I heard HVAC manufacturers are being sued for price fixing. Is that true?
Yes, a federal class-action lawsuit was filed in March 2026 alleging that several major HVAC equipment manufacturers — including Bosch, Carrier, Daikin, Lennox, Rheem, Trane, and AAON — have conspired to fix prices since January 2020. The lawsuit is still in very early stages; allegations in a complaint are not the same as proven facts. That said, we understand this is a concern, and we want to be transparent with you about what’s happening.
Did my contractor know about this and charge me more?
No. HVAC contractors like us purchase equipment from manufacturers and distributors at the prices those companies set — we don’t control wholesale prices any more than a grocery store controls the price of produce from a farm. When manufacturer prices go up, our costs go up, and that gets passed through to customers. We’re on your side wanting fair pricing in the market.
Can I get my money back?
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages on behalf of anyone who has purchased HVAC equipment from the named manufacturers for residential or commercial use in the U.S. since January 2020. If the case is certified as a class action and results in a settlement or judgment, affected customers may be notified and given an opportunity to file a claim. We encourage you to keep records of your equipment purchases and watch for any official notices. We’ll share information as it becomes available.
Why did HVAC prices go up so much in the past few years?
Manufacturers cited several reasons for price increases since 2020, including COVID-19-related supply chain disruptions, raw material cost increases, labor shortages, and most recently, the transition to A2L refrigerants required by new environmental regulations. The lawsuit argues that while some of those cost pressures were real, manufacturers used them as cover to coordinate price hikes beyond what costs actually justified. That question is what the court will need to decide.
Should I wait to replace my HVAC system until this is resolved?
We don’t recommend delaying necessary HVAC work for this reason. Lawsuits like this can take years to resolve, and in the meantime, a failing or inefficient system will cost you more in energy bills and potential emergency repairs. We’ll always work to get you the most competitive pricing we can, and we’re happy to discuss financing options or phased approaches if cost is a concern. If you do qualify for any future settlement, that would be a separate matter.
Which brands are involved? Should I avoid them?
We recommend choosing the equipment that best fits your home, efficiency goals, and budget. The brands named in the lawsuit together represent over 90% of the U.S. HVAC equipment market. Because the lawsuit covers the dominant manufacturers, there’s no straightforward way to simply “avoid” the named brands without significantly limiting your options. We’ll continue recommending products for your specific situation based on quality, reliability, and value. It’s important to note that this lawsuit only represents allegations at this point, and not proven facts.
Will this affect prices going forward?
It’s too early to say. There are legitimate cost factors — including the ongoing A2L refrigerant transition and potential tariff impacts on materials — that may continue to influence prices regardless of the lawsuit’s outcome.
What should I do if I want to join the lawsuit or find out more?
We’re contractors, not attorneys, so we can’t give legal advice. If you’re interested in learning more about the lawsuit or whether you might be part of a potential class, we recommend consulting with a consumer protection attorney. You can also search for updates on Berg v. Robert Bosch, filed in the Eastern District of Michigan (Case No. 26-cv-10949). As the case develops, class action notice processes will eventually notify qualifying consumers if a settlement is reached. We’re happy to provide you with any documentation you need about your equipment purchase history.
Download this guide to help your team answer customer questions about the HVAC price-fixing lawsuit with confidence and transparency
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Updated April 8, 2026
This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The lawsuit described is in early stages; allegations have not been proven in court. Please contact a licensed attorney with specific legal questions.
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