Detroit Service Overview
● Local Priority: Fast response times across all Detroit neighborhoods, from Corktown to Palmer Woods.
● Certified Expertise: Licensed professionals expertly handling historic home retrofits and modern system upgrades since 1949.
● Efficiency Focus: Enhancing airflow, electrical safety, and system sizing for Detroit’s aging housing stock.
Detroit stretches from Eight Mile down to the Detroit River, with major corridors like Woodward Avenue, I-75, and I-94 carrying traffic through every part of the city. With more than 300,000 homes and an average home age of around 75 years, FLAME Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical handles hundreds of service calls across Detroit every year.
If you need help today, call (586) 217-2512 to schedule fast, local service.
A Longstanding Presence in Detroit
Since 1949, FLAME has been part of Detroit’s story. In a city where homes and infrastructure demand true expertise, our experience makes a difference. From the charm of Corktown and Indian Village to the bustle near the Ambassador Bridge and Belle Isle, we have seen it all. We know what’s behind the walls because we have been trusted to care for these homes for generations.
“Everyone was great to work with at Flame. Troy was quick to make an appointment, get a quote, and answer any questions. My furnace was replaced within 24 hours of initially contacting flame. They offer great pricing and financing options. The installation crew led by Jacob Little was respectful and efficient. Everything was done the right way and an extended labor warranty gives additional peace of mind. Highly recommend this team.”
Heating Services in Detroit, MI
Detroit winters show no mercy. As the cold settles in, aging furnaces and boilers in neighborhoods like Palmer Woods, Sherwood Forest, and the University District are put to the test. Many homes still depend on systems that have weathered decades of Michigan winters.
Our heating work in Detroit goes beyond quick fixes. We help homeowners breathe new life into old systems, boost airflow, and swap out tired units for ones that can truly keep up with the cold.
● Furnace repair and replacement
● Heat pump installation and repair
● System efficiency improvements
If your system is aging or leaves rooms chilly, consider a replacement instead of another round of repairs. Along Woodward Avenue and throughout the University District, many homes have older furnace retrofits that need expert sizing and airflow tweaks to work their best. Need heat in a hurry? Call (586) 217-2512 for same-day service anywhere in Detroit.
Cooling Services in Detroit, MI
Detroit summers bring sweltering heat and sticky humidity, especially near the river and in the heart of downtown. Many older homes weren’t built for central air, making comfort a real challenge.
We often install new AC systems in homes that once depended on window units or outdated equipment. In places like West Village and Hamtramck, we tackle tricky ductwork with creative, custom solutions. Along the riverfront and downtown, we frequently solve humidity and airflow issues during installations and upgrades, helping homes stay cool and comfortable all summer.
● New AC installation and replacement
If your home never seems cool enough or you juggle several window units, upgrading to a right-sized system can transform your comfort.
“Michael was absolutely delightful during his visit to maintain my HVAC system. He was polite, knowledgeable, friendly, and loved my pets. If I could have him every time, I’d be a happy lady. I also wanna put a shout out to the owner of the company because I was sick at the end of December and couldn’t respond to their reminders that my maintenance was due. Even though I missed the call in date, he accommodated me and kept me on the lifetime plan.”
Detroit Comfort & System Solutions
Problem: Aging heating systems failing during severe Detroit winters in historic neighborhoods.
Solution: Professional furnace retrofits, boiler upgrades, and system efficiency improvements tailored for older housing stock.
Problem: Lack of central air and tricky ductwork causing extreme summer discomfort.
Solution: Custom cooling options, including ductless mini-split systems and expert airflow upgrades.
Plumbing Services in Detroit, MI
Detroit’s plumbing often tells the story of the home’s age. Many properties still have old pipes and sewer lines that are vulnerable to leaks, backups, and corrosion.
From everyday repairs to complete system upgrades, we handle it all. In Detroit’s older neighborhoods, we often uncover problems that need more than a simple patch. In areas with aging sewer lines, we often find stubborn blockages and corrosion that call for more than just routine drain cleaning.
● Burst and frozen pipe repair
If you’re facing slow drains, frequent backups, or old pipes, it’s smart to get your system checked before a bigger problem pops up.
Electrical Services in Detroit, MI
Many Detroit homes need electrical updates, especially those built before today’s technology demands. Older wiring often struggles to keep up with modern appliances, devices, and HVAC systems.
