Major HVAC Manufacturers Accused of Price-Fixing In Lawsuit

A class action lawsuit filed in federal court accuses some of the largest heating and cooling equipment manufacturers in the United States of secretly coordinating to fix prices since at least January 2020, driving costs for HVAC systems to historic highs.

The complaint — Berg v. Robert Bosch — was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in March. The plaintiff Alyssa Berg of Minnesota is suing on behalf of herself and others who purchased HVAC equipment during the alleged conspiracy period.

Companies named in the lawsuit include Robert Bosch, Trane Technologies, Carrier Global, Daikin, Lennox International, Rheem Manufacturing, and AAON. The companies that together control more than 90 percent of the U.S. HVAC equipment market, which was valued in the lawsuit at approximately $31.26 billion in 2024.

The allegations have not been proven in court, and the case is in its very early stages. The law firms in the case are seeking to add more consumers.

COVID Serves as Cover

According to the complaint, the defendants used the COVID-19 pandemic as cover to orchestrate price hikes that went beyond what supply chain disruptions could justify. The plaintiffs point to data showing that HVAC equipment prices rose substantially faster than both the Consumer Price Index and the Producer Price Index for other major household appliances during the same period.

The complaint accuses the companies of using regulatory transitions — including new energy efficiency standards and the transition to new refrigerants under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act as justifications for the price increases.

Company Responses

AAON: “While as a matter of policy we don’t comment substantively on pending litigation, we believe the claims are without merit and have instructed our legal counsel to vigorously defend our interests.”

Rheem: “We are aware of the recent lawsuit filed against several HVAC equipment manufacturers, including Rheem. We deny the allegations in the complaint and look forward to defending ourselves through the legal process. We take these matters seriously, but as this is ongoing litigation, we will not comment further at this time.”

Trane: “We strongly dispute the allegations made in this lawsuit and intend to vigorously defend ourselves against these baseless claims. Trane remains committed to operating with integrity, complying with applicable laws and regulations, and providing value to our customers through our sustainable, reliable solutions.”

Bosch declined to comment on pending litigation.

Carrier, Daikin and Lennox did not reply to requests for comment.