Quick Verdict
AC Direct vs HVAC.com: Side by Side
AC Direct and HVAC.com solve different problems for homeowners replacing or upgrading their heating and cooling equipment. AC Direct is an online equipment retailer that sells systems and components directly to homeowners and contractors at wholesale-style pricing. HVAC.com focuses on educating consumers and connecting them with local licensed installers who handle the purchase and installation together.
If you want to buy the equipment yourself and either install it or hand it to your own contractor, AC Direct is the stronger fit thanks to its broad catalog and direct pricing. If you prefer a guided, full-service path where a local pro recommends, supplies, and installs the system, HVAC.com’s model is built for that. The table above links to each site so you can confirm current details.
Who Each Retailer Is
AC Direct
AC Direct sells HVAC equipment online and ships it to you. Its catalog covers central heating and air conditioning systems, standalone air conditioners, heat pumps, gas and electric furnaces, ductless single-zone mini-split systems, ductwork, air filtration units, mobile home air conditioning systems, evaporator coils, copper tubing, system components such as condensing units and furnaces, and electric heating kit accessories.
The brands it carries include Goodman, Direct Comfort, Gree, Mitsubishi, Rheem, Revolv, Aprilaire, and Honeywell. AC Direct is best known for offering wholesale pricing directly to homeowners and small contractors, cutting out middlemen to lower costs. You can browse AC Direct’s systems to see the current range.
HVAC.com
HVAC.com takes a service-and-guidance approach. Rather than shipping equipment to your door, it focuses on educating and empowering consumers, then connecting them with trustworthy local HVAC contractors to simplify system replacement and installation. The company emphasizes solving the “confidence gap” that many homeowners face when they do not know which system to buy or whom to trust.
Through its network of installers, HVAC.com supports HVAC system replacement and installation, including central air systems, furnaces, heat pumps, mini-splits, and related services like repairs and ductwork. The brands used by its partner installers include Trane, American Standard, RunTru, and Ameristar. It also provides educational resources and tools for system sizing.
Key Differences
Selection
AC Direct leads on raw product breadth. It lists a wide equipment catalog across multiple categories and brands, including components like evaporator coils, copper tubing, and electric heating kit accessories that DIY-minded buyers and small contractors often need. This makes it well suited to shoppers who know what they want and want to source parts and full systems in one place.
HVAC.com’s selection is shaped by its installer network and the brands those partners use, namely Trane, American Standard, RunTru, and Ameristar. Its strength is matching you to a system and a contractor rather than presenting a large self-serve parts catalog.
Pricing
AC Direct offers contractor wholesale prices and large discounts, claiming savings of 30% to 60% off local contractor pricing by eliminating middlemen. It also has a “Price Match Promise” on qualifying products. For homeowners comfortable buying equipment directly, this can mean meaningful savings on the hardware itself.
HVAC.com aims to provide fair, upfront pricing through its network of licensed installers. Quotes may be recommendations, with final pricing set by the local companies that do the work. One review indicates a value for money and ROI score of 1.7 out of 5 stars. Because HVAC.com bundles equipment with professional installation, its pricing reflects more than the equipment cost alone, which is a different value comparison than AC Direct’s equipment-only model.
Shipping
AC Direct’s shipping terms are verified. It offers free shipping on orders over $1,500, with commercial products excluded. Orders of $1,500 or less are subject to a $60 fee, excluding ductwork materials, which receive a specific shipping quote. AC Direct ships to the 48 contiguous US states and does not ship to Alaska or Hawaii. Shipping is by common carrier, with delivery currently running 3 to 10 business days, not including holidays or weekends, and longer for items not in stock or requiring special order.
All orders ship fully insured, and the driver delivers freight to the tailgate of the truck. A lift gate truck can be requested for an additional charge, and the customer is responsible for moving freight to its final location after offloading. Buyers should inspect equipment at delivery with the driver present and note any damage or shortage on the delivery receipt.