Our electricians upgrade these systems to meet today’s standards, making your home safer and more reliable.
● Lighting
● Circuit breakers and electrical panels
● Smart home wiring and automation
If your home still has an old panel or you’re dealing with frequent breaker trips, it could be time for an upgrade.
“I recently had a new furnace and hot water tank installed and couldn’t be happier with the experience. Chris and his team were professional, courteous, and respectful of my home. They arrived on time, worked efficiently, and explained everything clearly before leaving. The installation went smoothly, and the furnace is running great.”
Why Detroit Homeowners Choose FLAME
Living in Detroit means your home faces unique challenges: older systems, historic architecture, and the city’s tough climate. That’s why experience truly counts. FLAME is ready for Detroit’s high demand, but we never lose our personal touch. Most neighborhoods can count on same-day service and dependable support.
● Serving Detroit since 1949
● Fast response times across all neighborhoods
● Experienced, licensed technicians
● Strong warranties and financing options
● Full-service capabilities across HVAC, plumbing, and electrical
From Comerica Park and the Fox Theatre to the neighborhoods stretching along Eight Mile, our team is always ready to help.
Schedule Service in Detroit Today
If you live in Detroit and need help with your heating, cooling, plumbing, or electrical system, FLAME is ready to help. Whether you are dealing with an urgent repair or planning an upgrade, our team is equipped to handle it. Call (586) 217-2512 to schedule service or book online today. We serve neighborhoods across the entire city, from areas near Woodward Avenue to homes closer to the riverfront, and respond quickly when you need it most.
Detroit Services FAQs
How long do HVAC systems last?
Most systems last between 10 to 15 years but can quickly degrade over time, so it’s important to have regular professional inspections and maintenance done.
Are bigger AC systems better?
Not necessarily. It’s more important to match your AC to your home. If your AC is too big, it will short-cycle and not run long enough to properly eliminate humidity and drain water from your system.
Why are my drains constantly backing up in my older Detroit home?
Older Detroit homes often have aging sewer lines that are susceptible to tree root intrusion, corrosion, and structural damage. Regular drain cleaning and video inspections can identify the root cause of stubborn blockages and prevent major backups.
Do I need to upgrade my electrical panel?
If your home still has an older fuse box, you frequently experience tripped breakers, or you are planning to install modern appliances like an EV charger or a new HVAC system, an electrical panel upgrade is highly recommended to meet today’s safety standards.
Are ductless mini-splits a good option for historic homes?
Yes! Ductless mini-split systems are ideal for historic Detroit homes that lack the existing ductwork required for traditional central air. They provide efficient, targeted cooling and heating without the need to tear into walls or alter the home’s architecture.
Do I need a special permit to install a new HVAC system in Detroit?
Yes, the City of Detroit requires permits and inspections for new HVAC installations to ensure compliance with local safety and building codes. Our team handles all the necessary paperwork and coordination with the city’s Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department so your installation meets all legal standards.
Are heat pumps effective in Detroit's cold winters?
Absolutely. Modern cold-climate heat pumps are engineered to run efficiently even in sub-zero temperatures. For many of Detroit’s older homes, a dual-fuel system—combining a heat pump with a high-efficiency gas furnace—offers the perfect balance of year-round comfort and energy savings.
Recent Jobs and Reviews in Detroit, MI
Job Locations and Reviews
Responded to return service call for first floor bathroom sink drain that had become clogged again after previous clearing. Snaked the drain line to remove obstruction and restore proper drainage flow. Homeowner was advised that drain clearing services carry no warranty due to the nature of potential recurring blockages from debris, hair, and soap buildup.
Responded to commercial plumbing service call regarding a baptismal pool heating issue. Upon inspection, accessed plumbing connections behind wall-mounted sinks in tiled bathroom facility to diagnose heating system malfunction. Performed drain cleaning and maintenance procedures using professional auger equipment on dual sink configuration. Exposed wall cavity to access baptismal pool supply lines and heating connections, identified and resolved circulation issues affecting water temperature control. Completed necessary repairs to restore proper heating function to baptismal pool plumbing system.
Responded to a low water pressure complaint affecting the bathroom sink. Upon inspection, diagnosed reduced flow caused by a clogged aerator and sediment buildup in the supply lines. Installed a whole-house water filter system on the main water line to address ongoing sediment issues and prevent future pressure loss. Verified proper water pressure restoration at all fixtures following installation. The existing P-trap assembly and drainage components were found to be in good working condition with no leaks detected.
