Serving Howell, MI & Surrounding Areas (517) 302-3764
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Great Lakes Comfort family in front of the Howell MI shop
Howell, MI / Straight Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Pricing, timelines, warranties, and the questions we get on the phone every week. If yours is not here, call (517) 302-3764.

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  • Licensed & insured
  • 24/7 emergency
  • Authorized AirQuest Dealer
  • Upfront pricing
Overview

The questions we actually get

Honest answers, straight from twenty-plus years on Howell area service calls. Pricing ranges are real ranges (not a lowball to get in the door). If you have a question that is not here, call (517) 302-3764 and we will answer it on the phone.

Maintenance & pricing

Tune-ups, costs, and timing

Clean and dirty air filter comparison from a Great Lakes Comfort maintenance visit
Clean vs dirty filters from a routine tune-up
How much does a furnace tune-up cost?
A standard furnace tune-up runs $99 to $149 depending on the system. It includes cleaning burners, testing the flame sensor and ignitor, checking gas pressure, verifying the heat exchanger, and a written report of every measurement. See Furnace Maintenance for what is included.
How often should I service my furnace and air conditioner?
Once a year for each. Furnace in the fall before the first cold snap, air conditioner in the spring before it gets humid. Most manufacturer warranties also require documented yearly service. Our Maintenance Plans handle both visits automatically.
How long does a furnace last?
A well-maintained furnace lasts 15 to 20 years. Neglected units often fail at 10 to 12. If your unit is 15+ years old, is costing more to repair each year, or has a cracked heat exchanger, it is time for Furnace Installation.
How long does an AC unit last in Michigan?
Air conditioners in Michigan typically last 12 to 17 years. Humidity around lake areas in Fenton and Brighton can shorten that. Once you are replacing $500+ in parts on an older unit, look at AC Installation.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency HVAC service?
Yes. We answer the phone after hours and on weekends. Call (517) 302-3764 for Emergency Heating Repair whenever the heat goes out.
How much does a new furnace cost installed in Howell MI?
A new furnace installed typically runs $4,000 to $7,500 depending on size, efficiency (80% vs 96% AFUE), and whether ductwork or venting needs modification. We quote in-home after measuring the space. See Furnace Installation.
What areas do you serve?
Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Fenton, Milford, Highland, South Lyon, Ann Arbor, and Lansing. See the full service area map.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Michigan Mechanical License No. 7119201, fully insured with liability and workers comp. We are also an Authorized AirQuest Dealer. More on our About Us page.
What thermostat do you recommend?
For most homes an Ecobee or Honeywell T-Series smart thermostat pays for itself in a season or two. For rentals or simple setups, a basic digital model is fine. See Thermostat Installation.
Should I repair or replace my furnace?
Replace if the unit is 15+ years old, the heat exchanger is cracked, or the repair cost is more than 40% of a new unit. Otherwise Furnace Repair is the cheaper call. We give you both numbers so you can decide.
Repair vs replace

New equipment or fix the old

New AirQuest furnace system installed by Great Lakes Comfort in Howell MI
Newly installed AirQuest system in a Howell home
Everything else

Ductless, water heaters, financing

Control board wiring diagram referenced during a Great Lakes Comfort service call
Control board reference during a diagnostic call
Do you install ductless mini-splits?
Yes. Ductless mini-splits are the fix for additions, finished basements, garages, and any room the ductwork does not reach. See Ductless Heat Pumps or Ductless Mini-Split AC.
How long does a water heater last?
Tank water heaters last 8 to 12 years. Tankless models last 15 to 20 with routine descaling. See Water Heater Replacement or Tankless Water Heater Installation.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. We are an authorized Michigan Saves contractor. Financing is available on qualifying installations. Ask when we quote.
How fast can you come out?
Same-day for most heating and cooling calls. Emergencies (no heat in winter, no cool in a heat wave, gas smell) go to the front of the line. Call (517) 302-3764.
Keep exploring

Where to go next

01

Heating Services

Furnaces, heat pumps, and emergency repair.

02

Air Conditioning Services

AC install, repair, and maintenance.

03

Maintenance Plans

Two visits a year, priority scheduling.

04

Service Areas

Livingston, Oakland, and Washtenaw County.

05

HVAC Services

Thermostats, humidifiers, air quality.

06

About Us

Family owned, licensed, and insured.

Contact us

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Based in Howell, MI - serving Livingston County and southeast Michigan.

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