Heard's Heating & Air: What to Know About This South Carolina HVAC Company
Who Heard's Heating & Air is and what they do
Heard's Heating & Air is a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contractor based in South Carolina. They install, repair, and maintain HVAC systems for residential and commercial customers across the state. The company handles everything from routine maintenance and emergency repairs to full system replacements.
If you're looking for information about HVAC services in South Carolina—whether you need someone to fix a broken air conditioner, install a new furnace, or set up a maintenance plan—Heard's is one of the established local options to research alongside others in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Heard's Heating & Air operates as a South Carolina-based HVAC contractor offering installation, repair, and maintenance services.
- The company serves both residential and commercial properties, so the scope of work depends on your building type and system needs.
- When comparing HVAC contractors, it's worth checking their licensing, insurance, warranty terms, and customer reviews before deciding.
- Emergency repair availability and response time vary by contractor, so ask about their after-hours service if that matters to your situation.
What HVAC services typically include
HVAC contractors like Heard's generally offer three main categories of work. Installation means putting in a new heating or cooling system—a major project that takes planning and often requires permits. RepairMaintenance
Most HVAC companies also offer seasonal tune-ups—a spring check before cooling season and a fall check before heating season. These visits catch small issues early and help systems run more efficiently, which can lower your energy bills.
How to research and compare HVAC contractors
Before you contact any contractor, gather information that matters to your decision. Check whether they are licensed by South Carolina's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DHEC). Ask about their insurance coverage—both general liability and workers' compensation. Request references from recent jobs similar to yours, and read online reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, or Angie's List to see what past customers report about their experience.
Get written estimates from at least two or three contractors so you can compare pricing, equipment brands, and warranty terms. A low price is not always the best deal if it comes with a short warranty or lower-quality equipment. Ask each contractor how long they've been in business, whether they offer emergency service, and what their response time is if something breaks on a weekend or holiday.
Questions to ask before hiring
When you contact a contractor, have a list ready. Ask what brands of equipment they install and why they recommend those brands. Find out whether the price includes labor, materials, and permits, or whether those are separate line items. Ask about the warranty on parts and labor—some contractors offer one year, others offer longer coverage.
Clarify whether they charge a service call fee just to diagnose the problem, or whether that fee is waived if you hire them for the repair. Ask how they handle emergency calls and whether there's an after-hours surcharge. If you're considering a maintenance plan, ask what's included in each tier and whether you get priority scheduling during peak seasons.
Understanding HVAC system types and costs
South Carolina's climate means most homes need both heating and cooling. Central air conditioning systems cool the whole house through ductwork, while heat pumps provide both heating and cooling by moving heat rather than generating it. Furnaces burn fuel (usually natural gas or oil) to create heat. Ductless mini-split systems cool or heat individual rooms without central ducts.
Installation costs vary widely depending on whether you're replacing an existing system (simpler) or installing from scratch in a new building (more complex). A new central air system might range from several thousand dollars to over ten thousand, depending on the size of your home, the equipment quality, and local labor rates. Repairs are usually cheaper than replacement, but a system that's more than 15 years old and breaks down frequently may cost less over time to replace than to keep fixing.
Maintenance plans and seasonal service
Many HVAC contractors offer annual or semi-annual maintenance agreements. These typically include a spring visit before cooling season and a fall visit before heating season. During each visit, a technician inspects the system, cleans components, replaces filters, checks refrigerant levels, and tests controls. Some plans include priority scheduling for repairs and discounts on service calls.
A maintenance plan can pay for itself by catching problems early and keeping your system running efficiently. It also gives you peace of mind knowing a professional has checked your equipment before the season when you'll rely on it most. Ask whether the plan is required to keep the manufacturer's warranty valid—some equipment requires annual maintenance to honor the coverage.
What to do if you have an emergency
If your air conditioner stops working in July or your furnace fails in January, you need fast help. Call the contractor directly and ask about emergency service availability. Some companies have 24/7 dispatch; others have limited after-hours coverage. Ask whether there's an emergency surcharge on top of the regular service fee, and what time window they can typically arrive.
While you wait for the technician, check simple things: Is the thermostat set correctly? Is the circuit breaker for the unit switched on? Are air vents and returns clear of furniture or debris? These steps sometimes solve the problem and save you a service call. If the system is still under warranty, check the warranty terms before hiring anyone—some warranties require you to use an authorized dealer for repairs, or the coverage may be voided.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my HVAC system serviced?
Most manufacturers recommend at least one service visit per year, often split into a spring tune-up before cooling season and a fall tune-up before heating season. If you live in a dusty area, have pets, or run your system heavily, more frequent filter changes and inspections may help it last longer and run more efficiently.
What's the difference between a repair and a replacement?
A repair fixes a specific broken part—a compressor, a valve, a motor. A replacement means removing the entire system and installing a new one. If your system is under 10 years old and the repair is under $500, repair usually makes sense. If the system is over 15 years old, breaks down repeatedly, or the repair costs more than half the price of a new system, replacement may be more economical in the long run.
Do I need a permit to replace my HVAC system?
Yes, most South Carolina municipalities require a permit for HVAC installation or replacement. The contractor typically handles the permit application and inspection as part of the job. Permits ensure the work meets building codes and protects your home's safety and resale value. Ask the contractor whether the permit fee is included in their estimate.
What should I look for in online reviews of HVAC contractors?
Look for patterns, not single complaints. One negative review among many positive ones is normal; multiple reviews mentioning the same issue—like missed appointments, poor communication, or shoddy work—is a red flag. Pay attention to how the contractor responds to criticism, whether they explain their side or dismiss concerns. Recent reviews are more relevant than old ones, since staffing and quality can change.
Can I do HVAC maintenance myself?
You can change air filters, keep outdoor units clear of debris, and keep vents unblocked. You should not attempt refrigerant work, electrical repairs, or opening sealed components—these require licensing and special tools. A professional inspection catches problems you can't see, like worn bearings, corroded coils, or electrical issues that could become safety hazards.