Florence, SC Heat Pump Leasing & Installation
In this guide
01
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.
02
Florence, SC Heat Pump Load Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate your home’s heating and cooling needs based on square footage. It’s calibrated to Florence’s ACCA-standard design conditions: 72°F indoor, 97°F outdoor for cooling, and 24°F for heating. For a precise Manual J load calculation and personalized quote, connect with Palmetto’s team. Get in touch with our team for an official quote.
Step 1 of 3
Home location & size
Your home’s location and size directly impact heating needs.
Step 2 of 3
Home attributes
Step 3 of 3
Additional details
Description of what this means for context.
Estimated Heating Needs
Your home’s location falls within the a climate zone with the average extreme winter falling between 10° – 15° F.
Home Details
Recommended equipment capacity
60,000 BTU
5 Tons
Calculated Cooling Mode
102,000 BTU
8.5 Tons
03
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.
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Cash |
Loan |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |||
| Eligible for incentives |
Cash
Loan
Local Incentives
Heat Pump Financing in Florence
While South Carolina's state-level HOMES and HEAR rebate programs are expected to launch in 2026, they are not yet active and accepting applications. However, homeowners in Florence, SC 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 rebate applications.
Federal IRA Tax Credit
Up to $2,000The Inflation Reduction Act provides a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 for qualifying heat pump installations through 2032.
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.
04
Climate Zones
Florence sits in IECC Climate Zone 9, which means mild winters with design temperatures around 24°F and hot, humid summers reaching 97°F. This climate profile requires a heat pump that can handle serious cooling demand while still providing efficient heating during cooler months. At Palmetto, we understand Florence's unique conditions and can help you find a system sized exactly right for your home. Explore other climate zones below or enter your ZIP code to confirm yours.
Climate Zone 1
Climate zone 1 is not typically seen within the United States outside of Alaska. It represents the coldest climates on the planet.
Climate Zone 1A
Avg. extreme winters: -60° to -55° F
Climate Zone 1B
Avg. extreme winters: -55° to -50° F
Florence Electricity Prices
Understanding your electricity costs in Florence is essential when considering a new heating and cooling system for your home.
South Carolina electricity rates have climbed steadily from 12.9 cents per kWh in 2021 to 14.1 cents in 2024—a 9% increase that directly impacts your monthly energy bills.
Heat pumps offer a practical solution to rising electricity costs. Because they're 2-3x more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, they use significantly less electricity to deliver the same heating and cooling comfort.
As electricity rates continue their upward trend, that efficiency gap becomes increasingly valuable. A heat pump's lower energy consumption means your monthly bills stay manageable even as rates rise over time.
Price of Energy: South Carolina vs National Average
Florence Area Utility Providers
Florence residents benefit from below-average electricity rates. Based on 2023 data, Duke Energy charged 14.7¢ per kWh while Santee Cooper charged 11.4¢ per kWh—both lower than the national average of 16.0¢.
These competitive rates reflect South Carolina's diverse energy mix and efficient regional infrastructure. Santee Cooper, as a public utility, offers particularly affordable rates, while Duke Energy's pricing remains below both state (13.70¢) and national benchmarks.
Lower electricity costs make Florence ideal for heat pump adoption. Since heat pumps use electricity more efficiently than traditional systems—often reducing energy consumption by 30-50%—your already-reasonable rates translate to even greater savings on heating and cooling.
Florence Utilities Electricity Rates
Let our smart tools do the heavy lifting.
Get personalized tips, usage insights, project tracking, and that daily satisfaction of making your energy work smarter with the Palmetto mobile app.
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- Energy insights & Dashboard
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Repair versus replace
When a heat pump is in need of repair it is worth considering whether a replacement would be a better investment. While each case is unique, we generally recommend investing in a new unit when repairs exceed $5,000.
A heat pump's lifetime is impacted by a number of factors including environment, use and the quality of the unit. It's important to choose the right unit for your climate zone and home's unique attributes.
When you are in need of repair, we recommend choosing a service provider that is an expert in the heat pump brand you have installed, and checking online reviews to ensure you are investing in the right level of service.
