Compare the highest-rated hvac professionals in Columbia, South Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A full-service HVAC contractor specializing in high-efficiency system installations and complex ductwork designs for Columbia's humid climate. They are Carrier Factory Authorized Dealers and NATE-certified technicians, with particular expertise in heat pump systems and zoning solutions for older homes.
Family-owned and operated since 1995, Capital City Heating & Air has deep roots in the Columbia community. They offer comprehensive HVAC services with a strong focus on maintenance plans to combat the high pollen count and humidity that strain systems. They are Lennox Premier Dealers and EPA Advantage certified.
Known for their rapid response emergency services, Southern Comfort Mechanical excels in repair and system replacements. They work with Trane and American Standard equipment and have specific expertise in solving airflow and humidity control problems common in Columbia's older, historic homes, including thorough duct testing and sealing.
Columbia's HVAC market is driven by a humid subtropical climate with long, hot summers and short, mild but occasionally cold winters. This creates high demand for reliable air conditioning, dehumidification, and heat pump services. The prevalence of pollen and high humidity levels makes preventive maintenance and indoor air quality services essential. The market is competitive with numerous providers, but reputation for handling the intense summer heat is the primary differentiator for top-tier companies.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Columbia regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about hvac services in Columbia, South Carolina.
For a full system replacement (air conditioner and gas furnace or heat pump), homeowners in the Columbia area can expect to pay between $6,500 and $12,000, with high-efficiency systems reaching up to $15,000. This range accounts for our local labor costs, the specific size and layout of your home, and the intense summer demand that requires robust cooling capacity. Getting multiple detailed estimates is crucial, as prices can vary based on ductwork modifications and the efficiency rating (SEER) needed for our humid climate.
The ideal times are during the mild shoulder seasons of early spring (March-April) and early fall (September-October). Scheduling service during these periods ensures your system is fully tuned up before the peak summer heat and humidity or the occasional winter cold snap. You'll find greater technician availability and often more flexible scheduling compared to the high-demand summer months when emergency breakdowns are most common.
While South Carolina has no statewide HVAC licensing, always verify your contractor is licensed and insured. Importantly, check for local utility rebates; for example, Dominion Energy South Carolina often offers rebates for installing high-efficiency heat pumps or air conditioners. Additionally, the state's 6% sales tax is capped at a maximum for major home appliances, including HVAC systems, which can provide significant savings on larger installations.
Look for a locally established company with certified technicians (like NATE certification) and strong reviews specific to the Midlands region. They should perform a detailed Manual J load calculation to properly size your system for Columbia's climate, not just match the old unit's size. Always ask for proof of liability insurance and a detailed, written estimate that includes warranty information on both parts and labor.
This is frequently due to a combination of inadequate insulation in the attic and leaky or poorly designed ductwork, both common in older Columbia homes. The intense summer sun heats the attic, and leaky ducts in that space lose cool air before it reaches your rooms. A local HVAC professional can perform a duct leakage test and evaluate your attic insulation to recommend targeted sealing and upgrades, which dramatically improve efficiency and comfort.