Responded to customer request for piping replacement assessment following extensive water damage to interior ceiling and walls. Upon inspection, discovered significant structural deterioration including exposed lath, peeling paint, brown water staining, and compromised plaster/drywall throughout the affected area, indicating prolonged moisture infiltration from failed plumbing above. Documented existing conditions and damage extent to provide accurate estimate for complete piping system remediation and subsequent ceiling repair work.
Conducted on-site assessment of existing natural gas boiler system located in basement for replacement estimate. Current unit is over 10 years old and operational at time of inspection. Documented existing equipment configuration, piping layout, and installation environment to determine replacement specifications and requirements.
Responded to service call for rooftop unit experiencing refrigerant line freeze-up issues. Performed diagnostic assessment of Lennox commercial A/C unit, taking temperature readings that measured 52°F at the evaporator coil assembly. Replaced faulty motherboard control as requested and inspected refrigerant lines, ductwork connections, and overall unit operation to identify root cause of freezing condition.
Responded to service call for reported water leak from tanked water heater unit. Upon arrival, accessed mechanical room and conducted thorough inspection of white cylindrical tank-style water heater with associated copper piping assembly and connections. Evaluated unit for source of leak, examined all visible plumbing connections, shut-off valves, and supply lines at top of tank. Inspected tank exterior, pressure relief valve, drain valve, and surrounding floor area for evidence of active water seepage or moisture accumulation.
Responded to service call for Briggs & Stratton 12KW generator running continuously for several days. Upon arrival, conducted diagnostic inspection of unit and surrounding area. Identified debris accumulation in overhead utility lines near property that may have contributed to power supply irregularities causing generator to remain in constant operation mode. Assessed generator control system, transfer switch operation, and utility power supply status to determine root cause of extended runtime condition.
Responded to main floor bathroom sink drainage issue. Upon inspection, located and accessed main drain line through basement floor cleanout. Successfully cleared blockage in drainage system using appropriate equipment. Verified proper water flow and drainage at sink fixture upon completion, with all fixtures restored to normal operation.
Performed scheduled maintenance on a 4-year-old Lochinvar boiler system located in the basement. Disassembled and thoroughly cleaned the heat exchanger to remove accumulated deposits and ensure optimal heat transfer efficiency. Inspected all system components, venting, and electrical connections during service, and reassembled unit to manufacturer specifications.
Responded to no cooling complaint on second floor air conditioning system. Upon arrival, found thermostat unresponsive and unable to communicate with ten-year-old outdoor condensing unit. Accessed attic-mounted air handler to perform diagnostic testing using multimeter to check control voltage and verify proper power supply to thermostat circuit. Identified failed thermostat as root cause of system inoperability. Replaced defective thermostat with new unit, verified proper wiring connections, and programmed settings per customer preferences. Cycled system through cooling mode to confirm proper communication between thermostat and air handler, verified adequate airflow through ductwork, and ensured condensing unit engaged properly on call for cooling. System restored to full operational status with proper temperature control functionality.
Installed dedicated 125V GFCI-protected outlet at exterior AC unit location to meet electrical code requirements for servicing equipment. Investigated and resolved flickering light issue caused by overloaded circuit sharing outlet usage. Updated circuit breaker panel directory labels to reflect new dedicated AC service outlet circuit.
Responded to no-heat call for 2-year-old furnace located in basement with complete system failure. Performed diagnostic inspection of unit and ductwork, identifying issue preventing ignition sequence. Restored heating system to full operational status and verified proper airflow through supply plenum.
Completed return visit to address leaking and corroded piping on 5-year-old boiler system located in basement. Replaced deteriorated galvanized steel pipe sections showing active leaks and rust damage with new components including two 3/4" bushings, 3/4" shut-off valve, and multiple 3/4" nipples. Removed heavily corroded brass fittings and reinstalled plumbing assembly with proper threading and sealing to eliminate water intrusion. System tested under pressure following repairs with no leaks detected. Boiler remained operational throughout service and continues providing heat. Floor area beneath repaired section showed evidence of previous water damage from leaking pipes, which has now been resolved with replacement components.
Responded to service call to assess plumbing situation following wall opening and address concerns regarding incomplete toilet repairs from previous visit. Conducted thorough inspection of dual-sink bathroom installation with exposed PVC drainage system and documented existing conditions. Evaluated mechanical room piping infrastructure including flow meter installation with flanged connections and associated equipment to determine scope of required plumbing work and provide recommendations for resolution of outstanding issues.
