Quick Verdict
AC Direct vs The Furnace Outlet: Side by Side
If you want the widest equipment selection and contractor wholesale pricing, AC Direct is the stronger pick. It carries a broader brand lineup and a deeper product range, which makes it a good fit for homeowners and small contractors who want more options under one roof. The Furnace Outlet keeps things focused on a smaller set of brands and leans into fast shipping, a Lowest Price Guarantee, and around-the-clock support. Both retailers sell direct to cut out the middleman, so both can save you money compared with buying through a local installer.
The table above links to each retailer’s website so you can confirm current terms directly. Below, we break down who each company is and where the real differences land.
Who Each Retailer Is
AC Direct
AC Direct sells central heating and air conditioning systems, air conditioners, heat pumps, gas and electric furnaces, ductless single zone mini-splits, ductwork, air filtration units, mobile home air conditioning systems, evaporator coils, copper tubing, system components, and electric heating kit accessories. It carries Goodman, Direct Comfort, Gree, Mitsubishi, Rheem, Revolv, Aprilaire, and Honeywell.
The company is known for offering wholesale pricing directly to homeowners and contractors. It claims savings of 30% to 60% off local contractor pricing by eliminating middlemen, and it offers a Price Match Promise on qualifying products. You can browse AC Direct’s systems to see the range.
The Furnace Outlet
The Furnace Outlet sells air conditioner units, gas and electric furnaces, heat pumps, packaged units, PTACs, ductless mini-splits (single zone and multi-zone), air handlers, evaporator coils, electric heat strips, accessories, and commercial HVAC. It carries Goodman, Amana, and Mr Cool.
It is known for value, customer service, and selling direct to consumers at what it calls honest prices. It promotes a Lowest Price Guarantee, fast shipping, and 24/7 support, and says customers can pay up to 50% less by buying direct.
Key Differences
Selection
AC Direct has the broader catalog. It lists eight brands and a wider product range that includes items The Furnace Outlet does not list, such as ductwork, copper tubing, air filtration units, and mobile home air conditioning systems. If you want one source for a system plus the supporting materials around it, AC Direct gives you more to work with.
The Furnace Outlet keeps a tighter brand list of three (Goodman, Amana, Mr Cool) but adds categories AC Direct does not list, including multi-zone mini-splits, packaged units, PTACs, and commercial HVAC. So while AC Direct leads on overall breadth, The Furnace Outlet may have an edge for specific needs like multi-zone ductless or PTAC units.
Pricing
Both retailers position themselves on price and both sell Goodman at wholesale.
- AC Direct: Claims 30% to 60% off local contractor pricing and offers a Price Match Promise on qualifying products.
- The Furnace Outlet: Offers a Lowest Price Guarantee, saying it will beat a competitor’s price or give $100 if an identical product is found cheaper from an authorized U.S. dealer (including all fees), with price match available within 2 business days of purchase. It also states customers can pay up to 50% less by buying direct.
Both approaches reward shoppers who compare. The Furnace Outlet’s guarantee is more specific in its language, while AC Direct pairs its price match with contractor wholesale positioning across a larger brand set.
Shipping (Verified)
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 shipping quote. AC Direct ships to the 48 contiguous US states only (not Alaska or Hawaii) via common carrier, with delivery times currently running 3 to 10 business days. The driver delivers to the tailgate of the truck; a lift gate can be requested for an extra charge, and the customer moves freight to its final spot. All orders ship fully insured, and you must inspect equipment at delivery and note any damage or shortage on the receipt.
The Furnace Outlet says orders placed before 2 PM ET usually ship the same day and arrive within 1 to 5 business days. It offers a $39.99 Flat-Rate Return Shipping option for the contiguous United States only.
If you are outside the contiguous 48 states, check each retailer’s current shipping policy, since neither lists service to Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories under these terms.
