In a significant move within the HVAC industry, SRS Distribution, a subsidiary of The Home Depot, has completed an agreement to acquire Lohmiller and Co., a Colorado-based wholesale distributor of heating and cooling equipment and parts. The acquisition marks the second major expansion into the HVAC sector for SRS, following its recent purchase of Mingledorff’s, a southeastern HVAC distributor. This consolidation trend has real implications for homeowners and contractors seeking reliable access to quality systems and replacement components.

What This Acquisition Means

Lohmiller and Co. has operated as an independent, family-owned business since its founding in 1990 and currently maintains four locations throughout Colorado. The company employs approximately 220 people and specializes in distributing Carrier products, including residential, light commercial, and applied HVAC solutions. Under the terms of the deal, current leadership including President Tim Brooks and co-owners Mark Brown and Roger Lee will remain with the organization, ensuring continuity for customers and employees alike.

For shoppers, this consolidation represents a broader pattern in the HVAC distribution landscape. Home Depot’s strategic investments through SRS Distribution signal increased focus on controlling the supply chain for heating and cooling products. With over 1,300 locations across the United States and Canada, SRS now positions itself as a major force in wholesale HVAC distribution. This expanded presence could improve product availability and streamline ordering processes for contractors, builders, and property managers who rely on consistent access to components and systems.

Strengthening the Carrier Partnership

warehouse distribution center inventory
Photo by Adrien Olichon

Both Lohmiller and Mingledorff’s maintain strong relationships with Carrier Global Corporation, a leading manufacturer of HVAC equipment and parts. By acquiring these distributors, SRS reinforces its partnership with Carrier and gains direct control over the distribution of their complete product lines. This alignment benefits consumers by potentially improving delivery times and expanding options for replacement air filters and maintenance components that keep systems running efficiently.

The consolidation also suggests that homeowners seeking professional HVAC services may find more consistent pricing and product recommendations across regions. When major retailers like Home Depot own the distribution infrastructure, they can better coordinate inventory management and reduce supply chain inefficiencies that sometimes drive up costs for consumers.

Industry Growth and Market Consolidation

This acquisition demonstrates a trend toward consolidation in the HVAC supply industry. As companies grow larger, they gain economies of scale that can benefit end consumers through competitive pricing and improved service offerings. SRS Distribution’s expansion into HVAC wholesale parallels broader changes in the home services industry, where large retailers increasingly seek to control more of the supply chain from manufacturer to consumer.

The continued leadership of Lohmiller’s existing management team underscores a valuable lesson for customers: successful acquisitions in this space often preserve the local expertise and customer-focused approach that made distributors valuable in the first place. The company’s reputation for exceptional service and employee care remain central to its identity even under new ownership.

What Homeowners Should Expect

HVAC service technician maintenance work
Photo by Singapore Stock Photos

While these corporate changes happen behind the scenes, homeowners should expect improved access to quality HVAC products and components. Whether you need high-efficiency heating solutions or routine maintenance parts, the expanded SRS network means more locations where your contractor can source reliable products. The integration of Lohmiller into the SRS family also suggests that Home Depot may expand its own retail offerings for HVAC-related products and services in western markets.

For those working with HVAC contractors or considering system replacements, this consolidation reinforces the importance of choosing contractors with established relationships to reliable distributors. Contractors affiliated with major distribution networks like SRS gain access to broader product selection and technical support, which translates to better service for customers.

Looking Ahead

As SRS Distribution continues expanding its HVAC platform through strategic acquisitions, the industry is likely to see further consolidation among independent distributors. This evolution creates opportunities for improved efficiencies and potentially more competitive pricing for consumers. However, the commitment to retaining existing leadership and company culture suggests that SRS understands the value of local relationships and personalized service in the HVAC market.

Homeowners and contractors alike should monitor how these changes affect product availability, pricing, and service quality in their regions. For now, the acquisition represents a positive step toward a more integrated and efficient HVAC supply ecosystem that benefits the entire market.