice, and I was not disappointed. They replaced the old furnace and air conditioner with Trane high-efficiency systems (say “tax credits”) and reconfigured the ductwork to accommodate the same size air filters I had been using. The new system has operated flawlessly throughout the past summer and winter seasons. I particularly like the highly intuitive thermostat that came with the system. I can recommend Hetter HVAC (now Waterworks) without reservation. I would give them more stars if I could.
Scott and Brian Jr did a wonderful job of installing a new Trane system, a nice, quiet and efficient upgrade of our 21 year old Lennox. They were prompt, courteous, and professional. Scott, I believe, was the lead, explained things clearly and thoroughly at the outset, during and at completion especially with the paperwork. They took the responsibility of registering the warranty and explaining the annual service contract, what's covered and overall value. I gladly signed up for this maintenance with this trustworthy company. Thank you very much for a great job of installation. I highly recommend Hetter!
David was very professional and through. It was refreshing to have a technician that was honest and straightforward.
As always I had a very nice experience Todd was excellent ..very friendly very efficient and everything was done in a most timely matter thanks for your service..Barb.
Hetter Heating and Cooling has always provided great work at a reasonable price, both with the servicing of my old HVAC unit and the purchase/installation of my new one. The employees are a pleasure to work with.
I have participated in the yearly program with Hetter for a number of years and it works out well for me.
Hetter and Waterworks are a first class operation from top to bottom. They have always provided great service in all phases from the first phone call to the final install/repair. We highly recommend them!!
Came when he was scheduled Didn’t find anything wrong,gave us useful information
Great experience over all. Customer service was great, our tech was amazing, and to top it off the price was more than fair. Will be doing business again in the future. Thanks for the help.
Hetter H & C has been our go to company for all home heating & cooling systems for a very long time. We keep a 6 month maintenance on everything because we trust Hetter and we don’t like surprises at inconvenient times. Staying up to date saves $$ and time.
Prompt, friendly service and able to quickly resolve the issue - same day
Have an older furnace that another company deemed unsafe to use. Was getting a quote for a new one from Hetter Heating & Cooling and the service tech called in an another tech to run a test for a second opinion. They told me it was safe to use. It was a service that went beyond the call..I would recommend them any time I’m asked. Those techs were wonderful!!
Bobby did a great job. He cleaned and serviced the furnace which fixed the problem. No need to replace any expensive parts. Larry Hagerman