Compare the highest-rated hvac professionals in USC, 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 design for USC's humid climate. They are Carrier Factory Authorized Dealers and focus on humidity control solutions critical for South Carolina homes.
Local experts serving the University of South Carolina area for over two decades. They specialize in quick-repair services for both older homes and new constructions, with extensive experience with heat pumps prevalent in the region.
Known for their energy efficiency expertise and offering eco-friendly refrigerant options. They are NATE-certified technicians who provide detailed energy audits and specialize in upgrading older systems to meet the demanding cooling needs of South Carolina summers.
The HVAC market in Columbia, SC (USC area) is highly competitive and driven by a humid subtropical climate. Summers are long, hot, and extremely humid, placing immense demand on air conditioning systems for both cooling and dehumidification. Winters are mild, but efficient heating remains important. This creates a strong year-round demand for installation, maintenance, and emergency repair services. The top contractors differentiate themselves with deep expertise in humidity control, heat pump systems, and providing energy-efficient solutions to manage high utility bills.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with USC regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about hvac services in USC, South Carolina.
For a full system replacement in the USC area (including Columbia), homeowners can expect to pay between $5,000 and $12,000+, depending heavily on home size, system efficiency (SEER rating), and brand. South Carolina's hot, humid summers make a properly sized and efficient system critical for comfort and energy bills, so investing in a higher SEER unit (16+) often pays off. Always get itemized estimates from multiple licensed local contractors to compare.
The ideal times are during the mild shoulder seasons of early spring (March-April) and early fall (September-October). Scheduling service outside of the peak summer demand ensures faster appointment times and allows technicians to thoroughly prepare your system for the intense USC-area summer heat and humidity. Avoid waiting for a mid-summer breakdown when HVAC companies are at their busiest.
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 upgrading to high-efficiency heat pumps or air conditioners. Additionally, the state's sales tax on energy-efficient equipment is capped, providing a small savings on qualifying units.
Look for a locally established company with strong reviews and proper licensing (often through the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation). They should perform a detailed Manual J load calculation specific to our climate to ensure correct sizing. Ask for references from homes in older USC neighborhoods like Shandon or Forest Acres, as they often have unique HVAC challenges due to older construction.
In the USC area, this is frequently due to a combination of issues exacerbated by our high heat and humidity. The most common culprits are a dirty or restricted air filter, low refrigerant charge from a leak, or a dirty outdoor condenser coil clogged with pollen and cottonwood seeds. Poor attic insulation, common in older Columbia homes, also forces the system to overwork. A professional tune-up can diagnose and resolve these issues.