What does it cost to replace the equipment that heats, cools, and supplies hot water to your home? FLAME Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical gives Metro Detroit homeowners a starting point with specific models and installation prices, so you can begin comparing options before requesting an estimate.
The equipment featured here includes air conditioning and furnace options starting at $6,500, plus water heaters starting at $2,000. Higher equipment tiers add different efficiency levels, operating features, or system configurations. Each price applies to the listed option and is a starting figure rather than a complete quote for your property.
FLAME has served the area since 1949. From Detroit and Dearborn to Warren, Livonia, and Farmington Hills, our goal is to help you understand both the equipment choice and the installation work behind the final price.
Why Two Metro Detroit Homes Can Receive Different Quotes
Two neighbors can select the same furnace and still need different installation plans. One house may have suitable duct connections and venting, while the other needs airflow corrections, new exhaust piping, or electrical changes. Renovations and additions can also change the heating and cooling requirements from when the original equipment was installed.
For example, if you are updating mechanical equipment while finishing a basement in Warren, the estimate should account for access and the proposed layout. If an upstairs room in your Dearborn home has always been uncomfortable, that concern deserves attention before the replacement equipment is selected.
A useful quote identifies the equipment, the work required to connect it properly, and the conditions that could affect the project. The following comparisons help you decide which options to discuss.
Central Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Installation Prices
The first two cooling choices are single-stage air conditioners. The third is a variable-capacity heat pump that provides cooling and heating. That distinction matters when comparing the price and planning how the new outdoor equipment will work with the rest of your system.
Good Cooling Option: Lennox ML13KC1-024
Starting at $6,500 installed. This Lennox Merit Series air conditioner uses single-stage cooling and meets or exceeds 13.4 SEER2 efficiency.
Consider this model when you want a conventional central AC replacement with the lowest starting investment among the cooling options shown. Proper sizing and compatible indoor equipment remain essential parts of the installation.
Better Cooling Option: Lennox EL16KC1-024
Starting at $7,500 installed. The Lennox Elite Series EL16KC1-024 combines single-stage operation with efficiency of up to 17 SEER2.
This option gives you a higher efficiency level to consider while retaining single-stage cooling. FLAME can help compare the equipment match and installed scope with the entry-level option.
Best Heating and Cooling Option: Lennox SL25XPV-024-230
Starting at $10,000 installed. This Dave Lennox Signature Collection heat pump uses variable-capacity technology to provide both heating and cooling.
It is the premium outdoor-system choice in this guide. Its suitability depends on the complete heating and cooling design, including compatible indoor components and the plan for meeting your home’s heating load during cold weather.
Installation Details That Influence Cooling Costs
- The capacity needed to serve the home’s layout and cooling load
- The indoor coil, furnace, or air handler paired with the outdoor unit
- Condition and routing of the refrigerant lines
- Duct sizing, return-air capacity, and necessary repairs
- Electrical wiring, breaker, and disconnect requirements
- Drainage, thermostat controls, equipment placement, and installation access
- Permits and inspections required for the work
If you are replacing an older system in Detroit, Canton, or Rochester, tell us about rooms that stay warm or periods when the house feels uncomfortable despite the AC running. Learn more about FLAME’s air conditioning services.
Compare Lennox Furnace Replacement Prices
The furnace options below start at $6,500, $7,500, and $10,000. Each offers a different combination of fuel efficiency and heating control. The right selection should reflect your comfort expectations as well as your budget.
Good Heating Option: Lennox ML196UH070XE36BK
- Starting price: $6,500
- Series: Lennox Merit
- Fuel efficiency: Up to 96% AFUE
- Heat delivery: Single-stage operation
- Air movement: Power Saver constant-torque motor
This furnace is a practical choice for homeowners seeking high-efficiency gas heating with a simpler operating configuration. It establishes the lowest starting price in this furnace comparison.
Better Heating Option: Lennox EL297UH070XV36BK
- Starting price: $7,500
- Series: Lennox Elite
- Fuel efficiency: Up to 97% AFUE
- Heat delivery: Two-stage operation
- Air movement: Variable-speed blower motor
Two heating stages and a variable-speed blower provide additional control over heat delivery. This option may appeal to homeowners who want to improve everyday comfort without selecting the highest equipment tier.
Best Heating Option: Lennox SLP99UH070XV36BK
- Starting price: $10,000
- Series: Dave Lennox Signature Collection
- Fuel efficiency: Up to 99% AFUE
- Heat delivery: Modulating operation
- Air movement: Variable-speed airflow
This premium furnace offers more precise adjustment of heating output. It is worth discussing if temperature consistency and efficiency are central to your replacement decision.
Look Beyond the Furnace Cabinet
Gas connections, exhaust venting, combustion air, condensate drainage, and duct transitions can all affect the installation price. Controls, electrical connections, and access to the equipment also need to be reviewed. A new furnace should be selected for the home’s current heating requirements rather than automatically matching the old unit.
Visit our Metro Detroit heating services page to explore furnace replacement and other heating solutions.
Water Heater Costs: Tank, Power Vent and Tankless
A water heater’s installation type can have a substantial effect on its replacement cost. Before deciding that one tier is best for your household, compare the existing venting, available space, and the amount of hot water you need at the same time.
Good: Bradford White RG240T6N Natural Draft Water Heater
Starting at $2,000. This traditional tank-style gas water heater uses natural-draft venting. It can be a suitable replacement approach when the home already has an appropriate atmospheric vent system and the capacity meets household demand.
Better: Bradford White RG1PV40S6N Power Vent Water Heater
Starting at $3,000. This gas storage-tank model uses power venting. It provides additional vent-routing flexibility compared with a natural-draft unit, subject to the equipment’s installation requirements and the home’s configuration.
Best: Navien NPE-240A Tankless Water Heater
Starting at $8,000. This wall-mounted condensing tankless system replaces the traditional storage-tank approach. Before recommending a conversion, FLAME can review the installation space, water demand, gas supply, venting, and electrical requirements.
The highest-priced option is not automatically the best match for every property. A compatible tank replacement may meet one household’s needs, while another may have a specific reason to consider tankless equipment.
What May Be Needed During a Water Heater Upgrade?
- Gas piping adjustments or supply evaluation
- Changes to water lines and equipment connections
- A new or modified approved vent route
- Electrical service for power-vent or tankless equipment
- Condensate disposal for a condensing system
- Required expansion control, drain protection, or other safety updates
- Permits, inspections, and access for removal and installation
How to Compare Proposals and Payment Options
Ask each contractor to identify the exact model, capacity, controls, and installation work in the proposal. Also clarify equipment removal, permit responsibilities, warranty terms, and whether any recommended improvements are included or priced separately.
FLAME offers financing options for qualified customers. Before choosing a payment plan, review the current rate, repayment period, approval requirements, and total cost. Promotions and rebates may have separate eligibility rules, so confirm how they apply to your particular purchase.
Get a Complete Installation Estimate From FLAME
Use these starting prices to narrow your questions, then have the home evaluated before making a final decision. FLAME can review heating, cooling, hot water, plumbing, and electrical considerations that affect the replacement project.
Visit FLAME Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical to request an estimate for your Metro Detroit home. We can help you compare the listed equipment and understand the work needed for your installation.
This guide provides starting prices for the specific equipment listed. It is not a binding installation quote or a guarantee that every home qualifies for the displayed price. Equipment availability, sizing, labor requirements, site conditions, permits, code compliance, taxes, promotions, and financing terms can affect the final amount. Request current pricing and a written project scope from FLAME.
