Columbus is a low cost-of-living market — pricing guide and permit rules below.
Columbus hvac rates: $2,000-$7,000 per system. Columbus's freeze-thaw cycles stress systems. Always get 3 written quotes and verify IN licensing at Indiana PLA (pla.in.gov). Sales tax on materials: 7%.
Columbus requires permits when work exceeds $150,000 or involves full system replacement. Your licensed contractor pulls the permit — if they ask you to pull it, that's a red flag.