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• Multiple major HVAC manufacturers will increase prices by up to 10% starting February 2026 due to rising costs of copper, steel, labor, tariffs, and refrigerant upgrades.
• These hikes directly affect contractors, distributors, and facility managers by increasing equipment costs and causing supply delays.
• HVAC professionals need to adjust bids, consider bulk purchasing, or focus on repairs as system prices and tariffs significantly impact project margins.

Starting in February 2026, several major HVAC manufacturers are raising prices on key equipment like residential units, coils, and accessories. Companies including Lennox, AirCool, and CertainTeed are increasing costs by 3.5% to 10%. This change affects HVAC contractors, distributors, and facility managers nationwide. The price hikes have already begun, with Lennox’s increase taking effect on February 16. As a result, system replacement costs could jump by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. HVAC professionals will need to adjust their bids and plan inventory accordingly to manage these rising expenses.

What HVAC Professionals Should Do Now to Prepare

With prices rising and supplies tightening, HVAC contractors, distributors, and facility managers need to act quickly. First, review your current inventory and consider buying key parts—like coils and compressors—so you lock in current prices before more increases hit. Next, update your quotes and bids to reflect higher costs, or you risk losing profit. Think about focusing more on repairs instead of full system replacements, as repairs may cost less and help customers during this pricey period. Talk to your suppliers now about delivery timelines, since shipments are delayed due to material shortages and new refrigerant rules. Learn about the new refrigerants like R-454B and R-32; these are safer but require equipment changes and may affect costs and installation. Lastly, communicate clearly with your customers about price changes and possible wait times. Planning ahead will help you manage costs and keep your business running smoothly despite supply and price pressures.

Market Impact: Inventory, Pricing, and Supply Challenges

Starting February 2026, several major HVAC manufacturers are raising prices by up to 10%. This means contractors and distributors will see higher costs on essential equipment like residential units and coils. These increases are driven by rising prices for copper (used in coils and pipes), steel, labor, and tariffs that add fees on imported goods. Plus, new safety-related design changes for refrigerants also add to costs.

Inventory risks are higher now. Some factories have slowed shipments by nearly half because of recent overstocking and supply chain delays. This means contractors may face longer wait times and limited stock availability. Prices can jump by hundreds or even thousands per system, affecting project bids and final quotes.

To manage these risks, HVAC pros should consider buying inventory in bulk before further increases or focus more on repairs instead of replacements. Adjusting pricing strategies is crucial to protect profit margins. Overall, the market is tightening, and being proactive will help navigate these challenges.

What HVAC Technicians Need to Know and Do

With these price hikes and new rules, HVAC technicians need to update their skills and tools. Many systems now use new refrigerants like R-454B and R-32. These are called A2L refrigerants, which means they are mildly flammable. Technicians must be trained to handle them safely. This includes learning new leak detection methods and using special equipment designed for these refrigerants. Also, some components need safety sensors and updated wiring because of redesigned parts for 2026 compliance. Technicians should get certified on these new systems and refrigerants to meet EPA rules and keep jobs safe and legal. Operationally, they need to plan more carefully for parts availability since supply delays are common. It’s wise to stock up on essential parts early or offer repairs over full replacements when possible, to reduce wait times and costs for customers. Overall, staying current with training, tools, and certifications is key to managing these changes smoothly on every job site.

Regulatory Deadlines and Compliance for HVAC Equipment Price Changes

Starting February 16, 2026, several major HVAC manufacturers are required to follow new pricing rules driven by federal regulations. These rules focus on changes in equipment design to meet updated safety and environmental standards, including the use of refrigerants that reduce environmental harm. For example, new HVAC systems must use refrigerants classified as A2L, which are mildly flammable and require special safety sensors and redesigned components to comply with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) guidelines. These updates affect manufacturing deadlines, as products that do not meet the new refrigerant and safety requirements cannot be legally sold or installed after mid-February 2026. Installation contractors must ensure the HVAC units they fit comply with these new standards; otherwise, they risk violating federal law. The scope covers all residential and commercial HVAC equipment manufactured or installed from February 16 onward. Furthermore, tariffs remain a factor but mainly affect manufacturers importing parts or finished units. Facility managers and contractors should track compliance dates to avoid penalties and ensure all systems meet the new federal and safety guidelines.

Key Takeaways

• Multiple major HVAC manufacturers are raising prices by 3.5% to 10% starting February 2026, driven by higher costs for copper, steel, labor, logistics, tariffs, and new refrigerant requirements.
• HVAC contractors must adjust bids and consider bulk purchasing or focusing on repairs to protect profit margins amid system price increases of 5–10%, which can add hundreds to thousands of dollars per unit.
• Factory shipments have dropped 42–49% due to copper price fluctuations and previous refrigerant stockpiling, causing supply delays and higher costs, worsening equipment availability.
• New EPA refrigerant rules require updated, costly equipment designs with safety sensors, contributing to price hikes and complicating compliance for contractors and facility managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are HVAC equipment prices increasing in February 2026?

Prices are going up because of higher costs for copper, steel, labor, and shipping, plus tariffs and new rules for safer refrigerants. These changes make manufacturing more expensive, causing companies to raise prices on HVAC systems and parts.

How should contractors adjust their bids with the new price increases?

Contractors need to update quotes quickly to cover higher equipment costs and consider buying inventory in bulk before prices rise further. They might also focus more on repairs instead of full replacements to keep jobs affordable for customers.

What is A2L refrigerant, and why does it matter now?

A2L refrigerants, like R-454B and R-32, are newer types of refrigerants that are less harmful to the environment but require special safety sensors and redesigned equipment. Handling A2L systems means technicians must follow new safety rules and adjust to updated products.

How are supply chain delays affecting HVAC projects?

Factory shipments are down due to material shortages and leftover stock from previous years, causing longer wait times for equipment. Contractors should plan ahead and communicate with suppliers to avoid project delays or unexpected cost jumps.

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