Buddy came out and removed and installed a new AC unit for the upstairs. I was impressed by how hard he worked all day in the attic and outside during the heavy rain. He was very professional. He stayed late and completed the job. If I ever have any issues I will definitely call ARS. Thanks Buddy for all the hard work. Thanks ARS/Rescue Rooter Columbia. Jason came out today and installed my second unit downstairs. ARS is lucky to have dedicated workers like this. Jason got here this morning and worked hard all day to install this unit. He took his time to explain the new nest thermostat and help set it up as well. Thanks for the professional installation as well as the hard work. I would definitely recommend ARS/Rescue Rooter Columbia. read more

We had a new unit and duct work installed in Jan of 2026. We asked if (2) units would be necessary to cool our house properly. We were assured that they could install (1) unit with new duct work that would satisfy our concern. Now that summer is here in GA with 95 degree days, our house AC is worse than the previous system. We have a new unit that is cycling on/off constantly and needs to be run at a low temp in order to cool the other end of the house. The poor circulating portion of the house is roughly 6 -7 degrees hotter with a high humidity level. We had their service techs come out (4 times) and they state the ducting needs to be corrected in order to fix the problem. They've told us each time that it is documented and we should expect a call from their manager that day or by Monday. We have never heard from their manager to schedule a time for the duct to be corrected. I've called their useless call center 10 times / hung up on 2 of those times. Called Home Depot twice still with no results. This is now going on for over a month. Their lack of customer service is awful and is costing me extra money on a daily basis. If you want a HVAC provider who has terrible customer service, won't honor their guarantees, won't call you back, cost you additional money, and provide you with extra grief then ARS is right for you. I will follow up this review with updates until I'm a satisfied customer. Dennis B read more

If I could give a negative -5 stars I would. they never showed up! I even confirmed my appointment and called the number that they send with the text messages to ask about the ETA after they were already late they confirmed my address and the time they were supposed to be there and said that they will call me back with an ETA and never heard anything back! NEVER AGAIN read more

They are cheats and looking about the money and not taking care off customers. Told me I needed a new condenser and a bunch other things but all I need was some freon for my unit. Looking for the quick dollar instead of quality. I did the $49 check up they had online and all the tech did was try to sale me stuff I didn't need. The tech could have done what was right and put some freon in it. I would have payed for it. Instead all I got was you need this and that. Do not fall for the gimmick. Wish I could get my money back. read more

Unbelievably this was the worse company. First, I made an appointment for a simple annual AC Maintenance check. Got a call right before my appointment, letting me know they had to service those folks without AC first. Understandable right? Re-Scheduled and the same thing happened again. So, made another appointment for 6.2.25. The technician came early (per my camera) and left at 11:24. I was on time (12:00) and called requesting he return. Called me back and says they didn't have any more openings that day and rescheduled for today (6.4.25) between 12 and 4. Just got a call from Technician (3:40) letting me know he was on the way (but an hour and a half away). I've never used them before so maybe I wasn't a priority, but I think I'll call someone else for a simple AC annual maintenance service check. Way too much trouble without considering my time. read more

I've been rescheduled 3 times for a regular 6 month maintenance service! I've been working with them for several years and service has just gotten worse. I do not recommend using them for ANY A/C work! read more

This company is very disrespectful. My Hvac was installed incorrectly to the point where it was overflowing. The overflowing damaged my ceiling and stained it so when I contacted them to fix the damages I having heard nothing for almost a month now. I call several time I was told someone would call me three calls no one ever contacted me. The Tech that came here he documented everything, so they know about the problem. VERY UNPROFESSIONAL. read more

ARS / Rescue Rooter - Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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I have done business with this company for many years. Purchased two units for my own home during this time. Just recently I purchased a unit for a rental property and the tech charged me for a unit still under warranty. I was told ARS was going to refund me the charge and 6 months later I am still getting the run around from this company. If this is how they treat customer that have been with them for years. I will NEVER give my money to ARS again. I am currently discussing the matter with an attorney. Marcellous W. read more

