Discover the captivating charm of Columbia, South Carolina, where a delightful fusion of history, culture, and natural beauty awaits. Known as the capital city with a welcoming soul, Columbia effortlessly blends Southern hospitality with a lively urban atmosphere. Its tree-lined streets are home to a tapestry of unique neighborhoods, each offering their own distinct personality and warmth.
As you explore Columbia, you'll be captivated by the revitalized
downtown area, brimming with locally-owned restaurants serving mouthwatering cuisine, eclectic boutiques offering one-of-a-kind finds, and a dynamic arts scene that embraces creativity at every turn. From the Columbia Museum of Art to indie galleries, art lovers will find no shortage of inspiration.
Nature enthusiasts rejoice in Columbia’s abundance of outdoor activities. With the majestic Congaree National Park nearby and the scenic riverfront trails of the Three Rivers
Columbia, South Carolina
4 | HelloColumbia, South Carolina • Winter Issue
Hello Columbia, South Carolina • Winter Issue |5
Greenway, adventure is always around the corner. Meanwhile, festivals and events dot the calendar year-round, highlighting the city's community spirit and openness.
Columbia is more than just a place to live; it's a canvas for vibrant experiences, where history and modernity harmonize, creating a welcoming, inclusive community that residents are proud to call home. Whether a lifelong resident or a...
Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina: A Vibrant Southern Gem
Discover the captivating charm of Columbia, South Carolina, where a delightful fusion of history, culture, and natural beauty awaits. Known as the capital city with a welcoming soul, Columbia effortlessly blends Southern hospitality with a lively urban atmosphere. Its tree-lined streets are home to a tapestry of unique neighborhoods, each offering their own distinct personality and warmth.
As you explore Columbia, you'll be captivated by the revitalized downtown area, brimming with locally-owned restaurants serving mouthwatering cuisine, eclectic boutiques offering one-of-a-kind finds, and a dynamic arts scene that embraces creativity at every turn. From the Columbia Museum of Art to indie galleries, art lovers will find no shortage of inspiration.
Nature enthusiasts rejoice in Columbia’s abundance of outdoor activities. With the majestic Congaree National Park nearby and the scenic riverfront trails of the Three Rivers Greenway, adventure is always around the corner. Meanwhile, festivals and events dot the calendar year-round, highlighting the city's community spirit and openness.
Columbia is more than just a place to live; it's a canvas for vibrant experiences, where history and modernity harmonize, creating a welcoming, inclusive community that residents are proud to call home. Whether a lifelong resident or a newcomer, you’ll find that Columbia warmly invites you to be part of its story.
FEATURED STORY
What Most People Miss When Choosing a Vanity Top
by Jeff Wise
Choosing the right vanity top for your bathroom isn't just about finding a style or color you love. The material you select matters more than many homeowners realize, especially in a space exposed to high humidity and daily use.Bathrooms are humid environments where moisture is always present, and not every material is made to handle that well. Lower-cost vanity tops, such as laminate or inexpensive wood, might seem appealing due to their affordability and design options. However, these materials can quickly warp, peel, or stain when consistently exposed to moisture. Over
6 | HelloColumbia, South Carolina • Winter Issue
Jeff Wise
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jeff Wise, President of Solid Surfaces, Inc., brings over 25 years of experience in sales and leadership to South Carolina’s oldest and largest DuPont-certified Corian fabricator. Under his hands-on guidance, the family-run business—serving the Southeast since 1983—has built a strong reputation for personalized service, competitive pricing, and fast turnaround on custom solid surface installations.
time, what seemed like a smart budget-friendly choice may lead to unexpected maintenance costs or even early replacement.Professionals and homeowners who understand long-term value typically select solid, non-porous surfaces. Materials like quartz, solid-surface acrylics, and granite have built-in resistance to water absorption. This prevents common bathroom issues such as mold growth, staining, swelling, and warping, ensuring your vanity maintains its appearance and durability for years to come.Non-porous materials also offer hygienic benefits. They resist bacteria and mildew buildup because water and other
Hello Columbia, South Carolina • Winter Issue |7
What Most People Miss When Choosing a Vanity Top
Choosing the right vanity top for your bathroom isn't just about finding a style or color you love. The material you select matters more than many homeowners realize, especially in a space exposed to high humidity and daily use.
Bathrooms are humid environments where moisture is always present, and not every material is made to handle that well. Lower-cost vanity tops, such as laminate or inexpensive wood, might seem appealing due to their affordability and design options. However, these materials can quickly warp, peel, or stain when consistently exposed to moisture. Over time, what seemed like a smart budget-friendly choice may lead to unexpected maintenance costs or even early replacement.
Professionals and homeowners who understand long-term value typically select solid, non-porous surfaces. Materials like quartz, solid-surface acrylics, and granite have built-in resistance to water absorption. This prevents common bathroom issues such as mold growth, staining, swelling, and warping, ensuring your vanity maintains its appearance and durability for years to come.
Non-porous materials also offer hygienic benefits. They resist bacteria and mildew buildup because water and other substances can't penetrate beneath the surface. This makes cleaning easier, saving time and effort in maintaining your bathroom's cleanliness and appearance.
Choosing the right material up front can save you headaches and unexpected expenses down the road. While the initial investment might be higher, the value, durability, and ease of maintenance make these materials a wise choice for any homeowner seeking long-term satisfaction.
So, next time you consider a bathroom renovation or simply upgrading your vanity, remember: while color and aesthetics matter, selecting the right material matters even more.
