Family Plumbing and Heating

Nick S.

WARNING: Family Plumbing are liars and have a reputation around the community for telling people their furnaces have bad heat exchangers and they need new furnaces when in fact their furnaces are fine. The guys that come out for cleaning/maintenance are paid on commission and I've documented two of them lying to my face (as I found out later). ALWAYS get a second opinion before buying anything from them.

Here's the story: I had them out twice for regular cleaning/maintenance appts (once for furnace and once for AC). The guy who came out for the furnace cleaning in winter 2022 said that I'll need to budget for a new furnace within the next few years because my heat exchanger is in bad shape and the inducer motor is loud and going to fail soon. Fast forward, and this Spring a different guy from the company came out to do my AC cleaning/maintenance appt. He looked at my furnace while here and told me that I definitely need a new furnace because the heat exchanger is bad. He told me it would cost $1-2K to fix it on top of the cost of the inducer motor so I might as well put that money towards a new furnace instead of repairing it. Not only that, he said that my AC unit needs replacing... but lucky me: they have a sale on where if you buy a furnace from them you get a free AC unit. I had another local HVAC company (JP Heating) look at my furnace the very next day and they told me that my furnace is 100% fine (heat exchanger and inducer motor) and has many years left. They said that even if the heat exchanger goes out eventually, not only is getting a new part free because it's under warranty still (just need to pay $75ish for shipping), but it would only cost about $300 (two hours of labor) for them to fix (1/6 the price Family Plumbing & Heating quoted me). A new inducer motor is only $200. There is absolutely no need for a new $7K furnace! JP Heating told me that they get calls weekly from folks in the community who were told by Family Plumbing & Heating that they have bad heat exchangers and need new furnaces, when in fact it's untrue. Family Plumbing is steeped in dishonesty, greed, and shameful malpractice. Avoid them like the plague and don't buy anything from them without getting a second opinion from another (reputable) HVAC company.

Gina B.

I have never been so disappointed in my life. I called for a Cleaning/Maintenance $99. Technician shows up approximately 4:40PM leaves at 5PM. He took 4 screws off. I had the furnace door panel off and furnace ready. He touched a hose turned on the thermostat and the furnace came on. Which it did work at times. I explained this to them on the phone I thought. He saw it was dirty with a little like wasp nest. He went to his van to get us a quote to repair the furnace. I vacuum the wasp and threw away the nest. He didn't do a thing to try and get my furnace working. He just said honestly you need a new furnace! He calls us the next day with prices that are unreasonable.
So get this after the technician leaves. I decided I am going to check this furnace out myself. You know the panel where it lights up. The fire where it ignites. I took that front panel off. That's where the wasp was. Now the furnace is getting the air flow! It is working perfectly! Yes it still needs a good cleaning!
So this guy quoted us for the one panel because the hose was broke off. I duck taped it on. The part and installation like double another company.
Then get this I honestly felt like it is a scam. You should tell people how much things cost before you come out. h it's not about the money (yet it is when they charge double) I explained if he had just cleaned it like I called for in the first place. I wouldn't be upset. She says to me we don't clean furnaces that don't work. (Now when he turned it on. It came on right then) It was talking in circles. Then we get a bill.for a diagnostic! Well thanks for telling me I need a new furnace. Mine is working just fine.OMG!!

Frank W.

The plumbers installed a water softener. They were professional, approachable, and knowledgeable. I will call on Family Heating and Cooling again.

Shawn G.

Saved the day. Water leaking all over garage from boiler. They came, evaluated the problem, and got us back and business before the garage turned into an ice rink/swimming pool. Thanks for your emergency service after hours. A bit pricier as an emergency call, but professional and needed. We are thankful.

John K.

They installed our new furnace 3 years ago, and they have been stellar (5 Star) when it comes to that so, I called to see if they could relocate & install a water heater. They said they could do it, it would take 4 hours and could be out within the week. I asked how much they charge an hour? $140.00 an hour labor. $140.00 an hour, just for labor...

Richard V.

We had a top-notch professional experience with Family Plumbing & Htg. who installed a mini-split ductless air conditioner and heater on our 2nd flood condo in Boyne City this summer.
Our communications were promptly responded to and we enjoyed an inspection, bid and installation in a short time period. The Bryant unit installed was done right the first time and works as we expected.
Their office staff and installers were helpful, professional and keep us informed.
Would use them again.

Carol M.

Once again it was Family Plumbing and Heating to the rescue! Our hot water heater started leaking the day before we had to leave town. They quickly responded to our call for emergency service. Luke arrived promptly, diagnosed the problem and had a new heater installed efficiently. Troy joined him to do the start up and complete the paperwork. Three hours start to finish! Outstanding service!