HVAC.com’s shipping terms are not listed in our verified information. Because its model centers on local installers handling the work, please check HVAC.com’s current shipping or delivery policy on its website for how equipment reaches you.
Returns
AC Direct’s return policy is verified and detailed. It accepts returns of equipment for 14 days from the date of receipt; returns requested after the 14-day period are not accepted without the manufacturer’s approval. A 15% restocking fee applies, based on the total order price plus all associated insured freight costs to deliver and return materials. Equipment must be in like-new condition, uninstalled, undamaged, and unscratched, with original boxes neatly taped using clear tape and all manufacturer documentation included.
Original shipping charges are non-refundable, and for items that shipped with free shipping, the shipping cost is deducted based on actual cost. Refunds are credited the same way payment was received, and you should allow up to three weeks after AC Direct receives the return. R410a equipment is no longer accepted for returns, and orders placed as of November 15, 2024 are not eligible for returns for any reason, with exemptions for equipment shipped in error or damaged during shipping. Cancellations must be submitted in writing within one business day for a full refund; once shipped, an order cannot be cancelled.
HVAC.com’s return policy is not included in our verified information. Please check HVAC.com’s current return policy on its website before purchasing.
Warranty and Support
AC Direct states that all equipment it sells includes a manufacturer’s warranty, and it recommends reading the full warranty included with the purchase to understand coverage; this information may also be on the manufacturer’s website. AC Direct does not claim to provide its own warranty service, and for returns, all manufacturer documentation including warranty information must be included. It says it cannot be held liable for damages from installation or operation and will assist with shipping damage claims, though the carrier has final say.
HVAC.com’s warranty and support terms are not included in our verified information. Please check HVAC.com’s current warranty and support details on its website.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose AC Direct if you are a DIY homeowner or small contractor
If you are comfortable selecting equipment yourself, want a wide catalog of systems and components, and want to capture wholesale-style savings, AC Direct fits well. Its claimed 30% to 60% savings off local contractor pricing, Price Match Promise, free shipping over $1,500, and clearly documented return and shipping terms make it predictable for self-directed buyers.
Choose HVAC.com if you want a guided, full-service replacement
If you would rather have a licensed local contractor recommend, supply, and install your system, HVAC.com’s model is designed for that. It leans on education, system sizing tools, and a network of installers to help homeowners who want confidence and a done-for-you experience rather than sourcing equipment themselves.
Choose based on your role
- Confident DIYers and parts buyers: AC Direct, for catalog depth and direct pricing.
- Small contractors sourcing equipment: AC Direct, for wholesale pricing and component availability.
- Homeowners wanting full installation: HVAC.com, for installer matching and guidance.
- Buyers in Alaska or Hawaii: AC Direct does not ship there, so check HVAC.com’s options or a local installer.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AC Direct offer free shipping?
Yes. AC Direct offers free shipping on orders over $1,500, with commercial products excluded. Orders of $1,500 or less carry a $60 fee, excluding ductwork materials, which get a specific quote. It ships to the 48 contiguous US states but not Alaska or Hawaii.
What is AC Direct's return window?
AC Direct accepts equipment returns for 14 days from the date of receipt. After that, returns are not accepted without the manufacturer's approval. A 15% restocking fee applies, and certain orders, including R410a equipment and orders placed as of November 15, 2024, are not eligible for return except in specific cases like shipping errors or damage.
Does HVAC.com sell equipment directly to me?
HVAC.com focuses on educating consumers and connecting them with local licensed installers who handle replacement and installation. For specifics on how equipment is supplied, check HVAC.com's website.
What brands does each retailer offer?
AC Direct carries Goodman, Direct Comfort, Gree, Mitsubishi, Rheem, Revolv, Aprilaire, and Honeywell. HVAC.com's partner installers use Trane, American Standard, RunTru, and Ameristar.
How are warranties handled?
AC Direct states that all equipment it sells includes a manufacturer's warranty and recommends reading the full warranty with your purchase. For HVAC.com's warranty and support terms, check its website.