## 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.

## 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](https://luminance.palmetto.com/home/hvac-advisor/address?utm_source=localorganic) for an official quote.

### Home location & size

Your home’s location and size directly impact heating needs.

- ZIP Code
- Number of residents
- Home Square Footage (sq ft)
- Home Ceiling Height (ft)

### Home attributes

- Amount of sunlight: Low | Moderate | High
- Insulation: Poor | Standard | Good | Excellent
- Number of Windows
- Window and Door Seals: Poor | Typical | Good

### Additional details

- Do you have a kitchen? Yes | No
- Do you have any glassed-in rooms? Yes | No
- Extra Device Wattage (W)

### 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

## 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.

|  | Comfort Plan | Cash | Loan |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 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 | Yes | No | No |
| Eligible for incentives | Yes | No | No |

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 available

The Inflation Reduction Act provided a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations. **Eligibility:** This credit is no longer available for systems installed in 2026. Only systems installed and operational by December 31, 2025 qualify.

### 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.

## 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.

### Climate Zone 6

Cool climate zone with cold winters and warm summers.

#### Climate Zone 6A

Avg. extreme winters: -10° to -5° F

#### Climate Zone 6B

Avg. extreme winters: -5° to 0° 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.

### Price of Energy: Ohio vs National Average

| Year | Ohio (¢/kWh) | US Average (¢/kWh) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2021 | 12.8 | 13.7 |
| 2022 | 15.0 | 13.9 |
| 2023 | 16.0 | 15.4 |
| 2024 | 16.1 | 16.0 |

### 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.

### Columbus Utilities Electricity Rates

| Provider | Rate (¢/kWh) | Change (%) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AEP Ohio | 18.60¢ | +16% |
| Duke Energy | 14.70¢ | -8% |
| OH Average | 15.40¢ | -4% |
| US Average | 16.0¢ | — |

## Palmetto Reviews

Long term lease plans aren’t for everyone! But for my specific situation it made sense. For some it may not! But my experience has been great overall 🙂

- **Palmetto Customer, IL**

The overall process was very easy. The specific payment plan offered was a tremendous help when I needed to resolve my AC problem. I would recommend for convenience and service.

- **Palmetto Customer, VA**

Everything about my experience was excellent. My new HVAC system was installed the next day; the process took less time than expected; the technicians were friendly, polite, and professional; and my home has been a comfortable temperature since with zero issues.

- **Palmetto Customer, MD**

### Ready to start saving with a heat pump?

Speak with a Palmetto heating & cooling expert to find out exactly how much you can save.

## 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.

### Recommended repair threshold

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.

| 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

### Do heat pumps make sense in Columbus?

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.

### How efficient are heat pumps in Columbus's climate?

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.

### Should I lease or buy a heat pump in Columbus?

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.

### How much does a heat pump cost in Columbus?

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.

### Is a heat pump worth it financially?

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.

### Who installs heat pumps in Columbus?

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.

### What is the difference between a heat pump and HVAC?

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.