Heating & Cooling in Detroit, MI

Homes in Detroit: what pros run into

The Great Lakes Water Authority draws water from the Detroit River and Lake Huron. Residential permits are estimated to take about five days to review.

Building permits are filed online with the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department. In larger walk-ups the heat may be central and run by the building, so renters should report heat problems to the landlord or super first.

Long, bitter winters make heating the priority. A furnace or boiler that fails during a cold snap is an emergency, so a fall tune-up is worth scheduling early. GLWA's Water Resource Recovery Facility on West Jefferson is the largest single-site wastewater plant in the country.

Permits, licenses and your utility

Michigan licenses mechanical contractors, who handle HVAC work, through the Bureau of Construction Codes. If your system uses gas, DTE Energy handles service to the meter. If you smell gas, leave the house and call them from outside.

Problems people call about

Here is what Detroit callers mention most:

• System short-cycling
• High energy bills without explanation
• No heat or uneven heat between rooms

Get ready for the call

Write down the make and model from the label on your furnace, air handler or outdoor unit.

From call to visit

1. Reach out by phone or online.
2. A local heating and cooling company who works in Detroit gets your request.
3. If the timing and quote work for you, they schedule the job.