Class Action Lawsuit Alleges Price Fixing by Major HVAC Manufacturers Since 2020

DETROIT, Michigan — A class action complaint filed March 20, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan alleges that major HVAC manufacturers conspired to fix equipment prices beginning in 2020.

The case, Berg v. Robert Bosch, names Bosch, Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Daikin, Rheem, and AAON as defendants who control over 90% of the market for HVAC equipment in the U.S. The lawsuit claims the defendants used coordinated price increases, information sharing, and “public signaling” to drive prices well above inflation and actual cost pressures. 

The complaint further alleges that manufacturers used COVID-19 disruptions, new SEER2 efficiency standards, and the HFC phasedown under the AIM Act as justifications for price increases, but claims these factors do not fully explain the scale of those increases. It notes that HVAC equipment prices rose faster than broader inflation and comparable manufacturing indices during the same period. The filing also contends that OEMs had years to prepare for efficiency standard changes and had long supported and invested in the refrigerant transition. As a result, the lawsuit characterizes these explanations as insufficient to justify the magnitude of pricing increases.

The lawsuit argues that while the purchase of HVAC equipment is necessary, consumers and businesses have no ability to push back on soaring prices. 

Additionally, it also names AHRI and trade publication, The ACHR NEWS, as co-conspirators. 

"Defendants used two key organizations to facilitate their conspiracy. First, Defendants used the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (“AHRI”), a trade association for the HVAC industry they largely control, to implement extensive sharing of 
information available only to AHRI members who also agreed to share their own data with their competitors. Second, Defendants used a niche HVAC industry publication — Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration (“ACHR”) News — to each announce their price increases to and provide commentary on their pricing and supply plans," the case states. 

MSN reported that HVAC-related stocks declined after news of the price-fixing lawsuit introduced new risks for investors and manufacturers. The market reaction reflects concern over potential penalties, reputational damage, and tighter regulatory oversight.

For HVAC professionals, this financial volatility may signal broader disruptions in the supply chain and pricing environment. 

The litigation is expected to move through federal court, with potential implications for compliance standards and industry oversight. 

For HVAC contractors, the lawsuit highlights growing uncertainty around equipment pricing and reinforces the need for proactive cost management strategies. Regardless of the outcome, contractors may face continued volatility in equipment costs, making it essential to strengthen supplier relationships, diversify sourcing where possible, and build flexibility into bids and contracts.

The case also underscores the importance of clearly communicating pricing drivers to customers to maintain trust and protect margins. As regulatory and legal scrutiny increases, staying informed will be critical for contractors navigating procurement decisions and long-term business planning.