Responded to service call for pilot light failure on tanked water heater in basement of century-old home. Diagnosed faulty thermocouple preventing pilot from remaining lit, resulting in complete loss of hot water supply for 2-3 days. Replaced thermocouple, tested gas valve operation, verified proper pilot flame characteristics, and restored full hot water functionality to residence.
Responded to electrical service call for loss of power to residence except refrigerator circuit following plumbing work incident. Inspected main electrical panel and branch circuits to identify damaged components. Replaced compromised fuse or breaker that was affected during plumbing operations. Restored full electrical service to all circuits throughout the home and verified proper operation of all affected systems.
Performed exploratory wall and floor openings to access and assess concealed plumbing system in commercial facility. Cut rectangular access points through beige tile floor and wall surfaces, exposing underlying pipe infrastructure including white PVC drainage lines, copper supply piping, and various fittings and connections. Identified and evaluated condition of existing plumbing components within wall cavity and floor substrate for diagnostic purposes related to sold repair work.
Completed preventative maintenance tune-up on residential split system HVAC equipment, including air handler located in attic, evaporator coil in basement, and outdoor condensing unit. Inspected all major components, checked refrigerant levels, cleaned condenser coils, verified proper airflow through system, and tested operational controls. All equipment found to be functioning within normal parameters with no immediate repairs needed.
Responded to service call for leaking bathtub faucet with chrome finish mounted on pink tile surround. Upon inspection, identified deteriorated valve seats and worn cartridge assembly causing persistent drip from spout. Accessed supply lines through attic crawl space above bathroom, shut off water supply, and replaced faulty internal cartridge components and seals. Addressed compromised caulking and grout at tile corners where water infiltration had occurred. Tested faucet operation post-repair to confirm leak elimination and proper water flow. Restored water supply and verified no additional leaks at connections or fixture mounting points.
# Commercial Air Handler Installation Completed a four-day commercial air handler installation in a utility/mechanical room. The installation involved mounting new HVAC equipment, routing ductwork through the existing ceiling structure with exposed joists, and integrating the system with the building's electrical panel. All work was performed in accordance with commercial building codes, ensuring proper clearances around equipment for future maintenance access, and the system was tested for optimal performance upon completion.
Responded to service call regarding potential drainage issues and deteriorating boiler system piping. Upon inspection, identified severely corroded cast iron pipes in the mechanical system with visible rust deterioration and compromised pipe integrity. Documented extensive corrosion on heating system components, including multiple pipe joints showing advanced oxidation and temporary metallic tape repairs indicating previous leak attempts. Assessed drainage line conditions and prepared camera inspection equipment as requested by homeowner to evaluate main drain line leading to municipal connection. Photographed damaged interior wall areas showing evidence of previous water intrusion and active renovation work, along with exposed plumbing infrastructure. Confirmed boiler piping system requires immediate attention due to corrosion-related failures and potential perforation points throughout the cast iron pipe network.
Conducted comprehensive plumbing assessment for drain pipe replacement and repair at residential property involving kitchen sink, bathroom tub, and toilet systems. Inspected dual-basin stainless steel kitchen sink with partially disassembled faucet assembly, noting deteriorated condition with significant mineral deposits and drainage concerns. Evaluated under-sink plumbing configuration including white PVC drain assembly with chrome drain baskets, vertical drain pipe connections, flexible hoses, and inline water filtration component. Documented existing infrastructure condition, wear patterns, and necessary repairs to provide accurate estimate for drain line replacement and fixture restoration across multiple bathroom and kitchen locations.
Responded to service call for loose toilet tank on two-piece porcelain toilet fixture. Inspected tank-to-bowl connection and identified loose mounting bolts that required tightening. Secured tank by properly torquing tank bolts to manufacturer specifications, ensuring even pressure distribution to prevent cracking while eliminating movement. Verified stable installation with no leaks at tank-to-bowl gasket and confirmed proper flush operation upon completion.
Responded to service call for 3-year-old Goodman air conditioning system blowing warm air with ongoing cooling issues. Upon arrival, found electrical disconnect switch in the OFF position at exterior unit. Restored power to condenser unit and verified system operation. System resumed normal cooling function after power was restored to the equipment.