If could give this company five (-5) negative stars I would . I had a complete HVAC system installed in my house in 2012 ductwork and all. Within several weeks I had to call them back several times and each time they said something was not done correctly. They also sent several different technicians. They use old parts off my old HVAC and add it to the new HVAC and left out a major part the needed for the system to work without issues. They tried to charge me for that part, which cost over thousand dollars. Every time the season changes, the system go down. Had to go to their location several times because they will not call me back, after I asked to talk to the person in charge. Now to 2026 when the temperature drops below freezing, I had no heat for four days. When they finally sent out a technician, who was severely hours behind the window of their time. The technician said I needed a blower, the blower had locked out, since the brand was under warranty, the parts will be free, however the labor will be close to $1,000.00. I found out ARS was charging me way too much. I will not recommend ARS !! read more

We had a diagnostic appt completed for a blown motor on our AC unit and was told the tech would order the part and that he would be out the latest 3 days WITH updates(per techs words). what led us to calling was the fact our contract was written wrong in stating we declined the service when we explicitly agreed on an amount, ordering the part, and that the tech would update when he would repair it. Here we are 2 days later, no updates, no calls back. HOWEVER when my husband contacted a representative initially once the error was discovered the individual stated the tech "was on a call and would call him back same day" that did not occur. The next morning He called and another representative answered stating "the tech did not work yesterday". I then myself called an hour later & I then asked for a manager and was told she would send up a ticket and we would be contacted "sometime today". I called 2-3 hours later and was told that the call center is in Houston and the only way to contact the columbia SC branch was through the number i reached them through. I then asked to also file a formal complaint which i doubt actually went through seeing as none of the ticket notes included such details i shared. My husband then called an hour later himself, got a different representative & double checked the ticket notes which did not include my statement of differentiating statements nor did it include that the tech told us it would be max 3 days.. However this representative then shared that managers will take 3-5 business day's which was not informed both times i asked regarding a manager. Highly unprofessional and this could have been avoided had the company been more transparent and upfront. It's spring time here which means fluctuating weather; between 34 degree's at night and 80 degree's during the day. HIGHLY disappointed with the value and quality of this company. read more

If I could, I would give them zero stars. I wanted to have them come out and do my spring service I made the appointment way in advance. I took the day off to get this done. They gave me an appointment from 8 - 12 at about 1030 I got a text saying they over booked and that I would be rescheduled, I sorry who is paying me for the 8 hrs. I took off. This is not the first time they have done this. Try to get on the phone with a manager and all you get is the managers call you in 24 hours, what good does that do? I called four more times to see if I could talk to someone here, we are more than 24 hours never got a call from a manager. I am sure it was not an overbooking it was what was going to pay more, so all you people out there if you are looking for service on you're a/c unit don't call this company they will give you an appointment, but as soon as they get some that pays more you are out. Nope I am done and I have contacted the better business bureau to launch a formal complaint. Spend your money with someone else because they will not show up. We left a message at the number in response from the "owner" We will see if she calls back. read more

Scheduled for a routine check up/maintenance in June. They no-showed, no call, we had to call to figure out what was going on. Rescheduled for the following day, they called at the LAST minute of the four hour window and rescheduled TWO MONTHS later. Today, at the appointment we now waited two months for. No show, no call, nothing. Called and asked to speak with a manager and was told they couldn't reach one. Absolutely appalling customer service. Will not be attempting to use them again. read more

Purchased a unit and unit keeps throwing breaker. Scheduled service and tech never showed and never called. Horrible customer service.

What a joke . This company responds to my review only to say to help them improve their services. Well, where is my $2000 rebate and where is my federal tax credit? That's what I want and where's my 15 seer air conditioning unit I bought that's what I want so if you wanna fix it, why don't you make sure I get a printed out receipt with all my deductions and all my credits and everything cause I still haven't gotten that so why don't you do your job and make sure I get that because since I purchased that I'm so angry that y'all ripped me off like that you and Home Depot would a joke. read more

I have had nothing but issues with this unit and company. Called several times to speak to the manager named John and never get a callback he's always away from his desk and will call me back. The quality assurance team has not reached out to me .. Never again will I get a unit through Home Depot. read more

