Quick Verdict
AC Direct vs Total Home Supply: Side by Side
Both AC Direct and Total Home Supply are established US online HVAC retailers that sell equipment directly to homeowners and contractors. If your priority is wholesale-level pricing on complete systems, a wide selection of central and ductless equipment, and a price match option, AC Direct is the stronger pick. If you value talking with comfort consultants who help with product selection and warranty parts, plus a broad mix of HVAC and home comfort products like fireplaces and water heaters, Total Home Supply is worth a close look. The right choice depends on what you are buying and how much support you want during the process.
Who Each Retailer Is
AC Direct
AC Direct sells HVAC equipment directly to homeowners and small contractors, cutting out middlemen to lower prices. Its catalog covers central heating and air conditioning systems, air conditioners, heat pumps, gas and electric furnaces, single zone ductless mini-split systems, ductwork, air filtration units, mobile home air conditioning systems, evaporator coils, copper tubing, system components, and electric heating kit accessories. Brands include Goodman, Direct Comfort, Gree, Mitsubishi, Rheem, Revolv, Aprilaire, and Honeywell. You can browse AC Direct’s systems to see how the lineup is organized.
Total Home Supply
Total Home Supply serves homeowners, business owners, contractors, property managers, and hotels. Its product range is broad, covering HVAC systems, air conditioners, heaters, fireplaces, PTAC and VTAC units, mini splits, gas logs, water heaters, unit heaters, dehumidifiers, window air conditioners, parts, tools, cleaning products, mini split line sets, condensate pumps, wall brackets, and thermostats. Brands include Amana, GE, LG, Daikin, Reznor, RH Peterson, White Mountain Hearth, Friedrich, Goodman, MrCool, Williams Furnace Company, Empire Comfort Systems, Bradford White, Rinnai, Aprilaire, AUX, and Panasonic. The company was listed on Distribution Trend’s Top 30 HVACR Distributors of 2025 and emphasizes eco-responsibility.
Key Differences
Selection
The two retailers approach selection differently. AC Direct concentrates on core HVAC equipment for whole-system replacement and installation, including central systems, heat pumps, furnaces, mini-splits, ductwork, coils, copper tubing, and the smaller components that go with a system build. That focus makes it a practical source if you are configuring a complete system.
Total Home Supply spreads wider across home comfort categories. Alongside HVAC systems and mini splits, it carries fireplaces, gas logs, water heaters, PTAC and VTAC units common in hotels and multifamily settings, plus a deep parts and accessories section. If you need products beyond a central system, such as a water heater or a fireplace, Total Home Supply covers more ground.
Pricing
AC Direct positions itself around contractor wholesale pricing, claiming savings of 30 to 60 percent off local contractor pricing by eliminating middlemen. It also offers a Price Match Promise on qualifying products, which can help if you find a lower price elsewhere. For homeowners and small contractors focused on getting equipment at lower prices, this is where AC Direct genuinely leads.
Total Home Supply strives for the best prices possible and offers discounts and coupons, advertised at up to 70 percent or 50 percent off in some cases. It also offers bulk discounts on PTACs and for large projects, and its pricing is generally considered fair. Property managers and hotels buying in volume may find its bulk pricing useful.
Shipping
Both retailers offer free shipping, but the thresholds differ. AC Direct provides free shipping on orders over $1,500, with commercial products excluded. Orders of $1,500 or less carry a $60 fee, excluding ductwork materials, for which a specific shipping quote is provided. AC Direct ships to the 48 contiguous US states only, not Alaska or Hawaii, via common carrier, with delivery currently running 3 to 10 business days. Freight is delivered to the tailgate of the truck, a lift gate can be requested for an extra charge, and the customer moves freight to its final location after offloading. All orders ship fully insured, and you should inspect equipment at delivery and note any damage on the delivery receipt.
Total Home Supply offers Simply Free Shipping on everything within the Contiguous United States. Delivery generally takes 1 to 10 business days after the order leaves the warehouse, though on rare occasions it can exceed 20 days. Small items under 100 pounds ship via FedEx, UPS, or USPS, while large items move with LTL common carriers. It does not ship outside the USA, and Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico require special arrangements.
