Columbia is a very high cost-of-living market — pricing guide and permit rules below.
Columbia hvac rates: $5,000-$18,000 per system. Columbia's humidity and storms make regular maintenance essential. Always get 3 written quotes and verify MD licensing at Maryland MHIC (dllr.state.md.us). Sales tax on materials: 6%.
Columbia requires permits when work exceeds $500 or involves full system replacement. Your licensed contractor pulls the permit — if they ask you to pull it, that's a red flag.