06/09/2025 - 06/27/2025 Do not use this company. They make empty promises and do not follow through on their commitments even when fully paid in advance. I would not use this company again. It has been a trial and tribulation to get my HVAC system and ductwork replaced. Several times I scheduled an appointment and they didn't show up and didn't call. I finally had to threaten them with a lawsuit to get them to do the work. I had already paid for the work which was a mistake on my part. I've learned my lesson. I will not do this again with another service company. I have been working with them since June 09 to get this work done and they finally finished today. When they started this process, they told me it would take two days. I have really suffered through a heat wave and many times I thought was wasn't going to make it. I am over 70 years old, and it really took a toll on me emotionally, mentally and physically. If I could rate them less than one, I would. It was overpriced for the poor service and heat endurance I experienced. Again I say, "Do NOT hire this company." read more

This company used to be good. I have now lost all confidence in them. Have been using them for roughly 14 years. Earlier this month we had our second annual maintenance appointment. I was in meetings during the time they were at the house so my wife was handling the appointment. We were told everything was fine with the unit. I am generally following the technician around including into the attic while they are there. The next day we started noticing the Unit was not keeping up with the cooling. This continued for the next week plus when I contacted another company to come out. They were out the next day. By their visit it had been 13 days since ARS had been out. The owner of the company was out for the service and found our unit was low in coolant. He ended up putting 4 lbs of freon in the unit. He also checked for leaks, around the outside unit and at the coils in the attic, since we had a leak previously. He found no leaks. I truly wonder if freon wasn't siphoned off to create an issue for a service call. read more

I spent 21k for a mini split for c my shed and a 3 ton heat pump/hvac unit for my home. My technicians arrive late after sending different times they were arriving. An 830am appointment turned into a 1030am arrival. When the techs left my house it was 84 degrees in my home. 2 hours later the temp was at 85 degrees. I reached out to them only to be told they couldn't return until the next day between 8am and 12pm. I explained to the rep that my husband had COPD he told me a manager would contact me. Well that NEVER happened! My husband had to stay in a hot sweltering house because these people do not understand customer service. Please stay away from them because once they get your money they don't give a damn! read more

DO NOT USE THESE GUYS! They are vultures. They are like sleazy, fast talking car salesmen. They ripped me off in one day! I called them. Their salesman, and inspector, Chris Morrow, was at my home the same day. They came to my home within an hour. Next day, he sent another sales guy named Randy Bart. Both pressured me into buying a very expensive unit, claiming my old unit was so bad they couldn't fix it. The new unit cost me 14,994.00. Ouch! I could have gotten a new one for 8,000. So ARS ripped me off. I wish I had never called them. Sending two sales people out to my home, to "inspect" the my old unit, they then claimed I really needed a new unit. So I caved in. I am widowed, alone, and vulnerable to these people. They took advantage of me, even claiming my old unit would actually blow up eventually from a so called "hydrogen leak". So scared out of my wits by now, I got one of their new systems. They claimed they could install a new one in a day. Next, they got me expensive financing from a sleazy finance company, called Ist Premier, install a new unit in one day, claimed they had their own construction guy to do the cosmetic work, then I never heard from them again. I got my own contractor. They also claimed this contractor would work some numbers so i wouldn't have to come out of my pocket for the 1500.00 insurance deductible. They installed the new Air Conditioning/Heating Unit the very next day. The guys worked all day. Never heard from them or their so called "Construction/contractor" guy, to help with the insurance work, or calls, like they promised, so I got my own contractor. I'm now stuck for about 19,000 dollars for a new unit and construction work. My insurance company, they're taking their time. In the meantime I tried to log onto their 1st Premier financing company's website, to make a payment, but couldn't. ARS Rescue Rooter took my old unit away. They're probably going to fix it up, and sell it to some unsuspecting customer, like me. DO NOT USE THESE GUYS!!! THEY ARE IN A LAWSUIT! They're way too expensive. It'll take you years to pay off one of their units. I wish I had never called them. read more

I have scheduled a spring maintenance checkup three times with ARS. Each time they commit to a date an a timeframe of 2pm-6pm. They failed to show up all three times. In addition, I had to call them after 6pm each time to find out that they were not going to make the appointments. I would suggest you find a HVAC company that has better customer service. read more

