Compare the highest-rated hvac professionals in Salem, South Carolina. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A premier full-service HVAC contractor serving Salem and Oconee County since 1998. Specializes in high-efficiency heat pump installations crucial for the region's humid summers and mild winters. They are a Trane Comfort Specialist dealer and offer comprehensive energy audits to optimize home comfort and efficiency.
A trusted family-owned and operated HVAC company known for reliable repair and maintenance services. They have deep experience with the specific challenges posed by Salem's proximity to Lake Keowee, including managing humidity levels and servicing older homes. They are NATE-certified technicians and work with Carrier and Lennox systems.
Specializes in both residential and light commercial HVAC solutions with a strong focus on system installation and replacement. They are experts in sizing and installing systems correctly for the hilly terrain and variable microclimates around Salem, ensuring optimal performance. They offer financing options for new high-efficiency system installations.
Salem, SC, located in Oconee County in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, experiences a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and humid, placing a heavy demand on air conditioning systems, while winters are generally mild but can have cold snaps, requiring reliable heating. This dual demand makes year-round HVAC service essential. The local market is served by a mix of long-standing local contractors and larger regional companies, with a strong emphasis on heat pumps as the primary HVAC solution due to the climate. The seasonal shift from cooling to heating in the fall creates high demand for maintenance and tune-up services.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Salem regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about hvac services in Salem, South Carolina.
For a full system replacement in Salem, homeowners can expect to pay between $5,000 and $12,000, depending on the home's size, system efficiency (SEER rating), and complexity of installation. Our local climate, with hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters, necessitates a properly sized and efficient system. It's wise to get multiple detailed estimates from licensed local contractors, as pricing can vary based on the specific challenges of Upstate South Carolina homes, like crawl space or attic unit access.
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 ready for the peak summer heat and winter chill, and you'll find greater technician availability and potentially faster service. Waiting until the first major heatwave in June or a cold snap in December can lead to emergency service calls, longer wait times, and higher stress on your system.
While Salem follows standard South Carolina building codes, there are no unique local ordinances. However, homeowners should be aware of valuable rebate programs. Duke Energy, the primary utility provider for the area, often offers rebates for upgrading to high-efficiency heat pumps or air conditioners, which are excellent for our climate. Additionally, federal tax credits for qualified energy-efficient home improvements, including certain HVAC systems, can provide significant savings.
Always verify the contractor is licensed by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) and carries proper insurance. Look for established local companies with strong community reputations, as they understand the specific needs of homes in Oconee County. Ask for references from nearby jobs, check online reviews, and ensure they perform a detailed Manual J load calculation to correctly size your new system for Salem's temperature and humidity levels.
It is common for heat pumps to run longer cycles than traditional furnaces, especially during the colder nights we experience in the Upstate, as they efficiently extract heat from the outside air. However, if it's running non-stop and struggling to maintain a set temperature in mild 40°F weather, it may indicate an issue like low refrigerant, a dirty coil, or an undersized unit. Have a local technician perform a diagnostic, as proper operation is critical for both comfort and efficiency in our winters.