Air Conditioner Installation Services in South Carolina
Need a new AC system — or wondering if repair makes more sense?
We specialize in AC installation — and if you’re not sure whether a full replacement is the right move, we’ll help you make sense of it. Straightforward answers, honest guidance, and pricing that’s hard to beat.
Call or text Justin directly (864) 731-5981 or get a free quote.
How to Know When It's Time to Replace Your AC System
Not sure whether you really need a new system? These are the most common signs we see when it's time to stop sinking money into repairs — and start fresh with something reliable and efficient.
Your system is 10–15+ years old
Older systems are less efficient, more likely to break down, and often use outdated refrigerants.
You’ve had multiple repairs in the last 2 years
If you're calling for service often, it’s usually more economical to replace than to keep patching.
Uneven cooling or hot spots in the home
A struggling system won’t keep your home consistently comfortable — especially during SC summers.
Energy bills have been steadily increasing
Declining efficiency = rising utility costs. A new system can bring those bills back down.
Unusual noises, smells, or frequent shutoffs
Grinding, clanking, or burning smells are often signs of deeper mechanical issues.
Constant thermostat adjusting
If you're constantly tweaking settings or never quite comfortable, your system may be failing to keep up.
Not sure where you stand?
Repair or Replace? Here’s How We Help You Decide
Not sure whether it’s time to replace your AC system — or if one more repair might buy you a few more summers? You're not alone. A lot of homeowners face that same question, and the answer isn’t always obvious.
That’s where we come in. We’ll walk you through the pros and cons so you can make the decision with clarity and confidence — not pressure.
Repair Might Make Sense If:
- Your system is less than 10 years old
- It's the first time you've had an issue
- The repair cost is minor
- It's still cooling your home effectively
- Your energy bills haven't changed much
Replace Might Make More Sense If:
- Your system is 12–15+ years old
- You've had multiple breakdowns or service calls
- Repair costs are adding up quickly
- You're dealing with uneven cooling or hot spots
- Your energy bills have been creeping up
Our rule of thumb:
If a system is 12 years or older and the repair cost is more than 25–30% of the cost of a new system, it's usually smarter to replace.
We’ll walk you through both options, explain the numbers, and let you decide what makes the most sense — no pressure, and no sales pitch.
What to Expect With a New AC Installation
Getting a new air conditioning system might sound like a big deal — but we keep the process simple, straightforward, and stress-free. Here's what you can expect when you work with us.
Free Quote & System Evaluation
We start with a visit to assess your current setup and talk through your needs. If you’re unsure about repair vs. replace, we’ll help you figure it out with no pressure.
Clear, Personalized Recommendations
We’ll lay out your options — system types, energy efficiency levels, and pricing — and walk you through the pros and cons of each option, so you can decide what makes sense for you.
Financing Options Available
Most of our customers qualify for $0 down and interest-free financing for 12 months. Approval takes just a few minutes, and your info stays private with the lender.
Installation Day
We arrive on time, prep the space, and install your new system with care and attention to detail. No mess. No surprises. Installs are often completed in a single day.
Final Walkthrough & Cool Comfort
Before we leave, we’ll make sure everything’s working perfectly, answer any questions, and walk you through what to expect with your new system.
From quote to cool air — we make the process easy, and treat your home with respect.
Get a Free Quote
Worried About the Cost?
Let’s Make It Easier.
Financing lets you split the cost of a new AC system into low monthly payments — so you can get the system you need now — without a large upfront payment.
Most of our customers choose the $0 down, 0% interest for 12 months option, which gives them the breathing room to get what they need now — without the financial strain.
$0 Down, 0% Interest for 12 Months
Most folks choose this plan — but we'll walk you through all the available options to find what fits your budget best.
No Early Payoff Penalties
You're in control. Pay it off early if you'd like — no fees, no fine print.
Soft Credit Pull Only
Checking your options won't affect your credit score.
Private & Secure
You fill out your info directly with the financing provider. We never see your personal data.
Want to see what financing might look like for your situation? Start with a free quote — and we’ll walk you through the numbers, no pressure.