After 13 years as a loyal ARS customer, my recent experience has been extremely disappointing. On April 4, 2025, I reported an HVAC issue. A technician diagnosed a leaking evaporator coil, still under warranty, but the replacement also leaked. He later found a line leak and quoted over \$6,000 for repairs. Another company fixed it for under \$2,000 and confirmed the coil was fine. Despite 11 follow-up calls, ARS never responded. I've requested a refund for my renewed maintenance plan, but still no reply. I'm taking my business elsewhere. read more

I recently scheduled my semi-annual maintenance service with ARS. The first time they were scheduled to be here (a couple weeks ago), they canceled my scheduled service about 2 hours into the window of time when they said they'd be here. So when I rescheduled, I asked to be the first person scheduled during the 8-noon time option. No one showed at 8. I called at 9 to see why they hadn't arrived yet. The call center person was nice but could only tell me that they'd be here between 8 and noon. Noon came and no one had shown up yet. I called again at 1:30 to see why they hadn't arrived and no one had contacted us. Requested to speak with the local manager. Never heard back from anyone. I called again about 4:30. They told me I have been rescheduled for a week later. I wasted my whole day on them. They never contacted me to give me any updates. I no longer want to work with this company. Feel very disrespected. I have been a loyal customer for almost 10 years. Sad to see the poor service level of this company now. read more

i had a new York heat pump installation done by these folks -- good results on the work done by the technicians but it's now over three weeks since completion and I still have not received the paperwork necessary for the the energy rebate -- not good. read more

if I could give this company no stars I would. When my HVAC stopped working ARS sent out a repairman to work on it. He told me I needed a part that they had to order. After waiting a week he came back with the part and replaced it, then left before insuring the HVAC worked. Well it didn't. This happened three times. Finally the last repairman diagnosed the problem and fixed it and stayed to insure that it worked. None of the repairmen mentioned the fact that the drip pan was full of water. Nor did they empty the pan or clear the blockage. I assume that they wanted to come out again and charge me more. Well the shut off valve malfunctioned and this caused the pan to overflow flooding my attic and destroying my ceiling. I'm wondering if it was just the drip pan the whole time! I will never use this company again. read more

Warning! I purchased a new HVC system from ARS through Home Depot. I also had them install new ductwork. Even though I registered all my equipment with Carrier immediately, it seems that ARS "forgot " to register the warranty for my equipment. That would have extended my equipment warranty to 10 years instead of 5. I didn't find out about their error until 5.5 years later my equipment breaks down. Carrier did not want to cover the issue because of the negligence of ARS. However, Carolina HVAC contacted Carrier on my behalf and to cover the compressor and parts. After contacting ARS about the 10 year warranty , their resolution was to just have me use them for repairs. Even though my contract says 10 yr warranty included ! Since we have have a Home Warranty, I can't choose who services the equipment. And because the compressor etc is supposed to be covered for ten years, my home warranty won't cover it either. So, fingers crossed I have no more issues. The quality of the installation was nothing to brag about. The ductwork is sloppy and needs to be redone. I have 4 vents that do not push air through because of their sloppy work. I regret using ARS. The salesman really sold me a bag of worms. I've attempted several times to speak with the ARS manager and finally gave up. He either didn't get my multiple messages or he just was too busy. Or perhaps he didn't care. So the warning is. If you have ARS install equipment, get written proof of warranty registration. And then call the manufacturer to confirm. I wish I had because my ARS contract was meaningless. read more

David was an excellent salesman. He worked with me fastly and answered all my questions. Scheduled install within four days. Senior Field tech came out to install the Gas Pack. Didn't take way long but he damaged the panel leaving a huge scratch and didn't leave the thermostat. Called David and he said he would take care of it. He had the part ordered and the thermostat mailed to me. Received appointment date of 26 August from 11-4to install the new panel. Multiple calls to me to confirm scheduled date. 26 August around 330, no one shows up yet. Called ARS and confirmed appointment and dispatch would call to verify where tech was located. 430pm, no one shows up and no call.from dispatch. I called again, they're telling me I don't have an appointment but I just called and confirmed. I was transferred to someone else, Catherine, I think, who had know clue how to contact dispatch. Finally get someone else and she tells me the panel is still weeks away from being delivered to ARS. Recontacted David to get this figured out. He called the manager to find out what's going on and he said the part is not there yet and awaiting delivery. It's still at least a week out and it's 5 September. Not happy with this company. Their advertisement states if you're not 100% happy you can get your money back. We'll see how they like losing $10k Do yourself a favor and go with some other company. read more

