American Refrigeration Supplies Inc (ARS)

American Refrigeration Supplies Inc operates as a wholesale HVAC/R distributor rooted in Phoenix since 1940, accumulating over eight decades of industry presence. The company maintains 33 branch locations spanning Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Virginia, with its Scottsdale listing reflecting its regional market presence. With a rating of 3.9 stars drawn from 21 customer reviews, ARS positions itself as a supplier serving primarily licensed contractors and qualified service technicians rather than residential homeowners. The Phoenix headquarters at 2632 E Chambers St. anchors operations for what the company describes as a knowledgeable customer service team dedicated to supporting professional tradespeople.

What distinguishes this distributor from typical service contractors is its role as a trade-only parts supplier with an extensive inventory network. The company emphasizes carrying quality product lines across HVAC, refrigeration, controls, filtration, food service equipment, and tools, with an online catalog complementing its physical branch locations. Their mission centers on providing fair pricing coupled with expert support, enabling contractors to succeed in their own business operations. The 85-year track record and multi-state footprint suggest established supplier relationships and consistent product availability that independent technicians and smaller operations might find valuable.

Customer feedback reveals mixed but generally favorable experiences, particularly regarding the Gelding location where Karl and staff receive consistent commendation for managing high volume with competence. Reviewer Jeffery Kendall notes the location draws significant traffic during peak seasons, requiring customer patience, while technicians like Mark McKay praise the ability to secure last-minute purchases. However, several one-star reviews from Tom Bratcher, Andy Foss, and Tyler Lund highlight a strict contractor-only policy that has frustrated homeowners and some service professionals who arrived without proper licensing. The pattern suggests ARS prioritizes trade customers, and homeowners seeking parts directly may encounter barriers.