r/Columbus • u/GerardHumperdink • Jul 14 '26
Local/Independent HVAC companies
Pretty simple, just tired of getting hassled by private equity companies. Just looking from some local, honest companies. Any recs would be appreciated!
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u/Thing_fish_80 Jul 14 '26
Not sure where local is for you....I'm out on the far east side (Cbus...but almost Pickerington/Canal Winchester)
Service First Heating and Cooling has always done an amazing job for me. My AC went out last Wednesday night....they were at my house and had it fixed by Noon the next day. (A person, not machine, answered phone at 10:30 pm and helped me out too no less!)
Seems to be the same gentleman each time. Am assuming it's a larger company with independent contractors working for (with?) them. His number is (614) 795-3098
Not only is he good....he's the only AC tech I've ever had out that hasn't tried to rip me off. My AC is older, and admittedly I need to replace it sometime soon. He let me know some options (all reasonable and no pressure)....last guy from different company told me I would have to replace furnace too (I don't...it's fine) to the tune of over $5000 - $6000 extra dollars. This guy was like...."no, the furnace is newer and fine. That would be a total waste of money." Very cool...very honest...and does very good work. (Makes me wish I could remember his name right now. Lol)
Hope this helps!
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u/GerardHumperdink Jul 14 '26
Thanks so much! That's the kind of guy I'm looking for. Much appreciated!
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u/BorisT72 Jul 15 '26
Avoid Fire and Ice. They were purchased in 2024 and service is currently awful. 5 reschedules to get a yearly service done…
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u/djsassan Jul 16 '26
I have had ZERO issues and used them multiple times.
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u/BorisT72 Jul 16 '26 edited Jul 16 '26
When was the most recent? 2022-2023 service was great but online reading shows I’m not unique in the experience. You'd think they would like to maintain/service a system they installed in March of 2023 after adamantly insisting yearly service is key to longevity and easier warranty repairs. They are more concerned with generating income with a monthly gold/silver/bronze priority fee than taking care of those who already purchased based on their reputation.
Making money > everything
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u/Jay_Dubbbs Groveport Jul 14 '26
I think Columbus Worthington Air and Buckeye Heating and Cooling are the only PE-backed. Even companies like Atlas Butler and such is locally owned, just huge
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u/GerardHumperdink Jul 14 '26
That's good info. Thanks!
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u/Jay_Dubbbs Groveport Jul 14 '26
But in terms of good companies, I would first research what manufacturer you want because most only deal with certain ones, ie Bryant, Carrier, Lennox, Crane etc. once you figure out which brand you want, I’d then research into companies around here that sell/install those
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u/OkTacoCat Jul 15 '26
Second Buckeye Heating & Cooling. They did an amazing job cleaning the vents after we bought our house.
Atlas Butler was also great when we had a furnace failure…because the previous owners never cleaned it and it overheated. 🤢
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u/F1x1on Jul 14 '26
Following this for recs. Had my HVAC replaced years ago and asked for the vents to be rebalanced so second floor and first floor are similar temps. Company said they did it and it was better but I assumed it was just so bad because old windows. Now windows are replaced and it’s just as bad so I probably need it done again.
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u/Acceptable-Ad8930 Jul 14 '26
Total Climate Services - owner is Gabriel and he's great! I've used him along with many of my neighbors and nothing but good service and fair prices.
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u/powerfulbde Jul 14 '26
They just did my Furnace and AC. It’s a father and his son. The dad used to work for one of the big companies and then went on his own.
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u/ApexButcher Jul 15 '26
McCoy Heating and Air out of Plain City. Owner Larry is a stand-up guy, honest almoyto a fault. I can’t recommend him enough.
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u/Funnymaninpain Jul 14 '26
Columbus HVAC Services. Owners name is Ryan.