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ARS HVAC Review 2024

Modernize Rating: 4/5

Average Cost: $150 - $8,000

ARS offers a wide range of HVAC services with a focus on reliability and comprehensive support. Costs range from $150 to $8,000 depending on the service required. With expert technicians, solid service guarantees and 24/7 availability, ARS is a strong choice for those seeking dependable HVAC solutions.

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Modernize maintains homeowner-first editorial integrity, meaning we accept no commissions and no partner links for this review. Our reviews are thoroughly fact-checked by our home improvement experts. Ratings are determined by a sophisticated algorithm to rate brands, including analyses of products, materials, quality, costs, sizes, durability, energy efficiency, and warranties.

ARS HVAC Services Review

This ARS HVAC review will focus on ARS’s HVAC services and the pros and cons of working with this company, as well as how they stack up against the competition. If you’d like information about the Rescue Rooter services ARS provides, please see our other review.

Founded in 1995, American Residential Services, or ARS, specializes in plumbing services as well as heating, venting and air conditioning or HVAC services. 

ARS is the product of a merger in the ‘90s between Service Master, Rescue Rooter, and ARS. Over the years, the company expanded its plumbing services to include HVAC, creating the suite of services they offer today. The company’s headquarters are now in Memphis, Tennessee. 

With locations in 24 states, ARS has become a one-stop shop for home and business owners looking to install new systems, solve an emergency with their HVAC or plumbing quickly, and keep their current systems running smoothly. 

ARS Rescue Rooter Logo

ARS HVAC Review: Pros and Cons

Like all companies, ARS has its pros and cons. Below we’ve rounded up the perks and drawbacks of working with ARS as cited by customers and when compared to other companies.

  • Pros

    • Expert Technicians
    • 24/7 Availability
    • Guaranteed Quality
  • Cons

    • Higher Costs
    • Poor Reviews
    • Limited Locations

Pros

  • Expert Technicians: ARS employs highly trained and certified technicians who are background checked and drug screened. This added measure provides peace of mind for customers welcoming the techs into their homes. 
  • 24/7 Availability: ARS offers around-the-clock services and has seven-day availability. They also offer quick response time for high priority calls and emergencies.
  • Guaranteed Quality: ARS services are guaranteed for up to a year and include full refunds. The company also offers financing and payment plans for its services.

Cons

  • Higher Costs: ARS’s services can be on the pricier side compared to local competitors, which could be a concern for some customers. The company also charges for its estimates unlike many other companies. 
  • Poor Reviews: Some customers have reported mixed experiences, with occasional issues related to service quality and follow-up, specifically citing delays with callbacks and scheduling of appointments. 
  • Limited Locations: While ARS has locations in 24 states, the company is not available everywhere, meaning not all would-be customers will be able to take advantage of their services.

What HVAC Services Does ARS Offer?

ARS provides a wide range of HVAC services. As mentioned, the company also offers plumbing systems, outlined in our ARS Rescue Rooter review. The company also offers some odds and ends types of services outlined below. 

In general, ARS’s HVAC services can be summarized as follows: 

  • Installation: From AC to heating systems, the company will install these systems where one did not exist before, making your home ready for optimal heating and cooling in any weather. 
  • Repair: ARS offers comprehensive repair services for all types of HVAC systems, both major and minor and in emergency situations.
  • Maintenance: Because regular maintenance can prevent the need for emergency repairs, ARS also offers scheduled maintenance visits to keep your systems in good working order.

ARS specifically services the following systems and categories: 

Air Conditioning Systems: ARS will repair or replace your AC systems including ductless and mini-split options.

Heating and Furnace Systems: These services extend to all types of heating systems including boilers, gas fireplaces and oil furnaces

Electrical Systems: ARS will also service generators, fix some circuit breakers, wiring and electrical outlets, and install your home’s lighting and ceiling fans.

Miscellaneous Offerings: The company offers some other related but miscellaneous services, including smart home device installation such as security cameras as well as duct cleaning, attic insulation installation, attic fan installation. and installation of indoor air quality systems. 

How Much Do ARS Services Cost?

The cost for HVAC services from ARS will vary depending on several factors, but typically ranges between $150 to $8,000 for the average customer. Our ARS HVAC review notes that low-end costs are typically for maintenance of various systems, while high-end price tags are reserved for major repairs or replacements of systems. 

There are of course, a few other factors that will dictate the cost of your service:

  • Type of Service: As mentioned, the type of service you need will be the biggest factor in determining cost, and smaller maintenance type services will be much less costly than major repairs or replacements. 
  • System Size and Complexity: The bigger and more complex your HVAC systems are, the more you’ll typically have to charge to have them serviced. That’s because these larger systems require specialized labor, additional labor and additional materials to get the job done. 
  • Geographic Location: The area where you live will have its own local labor rates and material prices, greatly affecting your bottom line.
  • Urgency: ARS offers emergency HVAC services, which typically incur higher costs just by their nature. Information about whether ARS charges emergency service fees is not readily available on their website.

HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator

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Factors Affecting the Cost of ARS Services

A number of factors will affect the cost of your repair/ replacement, maintenance service or emergency fix.

First, the cost will depend on the type of service required and the severity of the problem at hand. More serious problems that require specialized equipment and a time-intensive service call will cost more.

The parts and materials needed for your repairs and installations will also affect the bottom line. The more involved a project, the more parts will likely be required. Similarly, if you’re having a new system replaced, you’ll pay more for a higher-quality AC unit for example.

Finally, the area where you live will greatly impact the local cost of labor and the availability of these parts and materials.

Benefits of Choosing ARS

There are several benefits to choosing ARS as your HVAC service provider. First, the company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has an A+ rating. On the whole, the company’s customers report high levels of satisfaction for their services, reliability, and pricing. 

When you choose ARS, service technicians who have been fully vetted and background checked by the company will come out to your home, offering peace of mind. 

ARS also prides itself on what it calls its Exception Service Guarantee, which says that they will remedy any concerns with their work for up to one year after the date of your original invoice. The company promises to make every effort to meet expectations and is willing to remove equipment and refund the entirety of your cost if they’re unable to do so. 

Finally, ARS and its employees engage in regular community service efforts through its ARS Cares program. The company also raises money to benefit community foundations and organizations. 

ARS Review: Brand Comparison of Competitors

Compared to other HVAC services, ARS has a smaller presence in the United States and shorter warranties on their services. Trane and Carrier are companies that not only service HVAC systems but manufacture them, which is what allows them to offer warranties on the systems themselves.

ARS HVAC vs Competitors
 ARS TraneCarrierOne Hour Heating & Air Conditioning
Warranty1-year labor5 to 10 years10-year parts only or 5-year parts and 3-year labor combined2 years
Free Estimates
NoYesYesNo
Location 24 StatesNationwideNationwide36 states
BBB RatingA+A+A+A+
Availability24/724/724/724/7

Is ARS Rescue Rooter Right for Me?

Whether you need a repair to your air conditioning in an emergency or want to find a reliable technician to regularly service your home’s furnace, ARS is a great choice. The company is available throughout half the country and offers 24/7 services for all of your HVAC needs. The company is widely respected and highly rated by customers and they offer perks such as workmanship guarantees, financing, and background checks on their employees, offering peace of mind to customers. 

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