Stay Cool Now. Pay Monthly.Our Customer-First Pledge
We'll never recommend something just because it makes us more money. Instead, we focus on what’s best for you — and that usually means the most reliable, least expensive solution.
Solutions that fit your budget.
We know these systems can be expensive, and too many companies exploit that. We factor your finances into every recommendation, because the best solution is the one you can afford.
Honest guidance, always.
We’ll guide you the same way we’d guide our own family — and the way we’d want to be guided ourselves.
Doing right by people.
We’re building our reputation on honesty — not sales pressure. We’d rather earn your trust than a quick sale.
Our promise:
We provide recommendations based on what’s right for you—not what’s most profitable for us. That usually means the most reliable and least expensive solution. We’re here to help—not to push.
See Who We've Helped Recently — and What We Installed
Here's a look at some of the AC systems we've recently installed across the Upstate. Real homes, real upgrades, and real customers who now have cool, efficient air again.
AC Replacement
Hodges, SC
"Great experience from start to finish. Justin and his team communicated every step of the way and the financing is a very easy process as well. We had to get a new unit and we received several quotes. This was not only the most affordable but also had the longest warranty for the new unit."
— Leigh H.
AC Replacement
Greenwood, SC
"Working with 5 Lakes has been a great experience! Justin is terrific and made the entire process, from the initial consultation to the installation very easy for us. We can't recommend Justin and his company enough. Completely satisfied."
— Linda G.
AC Replacement
Abbeville, SC
"Justin was great to work with. Fantastic customer service, knowledgeable, highly responsive and showed up when he said he would. I highly recommend 5 Lakes Heating & Air."
— Tina P.
These are just a few of the jobs we’ve done recently. We’d be glad to help you too.
Book a Free AC QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Cost & Financing
The cost to install a new AC system in South Carolina typically ranges from $4,500 to $12,000+, depending on the size of your home, the efficiency rating (SEER), and any ductwork or electrical upgrades needed. We’ll give you a clear, itemized quote up front — no surprises, no pressure. Financing is available for most systems.
Yes — most of our customers choose the $0 down, 0% interest for 12 months option. Approval is quick (about 5 minutes), there are no early payoff penalties, and it won’t affect your credit score. We’ll walk you through the process and help you find the best option for your budget.
Efficiency & System Selection
In South Carolina, a SEER rating of at least 15 or 16 is typically recommended for a good balance of efficiency and cost. Higher SEER ratings (like 18+) offer greater energy savings but may cost more upfront. We’ll help you compare options based on your home, usage, and budget — no pressure, just honest recommendations.
The right AC size depends on factors like square footage, insulation, layout, and sun exposure — not just tonnage. During your quote, we’ll evaluate your space and recommend the right system size to keep your home comfortable and efficient without overpaying for capacity you don’t need.
Repair vs. Replace
It might be time to replace your AC if it's over 10–15 years old, breaking down frequently, struggling to cool your home, or driving up your energy bills. Repairs can add up fast — and in many cases, a new system is actually more cost-effective long-term. We’ll walk you through the pros and cons and help you make the right call.
Timeline & Process
Most standard AC installations are completed in one day, but larger systems or special setups may take longer. We’ll give you a clear timeline during your quote and keep you informed every step of the way. Our goal is to minimize disruption and leave your home cleaner than we found it.
Yes — in most cases, a permit is required to install or replace an AC system in South Carolina. We handle all of that for you, so you don’t have to worry about paperwork or red tape.
Trust & Qualifications
Most systems come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers major parts (like the compressor) for 10 years — as long as it’s installed by a licensed contractor and registered properly. We’ll walk you through what’s included and make sure everything’s filed so you’re fully covered. You can also check out our Guarantees and Warranties page for more details.
We work with trusted brands like Trane and Carrier, but we’ll help you choose the one that fits your home, budget, and energy goals. We don’t push one brand over another — we recommend what’s best for your situation.
Where We Work
We provide HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance across these Upstate SC counties:
Don't see your area listed?
We likely serve your area — just get in touch and we'll confirm right away.