| Potential repair | Cost range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Capacitor Replacement | $150 - $400 | Common issue when unit struggles to start or makes a humming noise. Capacitors store the electrical energy needed to start the compressor and fan motors. |
| Refrigerant Recharge | $250 - $750 | Needed when the system loses cooling or heating efficiency due to low refrigerant levels. Includes leak detection, repair of minor leaks, and recharging the system to the manufacturer-specified level. |
| Reversing Valve Replacement | $450 - $900 | Required when the unit cannot switch between heating and cooling modes. The reversing valve directs refrigerant flow and is unique to heat pump systems. |
| Compressor Replacement | $1,500 - $3,000 | Major repair needed when the unit fails to heat or cool entirely. The compressor is the heart of the system, circulating refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor coils. |
| Evaporator/Condenser Coil Replacement | $1,200 - $2,800 | Replacement needed when coils develop leaks or corrosion that cannot be economically repaired. Coil damage reduces heat transfer efficiency and can cause refrigerant loss. |
| Control Board Replacement | $500 - $1,200 | Required when the system has electrical failures or erratic behavior. The control board manages all system operations including defrost cycles, fan speeds, and compressor staging. |
| Full System Replacement | $4,500 - $8,000+ | When repairs exceed the value of the unit or multiple major components fail simultaneously. Includes removal of the old system and installation of a new heat pump with updated refrigerant lines and electrical connections. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, heat pumps make excellent sense in Florence. The area's Climate Zone 9 conditions—with winter lows around 24°F and summer highs near 97°F—are ideal for modern heat pumps, which efficiently handle both heating and cooling. With South Carolina's electricity rate at 14.1¢ per kWh, heat pumps typically cost less to operate than traditional heating systems.
Florence homeowners can access heat pumps through Palmetto's Comfort Plan with $0 upfront and maintenance included, or through direct purchase to qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Both options provide year-round comfort while reducing energy costs compared to older HVAC systems.
Heat pumps perform exceptionally well in Florence's Climate Zone 9, where winter temperatures rarely drop below 24°F and summers peak around 97°F. Modern heat pumps maintain efficiency ratings of 300-400% even during Florence's coldest days, meaning they deliver three to four times more heating energy than the electricity they consume at 14.1¢ per kWh.
Florence's mild winters make heat pumps particularly cost-effective compared to traditional heating systems. The climate allows heat pumps to operate in their optimal efficiency range year-round, providing both heating and cooling without the dramatic performance drops seen in colder regions. This translates to lower energy bills and consistent comfort throughout all seasons.
The choice between leasing and buying a heat pump in Florence depends on your financial situation and preferences. Buying means paying upfront but owning the equipment outright, plus you may qualify for federal tax credits up to $2,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act. Leasing through Palmetto's Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs in your monthly payment.
For Florence homeowners, leasing offers predictable costs without maintenance worries, which is valuable given the area's hot summers (97°F design temperature) and moderate winters that put year-round demand on your system. Buying makes sense if you can take advantage of tax credits and prefer ownership. Both options help you save on South Carolina's 14.1¢ per kWh electricity rates compared to traditional heating and cooling systems.
Heat pump costs in Florence, SC 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. Climate Zone 9's moderate winters (design temp: 24°F) make Florence ideal for heat pumps, which can efficiently heat and cool your home year-round while taking advantage of South Carolina's 14.1¢ per kWh electricity rates.
Palmetto offers two flexible options to fit your budget: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and predictable monthly payments that include all maintenance and repairs, or direct purchase where you own the equipment outright and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act plus local rebates. Both options give Florence homeowners access to efficient heating and cooling without the uncertainty of traditional HVAC ownership.
Yes, heat pumps are typically worth it financially for Florence homeowners. Modern heat pumps can reduce heating and cooling costs by 30-50% compared to traditional systems, and with South Carolina's electricity rate of 14.1¢ per kWh, most homeowners see noticeable savings on their monthly energy bills. Florence's mild winters (design temp: 24°F) make heat pumps especially efficient here.
The financial case becomes even stronger when you consider your options. Direct purchase may qualify you for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, plus local rebates. Alternatively, Palmetto's Comfort Plan requires $0 upfront and includes all maintenance and repairs, eliminating unexpected costs while you enjoy lower energy bills from day one.
Heat pumps in Florence are installed by licensed HVAC contractors who understand South Carolina's Climate Zone 9 requirements, where systems must handle 24°F winter lows and 97°F summer highs. Palmetto works with certified local professionals to install high-efficiency heat pumps designed specifically for Florence's climate, ensuring proper sizing and performance year-round.
Palmetto offers two installation options: a Comfort Plan with $0 upfront cost and all maintenance included, or direct purchase where you own the system outright and may qualify for up to $2,000 in federal tax credits. Both options include professional installation by experienced technicians who ensure your heat pump operates efficiently in Florence's humid subtropical climate.
A heat pump is actually a type of HVAC system. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning—it's an umbrella term for any equipment that controls your home's temperature and air quality. Heat pumps are unique because they both heat and cool your home using electricity, transferring heat rather than generating it through combustion.
In Florence's climate, where winter temperatures drop to around 24°F and summers reach 97°F, heat pumps work year-round as a complete HVAC solution. With South Carolina's electricity rate at 14.1¢ per kWh, heat pumps typically cost less to operate than traditional furnaces and air conditioners. Palmetto offers flexible options including a Comfort Plan with no upfront cost and included maintenance, or direct purchase with potential federal tax credits up to $2,000.