I have been an ARS customer for 21+ years in Maryland. I moved to SC in 2024 and decided to continue my relationship with the company. Well, that was a HUGE mistake!!!! I called for an A/C repair and the technician, Jamaal did a wonderful job. He told me that he had to order a part that would take a few days to come in and they would be back to make the install. THAT was FOUR weeks ago and NOTHING!!!! I call the office everyday only to be told one lie after another. I have had THREE appointments to have this part repaired and each time there has been no show and no call. To make matters worse, I've even called the Corporate Office and STILL have NOT received a return call from them either. MY advice to anyone looking for A/C, Heat, Plumbing service is to RUN do NOT walk, but RUN pass ARS (Absolute Raggedy Service) in the Columbia/Lexington area of SC. Play at your OWN RISK!!!! I'm NOT in San Francisco CA, but in SC. Not sure why it captured the location as being in CA. read more

Yesterday, ARS sent their installers to replace duct work. They were courteous and appeared to work extremely hard. Our technician Chris Morrow is amazing and does great work as well. Since my initial review Adam has visited my home and performed an exemplary job. Thanks for responding and taking care of this issue read more

Austen and Deontay were super professional during install. I had to replace unit and duct work. They kept me informed throughout the process and answered any questions I had in detail. They placed cloth to protect my floors and cleaned as they went. I am very satisfied with the install. David the sales professional did a great job following up. After install he contacted to make I was satisfied and also made sure that the payment plan I choose was being processed correctly. So far, I can't complain about this company. read more

This company was the one suggested by Home Depot for our HVAC needs. The young man that came to our home was pushy and didn't provided a formal quote, instead he wrote prive on a piece of paper and said it was only valid that day. The equipment he was pushing was not SEER rating that meets new specs for South Eastern states. Basically it was 2021 equipment at 2023 prices. read more

I was at Home Depot and they asked if I needed a new AC/ heating system. I told them sure. I'm getting the whole thing replaced. We made an appointment for 3:30pm that day at 4:00pm I called ask where they were at? The lady said it was between 3:30 and 4:30 (I wasn't told that but ok) at 5:00pm I called back the lady said hold on. When she came back she said he's running about 45 minutes to an hour late. Now we are looking around 6:00pm. I already missed a meeting I was supposed to be at. The at 6:00pm I get a call from the guy saying he would be an hour late.. At this point I just said never mind. He told me to pick a date and time he promised he would be there. Reluctantly I said ok Tuesday at 3:00pm. Guess what.? Yep you guess it. The very same thing happen that happen last time.I had to call to see where they were at they told me they would be an hour late I called an hour later they told me it would be another hour I told him never mind. After reading the reviews on yelp I'm glad it didn't work out. read more

Worst customer service ever. Improperly installed unit to include mis-wiring. I even had them send another team out who said all was okay. Another company took 3 seconds to identify their dumpster fire of a job. Been working with several corporate people that promised to "reconcile" this but then no more correspondence. If I could go negative on the stars I would! UPDATE: reached amicable ends. read more

The startup capacitor for my outside unit was bad, a $30 dollar part if I had purchased it. This company ARS replaced it for $438 dollars, you know I don't mind paying a fair price but this was a total rip off. I will NEVER do business with this company again. I wouldn't had the work done but my wife is soon to be with the Lord and I needed this unit working for my family and friends. Terrible overcharging someone like that. read more