Choosing the right materialup frontcan save you headachesand unexpectedexpenses down theroad.
substances can't penetrate beneath the surface. This makes cleaning easier, saving time and effort in maintaining your bathroom's cleanliness and appearance.Choosing the right material up front can save you headaches and unexpected expenses down the road. While the initial investment might be higher, the value, durability, and ease of maintenance make these materials a wise choice for any homeowner seeking long-term satisfaction.So, next time you consider a bathroom...
FEATURED STORY
Replacing an Aging Heating and Cooling System in Columbia
by Brent Zokan
If your AC unit struggles to keep your home comfortable, runs nonstop, or causes higher utility bills, it might be nearing the end of its lifespan. Most air conditioners last between ten and fifteen years, but in a humid climate like Columbia, South Carolina, that can be shorter. As components wear out, the system loses efficiency, forcing it to work harder and use more electricity to produce the same cool air.One of the first signs is uneven cooling. Some rooms feel warm while others remain too cold, or the air coming through the vents no longer feels as strong. This
8 | HelloColumbia, South Carolina • Winter Issue
Brent Zokan
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
often points to problems within the HVAC system, such as failing motors, dirty coils, or ductwork leaks. A technician can repair these issues, but when they occur often, replacement becomes more cost-effective in the long term.Noise is another clue. Older AC systems may begin to rattle, buzz, or hum as internal parts loosen or wear down. While minor repairs can quiet the system for a while, ongoing mechanical noise often means the unit is nearing failure. Newer variable speed systems are designed to run quietly while adjusting airflow to maintain steady indoor comfort.Rising energy bills provide a clear
Hello Columbia, South Carolina • Winter Issue |9
Replacing an Aging Heating and Cooling System in Columbia
If your AC unit struggles to keep your home comfortable, runs nonstop, or causes higher utility bills, it might be nearing the end of its lifespan. Most air conditioners last between ten and fifteen years, but in a humid climate like Columbia, South Carolina, that can be shorter. As components wear out, the system loses efficiency, forcing it to work harder and use more electricity to produce the same cool air.
One of the first signs is uneven cooling. Some rooms feel warm while others remain too cold, or the air coming through the vents no longer feels as strong. This often points to problems within the HVAC system, such as failing motors, dirty coils, or ductwork leaks. A technician can repair these issues, but when they occur often, replacement becomes more cost-effective in the long term.
Noise is another clue. Older AC systems may begin to rattle, buzz, or hum as internal parts loosen or wear down. While minor repairs can quiet the system for a while, ongoing mechanical noise often means the unit is nearing failure. Newer variable speed systems are designed to run quietly while adjusting airflow to maintain steady indoor comfort.
Rising energy bills provide a clear signal too. When an air conditioner uses more power but delivers less cooling, energy consumption has increased. A modern, high-efficiency heating and cooling system can reduce energy use and save money each month while keeping your home comfortable. Older systems often have lower SEER ratings, so even if they still run, they consume more power to create the same cooling. Over time, those higher costs outweigh the expense of a replacement.
Another factor is humidity control. A healthy HVAC system not only cools but also removes excess moisture from the air. If your home feels sticky or you notice condensation around vents or windows, the unit may no longer dehumidify effectively. This can make indoor air feel warmer than it is and cause the system to cycle longer, wasting energy. Replacing an older AC unit with an energy-efficient model helps regulate both temperature and humidity, keeping indoor air cleaner and more comfortable.
Frequent breakdowns are another warning sign. If you call for service several times each year or repeatedly replace the same parts, continuing repairs might not be the best investment. When total repair costs reach about half the price of a new system, replacement usually makes financial sense. A new unit operates more reliably and may extend the life of your entire heating and cooling system by reducing strain on connected components, such as the gas furnace or blower motor.
Homeowners can also consider technology upgrades during replacement. Modern AC systems often include smart thermostats that learn your schedule and adjust automatically to maintain comfort while minimizing energy use. These tools make it easier to stay cool, save energy, and manage long-term costs without constant adjustment.
Before making a decision, a professional HVAC evaluation helps assess whether replacement is truly needed. A qualified technician can measure airflow, inspect for air leaks, and test refrigerant levels. They can also estimate how much energy and money a new, efficient model could save over time. Many homeowners discover that replacing a ten-year-old system can lower annual utility bills enough to offset much of the installation expense.
Comfort is another factor that can’t be ignored. A well-functioning air conditioner keeps temperatures steady, humidity low, and noise minimal, helping families stay cool through Columbia’s long summer months. A modern, energy-efficient system also provides peace of mind by reducing the likelihood of sudden breakdowns during high temperatures.
When the signs become clear—uneven cooling, rising bills, warm air from vents, or frequent repairs—it’s time to plan for replacement. A new, cost-effective air conditioner not only cools better but also helps save energy, reduce utility costs, and maintain comfort year-round. Investing in the right system ensures greater efficiency, cleaner indoor air, and long-term comfort.
A modern,high-efficiency heating and coolingsystem can reduce energyuse and save moneyeach month while keepingyour home comfortable.
signal too. When an air conditioner uses more power but delivers less cooling, energy consumption has increased. A modern, high-efficiency heating and cooling system can reduce energy use and save money each month while keeping your home comfortable. Older systems often have lower SEER ratings, so even if they still run, they consume more power to create the same cooling. Over time, those higher costs outweigh the expense of a replacement.Another factor is humidity control...
