South Carolina Heat Pump Leasing & Installation Guide
Benefits of Palmetto Heat Pumps
Say goodbye to clunky old systems and surprise repairs. Palmetto Comfort Plan gives you a brand-new heat pump, installation, and full support, all wrapped into one subscription.
Year Round Comfort
A high-efficiency heat pump keeps your home cool in summer, warm in winter, and your energy use in check all year long.
Forget the maintenance
With a Comfort Plan subscription, installation and maintenance are fully covered, no surprise bills, no weekend DIY.
Rewards for renewing
Stick with us and earn credits toward your next system upgrade. It’s our way of saying thanks for building a cleaner, comfier future with us.
Buy it or finance it. Your comfort, your call
There’s no wrong way to get cozy. Here’s how the options stack up, so you can choose what works best for you.
| Comfort Plan | Cash | Loan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment schedule | $0 upfront, then monthly subscription | Full price upfront | $0 upfront, then monthly payment |
| Term length | 10 or 12 years | None | Variable |
| End of term options | Flexible with 25% renewal term credits to new system | No credits to new system | No credits to new system |
| Maintenance included | Yes | No | No |
| Eligible for incentives | Yes | No | No |
Get a quote See how Comfort Plan works
Heat Pump Financing in South Carolina
While South Carolina’s state-level HOMES and HEAR rebate programs are expected to launch in 2026, they are not yet active. However, homeowners can still take advantage of the federal IRA tax credit of up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations. Palmetto’s Comfort Plan lease offers an alternative path to energy-efficient heating and cooling with $0 upfront cost, allowing you to upgrade your home without waiting for state programs or managing tax credits.
Federal IRA Tax Credit
Up to $2,000
The Inflation Reduction Act provides a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations through 2032.
Eligibility: Available to homeowners who purchase and install a qualifying heat pump system. Claimed on your annual federal tax return.
Palmetto Comfort Plan: $0 Upfront Heat Pump Leasing
Even without local rebates, Palmetto’s Comfort Plan makes upgrading easy. You get a high-efficiency heat pump installed with $0 upfront cost, predictable monthly payments, and all maintenance and repairs included for the life of the plan.
Incentive information is based on publicly available data as of 2026 and may change. Contact program administrators to verify current availability and eligibility requirements.
South Carolina Electricity Prices
Understanding South Carolina’s electricity costs helps you make smarter decisions about home heating and cooling efficiency.
Electricity rates in South Carolina have climbed steadily from 12.9 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.1 cents in 2024—a 9% increase that impacts your monthly energy bills.
Heat pumps offer a practical solution to rising costs. Because they’re 2-3x more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, they use significantly less electricity to deliver the same comfort level.
As electricity rates continue to rise, efficiency becomes increasingly valuable. A heat pump’s lower energy consumption means your home stays comfortable while your long-term operating costs remain manageable.
Price of Energy: South Carolina vs National Average
0¢
10¢
20¢
30¢
13.7¢
12.9¢
15.0¢
13.6¢
16.0¢
13.7¢
16.5¢
14.1¢
2021
2022
2023
2024
US Average
South Carolina
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Energy Information Administration, Form 861
South Carolina Utility Providers
South Carolina residents benefit from electricity rates below the national average. In 2023, major providers like Duke Energy Carolinas (12.67¢/kWh) and Santee Cooper (11.38¢/kWh) charged less than the state average of 13.70¢/kWh and the national average of 16.0¢/kWh.
These competitive rates reflect South Carolina’s diverse energy mix, including nuclear and natural gas generation. Cooperatives like Berkeley Electric (14.06¢/kWh) and investor-owned utilities like Dominion Energy (14.41¢/kWh) typically charge slightly more due to infrastructure investments and service area characteristics.
Even where electricity costs run higher, heat pumps offer significant savings potential. Their exceptional efficiency means they use less energy than traditional HVAC systems to heat and cool your home, helping reduce your overall energy spending regardless of your utility provider.
South Carolina Utilities Electricity Rates
Dominion Energy South Carol…
14.41¢
-10%
Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC
12.67¢
-21%
South Carolina Public Servi…
11.38¢
-29%
Duke Energy Progress – (NC)
14.67¢
-8%
Berkeley Electric Coop Inc
14.06¢
-12%
SC Average
13.70¢
-14%
US Average
16.0¢
—
Source: US Energy Information Administration, 2023, Form 861, Table 6
South Carolina Heat Pump City Guides
Explore detailed heat pump installation guides for cities across South Carolina. Each guide includes local utility rates, incentives, and climate-specific recommendations.
Aiken Bluffton Charleston Clemson Columbia Florence Fort Mill Greenville Myrtle Beach Rock Hill Spartanburg Summerville
Palmetto Reviews
We have already told friends about how well we were treated during our new hvac purchase and installation. Your service met our needs and everything was done easily and promptly.
Palmetto Customer
SC
The overall process was very easy. The specific payment plan offered was a tremendous help when I needed to resolve my AC problem. I would recommend for convenience and service.
Palmetto Customer
VA
Long term lease plans aren’t for everyone! But for my specific situation it made sense. For some it may not! But my experience has been great overall 🙂
Palmetto Customer
IL
Ready to start saving with a heat pump?
Speak with a Palmetto heating & cooling expert to find out exactly how much you can save.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do heat pumps work well in South Carolina?
Yes, heat pumps work exceptionally well in South Carolina’s mild climate. With average winter temperatures rarely dropping below freezing for extended periods, heat pumps can efficiently provide both heating and cooling year-round. Modern heat pumps are designed to operate effectively even during South Carolina’s occasional cold snaps, making them an ideal choice for homeowners throughout the state.
How much does a heat pump cost in South Carolina?
Heat pump costs in South Carolina typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 for a complete installation, depending on your home’s size, existing ductwork, and the system’s efficiency rating. This investment can help you save on energy bills over time, especially with South Carolina’s current electricity rate of 14.1¢ per kWh.
What are the best heat pump brands for South Carolina homeowners?
Top heat pump brands for South Carolina homes include Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Mitsubishi, and Daikin. These manufacturers offer models with high SEER2 ratings and strong humidity control—essential features for South Carolina’s hot, humid climate.
Are there heat pump rebates available in South Carolina?
Yes, South Carolina homeowners can access heat pump rebates through several programs. If you purchase a heat pump system outright, you may qualify for federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act. Additionally, some local utility companies in South Carolina offer rebates for energy-efficient heat pump installations, though availability varies by provider and location.
Should I lease or buy a heat pump in South Carolina?
The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in South Carolina depends on your financial situation and preferences. Leasing through a Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs, making it ideal if you want predictable costs. Buying outright means you own the equipment and may qualify for federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Is a heat pump worth it financially in South Carolina?
Yes, heat pumps are typically worth it financially in South Carolina. They can reduce heating and cooling costs by 30-50% compared to traditional systems, and with electricity at 14.1¢ per kWh, the energy savings add up quickly. Most homeowners see a return on their investment within 5-10 years through lower utility bills.
What size heat pump do I need for my South Carolina home?
The right heat pump size for your South Carolina home depends on your square footage, insulation quality, ceiling height, and climate zone. Most homes need between 2 to 5 tons of cooling capacity—roughly one ton per 500-600 square feet—but an accurate calculation requires a professional load assessment that accounts for your home’s specific characteristics and South Carolina’s humid subtropical climate.