ARS installed a new AC/Heating unit with new air ducts running to both sides of my house. After having them come out four times to fix the issue (last time the technician went underneath my house with just a roll of air duct tape) of no air getting to one side of my house. Well, the fifth time it started I went underneath my house myself (I am a veteran with major L2 spinal issues including major surgery) to get a look, and my God what a horrible job the technicians did. I took many pictures. The take-off adaptor virtually was off of my main air duct system and they were held on by very small sheet metal screws. The air duct line was torn in several places showing insulation and due to it being off the main air duct line the condensation caused a lot of the insulation to be soaked. TOTALLY horrible job. Honestly looks like amateurs did this initial installation. read more

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do not use this company to install ac send technician out improperly install unit back in 2021 now the unit is not working properly now we are told it is not under warranty read more

I had my work done in June. One week later I needed service and was informed various components were installed incorrectly. The when I asked for the information to apply for my SCE&G rebate they put me off until they paid it out themselves (I don't think they wanted to admit they did not have licensed workers). I was also promised an 800 Home Depot gift card and it's 4 months later with no sign of it. I keep getting the run around when I ask. Also I had to contact them 4 times and it took 3 weeks to remove the old equipment they took out of my house when installing the new unit. One day after I wrote my review on Facebook ARS asked me to contact customer service. On October 1 I spoke to customer service and the lady told me within 24 to 48 hours she would have information for me. It is now October 18 and I still have not heard back from them read more

ATTENTION ALL HARD WORKING PEOPLE!!! Since making the decision to go with this company, I have had nothing but grief. The unit arrived dented and damaged. They replaced it within a week but was not considerate of my time and need to find someone to be at my home while they installed. The manager took it upon himself to schedule a time and ignored my asking him to verify the time with me. A week later I noticed that they did not reconnect my dryer. They also removed a plug from the wall and allowed it to hang free. I have wires hanging everywhere, and the sealing of the unit was tacky and messy. I chose poorly and the job is below a 1 star level. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY, YOU WILL BE SORRY! If you would like to see pictures please text me at 803 341 4721 and I will be glad to send them to you. read more

In 2018, I purchased a 2.5 ton Rheem Heat Pump from ARS. I have my unit serviced at the change of each season since my purchase. I was satisfied with the technicians that serviced my unit. On June 6, 2022, the service tech Patrick arrived and checked my unit. I was told that the capaitor was reaching full capacity and it would be in my best interest to replace it because it could stop working at anytime because it had reached 38.??. I asked how much it would cost to replace the capacitor and was quoted a price. The tech did not have a capaitor available and had to get one from the supply store. ARS had a list price of $544.00 for a new capacitor but reduced it $294.00. However, after the unit was replaced, ARS charged me $250.00 for a capacitor that cost about $30.00. I was shocked that a company that boast about being a trustworthy company would ripoff a customer in this manner. I will never reccomend ARS to anyone from this point on and will never use them again. I will report this to the SC Consumer Affairs Office for them to investigate ARS. Amos read more

Bought a unit in 2013. They said a 2 1/2 ton unit would be fine for the upstairs. 2014 the upstairs unit wouldn't keep up they replaced it with a 3 ton unit. Miscellaneous problems for the next few years. 2019 problems with the downstairs unit. Ended up spending another $1500 on it. In the unit upstairs which was only six years old I was told by the second tech that came out Said it needed replaced. After 7 1/2 years we had over $8000 in both Units. Unfortunately it takes 2 to 4 technicians to figure out The problems. It always seems to be a very expensive fix every time. They do not stand behind their work poor quality. Had it replaced by another HVAC company. They said it was installed incorrectly. They also mentioned to me that it was only a 2 1/2 ton unit upstairs. After checking the paperwork and everything it showed they had put a 3 ton up there but the unit was only at 2 1/2 ton. I highly recommend staying away from this company. When you have a problem they will not call you back. I called the number they supplied me with. Waiting for a response after talking to Robin. As usual with ARS a promised phone call back one way or the other and again as usual no response whatsoever. Again I would like to let everyone know stay away from these people. It's all about your money not their service. read more

Austen and Deonte came to replace our A/c and heater yesterday, we couldn't have asked for a better team they were very professional, kept us informed on everything that they were doing, cleaned up afterwards, we would welcome them back if we have any issues. Thank you again Austen and Deonte. The Thiel's read more