Returns
AC Direct accepts returns within 14 days from the date of receipt, after which returns require the manufacturer’s approval. A 15 percent restocking fee applies, based on the total order price plus associated insured freight costs. Original boxes must be present and neatly taped with clear tape, equipment must be in like-new and uninstalled condition, and all manufacturer documentation must be included. Original shipping charges are non-refundable, and for items that shipped with free shipping, the shipping cost is deducted based on actual cost incurred. Importantly, R410a equipment is no longer accepted for returns, and orders placed as of November 15, 2024 are not eligible for returns except for items shipped in error or damaged in shipping. Cancellations must be submitted in writing within one business day for a full refund. Always confirm the current details on AC Direct’s website before you buy.
Total Home Supply requires return requests within 20 days of delivery and a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number, which expires 30 days after issuance. Only new, unused, and uninstalled items are eligible. You are responsible for all actual shipping charges, both outbound and return, even on orders that qualified for free shipping, and refunds are issued minus original shipping costs. A $25 manual processing fee applies if the RMA number is missing from the outer label. A list of final-sale items is not eligible for return, including parts, filters, remotes, tools, cleaning products, mini split air conditioners, central air conditioner condensers, certain voltage products, DIY mini split line sets, and resale purchases. Check Total Home Supply’s website for the full current return policy before ordering.
Warranty Support
AC Direct states that all equipment it sells includes a Manufacturer’s Warranty and recommends reading the full warranty included with the purchase, which can also be found on the manufacturer’s websites. AC Direct does not claim to provide its own warranty service, and all manufacturer documentation, including warranty information, must be included with any return. For coverage specifics, review the manufacturer’s terms.
Total Home Supply is known for real comfort consultants who answer calls and assist with warranty parts. All items it sells are in new and unused condition, and many are tested. It requires that items be installed by a qualified installer and disclaims responsibility for damage from improperly installed parts. You can reach its support line at 877-847-0050.
Which Should You Choose
- Homeowners replacing a complete system on a budget: AC Direct, for its wholesale pricing focus, system selection, and Price Match Promise.
- Small contractors buying equipment at lower prices: AC Direct, since its pricing model is built around contractor wholesale rates.
- Buyers who want guidance during selection: Total Home Supply, for its comfort consultants who help choose products and assist with warranty parts.
- Property managers and hotels buying PTAC or VTAC units in volume: Total Home Supply, for its bulk discounts and hospitality-focused product range.
- Shoppers needing fireplaces, water heaters, or a wide accessory mix: Total Home Supply, given its broader category coverage.
- Buyers wanting free shipping with no order minimum: Total Home Supply, since everything ships free in the contiguous US, while AC Direct’s free shipping applies to orders over $1,500.
Whichever you lean toward, read the current return and shipping terms on each retailer’s website, since policies change and some items are final sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AC Direct offer free shipping?
AC Direct 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. It ships to the 48 contiguous states only.
What is Total Home Supply's return window?
Total Home Supply requires return requests within 20 days of delivery and a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Only new, unused, and uninstalled items are eligible, and several categories are final sale. Check its website for current details.
Which retailer has lower prices?
AC Direct emphasizes contractor wholesale pricing with claimed savings of 30 to 60 percent off local contractor pricing and a Price Match Promise. Total Home Supply strives for the best prices possible with discounts, coupons, and bulk discounts on PTACs and large projects.
Do these retailers provide their own warranty?
AC Direct states equipment includes a Manufacturer's Warranty and does not claim to provide its own warranty service. Total Home Supply sells new and unused items and assists with warranty parts through its comfort consultants. Review manufacturer terms for coverage specifics.
Can I return R410a equipment to AC Direct?
No. AC Direct states that R410a equipment is no longer accepted for returns. In addition, orders placed as of November 15, 2024 are not eligible for returns except for items shipped in error or damaged during shipping.
Which retailer is better for buying a fireplace or water heater?
Total Home Supply, since its product range includes fireplaces, gas logs, and water heaters alongside HVAC systems, while AC Direct focuses on core HVAC equipment like central systems, heat pumps, furnaces, and mini-splits.