HVAC Manufacturers Seek Dismissal of Price-Fixing Lawsuits

Manufacturers associated with Daikin and Trane Technologies filed a joint motion on October 9 to dismiss class-action lawsuits. These lawsuits allege that several manufacturers coordinated actions leading to higher HVAC equipment prices beginning in January 2020. The manufacturers argue that price increases resulted from independent business decisions and cost pressures, including COVID-era supply chain disruptions and metal tariffs.

Plaintiffs allege that the manufacturers used industry information sharing and public price announcements to coordinate pricing. The manufacturers contend that the lawsuits incorrectly interpret legitimate price increases as a conspiracy. The outcome of these motions could affect the regulatory environment for HVAC pricing.