Returns (Verified)
AC Direct accepts returns for 14 days from the date of receipt; requests after that need manufacturer approval. There is a 15% restocking fee based on the total order price plus associated insured freight costs. Original boxes must be present and taped with clear tape, equipment must be in like-new uninstalled condition, and all manufacturer documentation must be included. Original shipping charges are non-refundable, and for free-shipping items the shipping cost is deducted based on actual cost. 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 in shipping. Cancellations must be submitted in writing within one business day for a full refund. Refunds can take up to 3 weeks after the return is received.
The Furnace Outlet allows returns within 30 days of delivery for products in new condition, with no restocking fee stated. An optional $39.99 Flat-Rate Return Shipping option is available in the contiguous US. Items must be unused, in original packaging, and not installed or damaged, and an RMA number is required. Scratch and Dent products are sold as-is and do not qualify for return, refund, or exchange. Factory direct or custom built items such as commercial HVAC are excluded from the flat-rate return service. Refunds are issued within 5 to 7 business days of return receipt for Flat Rate, and refunds can take 7 to 14 business days.
On returns, The Furnace Outlet’s window is longer and no restocking fee is stated, while AC Direct has a shorter window with a restocking fee and stricter condition rules. Always confirm the latest terms on each retailer’s website before buying.
Warranty Support (Verified)
AC Direct states that all equipment it sells includes a manufacturer’s warranty and recommends reading the full warranty included with the purchase, which may also appear on the manufacturer’s website. It does not claim to provide its own warranty service, and manufacturer documentation must be included for returns.
The Furnace Outlet notes that a manufacturer’s warranty may still apply to Scratch and Dent products and offers 24/7 support, 365 days a year, by phone at (888) 286-0211 or email at help@thefurnaceoutlet.com.
Which Should You Choose
Choose AC Direct if
- You want the widest brand and product selection, including ductwork, copper tubing, and mobile home systems.
- You are a homeowner or small contractor chasing contractor wholesale pricing across more brands.
- You value a Price Match Promise alongside free shipping on larger system orders.
Choose The Furnace Outlet if
- You want a longer return window with no stated restocking fee.
- You need multi-zone mini-splits, PTACs, packaged units, or commercial HVAC.
- You want fast same-day shipping potential and 24/7 customer support.
The Bottom Line
Both retailers cut out the middleman to lower prices, and both offer a price guarantee. AC Direct stands out for selection and contractor wholesale pricing, which is why it is a strong choice for shoppers who want more options and bigger system orders. The Furnace Outlet offers a friendlier return window, fast shipping, and round-the-clock support. Match the retailer to your project, then confirm the current policy details on each company’s website before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both retailers sell Goodman equipment?
Yes. Both AC Direct and The Furnace Outlet sell Goodman products at wholesale prices. AC Direct also carries Direct Comfort, Gree, Mitsubishi, Rheem, Revolv, Aprilaire, and Honeywell, while The Furnace Outlet also carries Amana and Mr Cool.
Which retailer has the better return policy?
The Furnace Outlet allows returns within 30 days of delivery with no restocking fee stated, while AC Direct allows 14 days with a 15% restocking fee and stricter condition rules. Note AC Direct does not accept R410a returns and excludes orders placed as of November 15, 2024 with limited exemptions. Check each website for current terms.
Do either ship to Alaska or Hawaii?
Based on the listed policies, AC Direct ships only to the 48 contiguous US states and not to Alaska or Hawaii. The Furnace Outlet's flat-rate return shipping covers only the contiguous United States. For other locations, check each retailer's current shipping policy.
Who has the lowest prices?
Both position on price. AC Direct claims 30% to 60% off local contractor pricing with a Price Match Promise. The Furnace Outlet offers a Lowest Price Guarantee that beats a competitor's price or gives $100 if an identical product is found cheaper from an authorized U.S. dealer. Comparing both for your specific product is the best approach.
Does either provide warranty service directly?
Both rely on the manufacturer's warranty. AC Direct does not claim to provide its own warranty service and recommends reading the included warranty. The Furnace Outlet notes a manufacturer's warranty may still apply to Scratch and Dent products and offers 24/7 customer support.