A major lawsuit is putting HVAC pricing under the microscope. A class-action case filed in Michigan alleges that seven of the largest OEMs — Trane, Carrier, Daikin, Bosch, Lennox, Rheem, and AAON — coordinated price increases dating back to 2020. The complaint claims manufacturers engaged in behind-the-scenes communication and signaling to push equipment prices higher, beyond what could be explained by supply chain issues, regulations, or the refrigerant transition. At the center of the case is the distinction between legal “parallel pricing” and illegal price-fixing — with plaintiffs arguing this crossed the line into coordinated action and conspiracy. The lawsuit also points to industry groups like HARDI and AHRI and even coverage from yours truly, The ACHR News, as part of the alleged information-sharing ecosystem. ACHR NEWS and the industry groups were mentioned for their role in publishing price increases and shipment data.

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