When your AC quits in the middle of a Midlands summer, it's tempting to call the first number you find. But good repair starts with good diagnosis, and the right company will inspect your system, explain what they found and give you a clear price before they touch anything. Here's how to choose.
Before you call: quick, safe checks
Make sure the thermostat is set to cool, and replace its batteries if the display says they're low.
Check your filter and replace it if it's dirty.
Make sure vents and return grilles are open and unblocked.
Clear leaves or plants from around the outdoor unit — without opening it.
Leave the panels closed and don't keep resetting a tripped breaker. If you see ice, turn cooling off and don't chip it. Smoke, arcing or a burning smell? Get everyone out and call 911. If the house is dangerously hot, move vulnerable family members and pets somewhere cool.
Jot down what the system is doing — whether air is blowing, when it started, any thermostat codes, sounds, smells, ice or water. It helps the technician, even though symptoms alone rarely pinpoint the problem.
1. Verify their South Carolina license
Ask for the license number that covers the work and check it yourself with the SC Contractor's Licensing Board or the Residential Builders Commission. A logo on a truck isn't verification.
2. Ask about technician certifications
EPA Section 608 certification is required for anyone doing refrigerant work. NATE certification is voluntary, but it shows a technician has passed rigorous, industry-recognized HVAC exams. Neither replaces a license or a careful diagnosis, but both are good signs.
3. Confirm insurance
Ask for proof of insurance. A reputable company will provide a certificate of insurance on request. If a permit is needed, ask who pulls it.
4. Understand their pricing up front
A trustworthy company can explain its process before sending anyone — without pretending to diagnose your system over the phone. Ask:
What's the diagnostic fee, and is it waived if I go ahead with the repair?
Will I get a firm price before any work starts?
Are there after-hours or travel charges?
How do I pay, and is financing available for bigger repairs?
Be wary of a low phone quote. The same symptom can mean very different repairs, and a price that leaves out diagnosis or labor isn't a real price.
5. Read reviews for patterns
Look at recent reviews on Google and the BBB. Do customers mention technicians by name? Do they say the tech explained things clearly and didn't upsell? How does the company respond to complaints? Patterns tell you more than a star average.
6. Get it in writing
Before you approve anything, the quote should state the problem, the work, the parts and labor included, the total price and any exclusions. If replacement is on the table, ask for separate repair and replacement prices. Ask what the labor warranty covers and for how long, and whether a return visit costs extra.
7. Ask questions after the diagnosis
What did you find, and how did you test it?
Could anything else be causing this?
What happens if I wait?
If it needs refrigerant, will you find the leak?
A good technician will answer in plain language. Be cautious of anyone who pushes you to decide on the spot when there's no safety emergency.
How On Call measures up
We think every homeowner should hold their HVAC company to this checklist — including us. Here's where we stand:
Licensed: South Carolina Mechanical License CLM.111515 MC.
Certified: NATE-certified HVAC technicians, plus master and journeyman plumbers.
Insured: Certificates of insurance available on request.
Upfront pricing: $89 residential diagnostic, waived when you go ahead with the repair. Firm price on site before any work. Pay by cash, check or card — or ask your technician about financing.
Reviewed: BBB Accredited and voted The State's Best in 2025 and 2026. Read our reviews.
Local: Family-owned in the Midlands since 2011.
Need AC repair in Columbia or the Midlands? Call (803) 781-4357 or request service online.
