Put the condition in writing
Note where, when, any weather connection, how things have changed, and prior repairs — photos and simple measurements sharpen that first conversation.
Why Sterling Heights needs its own read
Sterling Heights was built out almost entirely in a single postwar wave -- 1950s through 1970s subdivisions housing Chrysler and Ford workers -- so a large share of the city's HVAC equipment and ductwork shares the same construction era. A humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters (about 46 inches of snow a year) and warm, humid summers keeps both halves of the system working hard.
Ask what disappears at completion
Equipment age, duct leakage, airflow balance, humidity control, insulation, electrical capacity, and room-by-room comfort should all be part of it — the scope should explain what gets checked before it's hidden again.
Compare full scopes, not totals
Look for protection, access, materials, permits, testing, cleanup, restoration, exclusions, warranties, and change-order terms.
What official local sources add
Sterling Heights requires a mechanical permit for HVAC replacement, processed through the city's Office of Building. The city separately enforces floodplain permit requirements for work within mapped flood areas.
Sources were reviewed 2026-07-26. Confirm parcel-specific permit requirements with the City of Sterling Heights before scheduling installation, since citywide rules don't always apply the same way to every lot.