Water Heating Contractors
Your water heating system is responsible for meeting many household needs. Switch to a high-efficiency system and, according to ENERGY STAR®, you can cut your water heating expenses by half. Take advantage of water heating rebates from Consumers Energy to make your purchase.
Proper water heater installation can make all the difference. Plus read our tips on how to choose a contractor, for must-know information.
Coming soon a list of participating contractors familiar with Consumers Energy's Water Heating Program.
- Make sure the contractor is licensed. Look for a state license number on the contractor’s business card, in ads, or on the contractor’s truck. You also may call the State Mechanical Licensing Department.
- Confirm that the contractor is insured and bonded. They should carry at a mininum general liability and workers compensation insurance. This may pay for the repair or replacement of your property if it’s damaged by contractor negligence.
- Ask for and check references. Call a few customers to find out if their projects went smoothly. Also check with the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General’s office to see if there are any outstanding complaints.
- Get several estimates or bids. Shop around and ensure the materials and brands proposed comply with your requests. The lowest price may not always be the best value.
- Insist on a written estimate. Good proposals include exactly what will be done, what materials will be used and an estimate of labor costs.
- Ask about warranties. See if your contractor guarantees labor. And ask about product warranties if you’re getting new parts or a new system.
- See if the contractor will follow up. Good contractors will show you how to operate your system, answer questions, give you maintenance information and service what they sell.
- Determine if the contractor is EPA-certified. This is essential when dealing with cooling systems that use refrigerants because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates how they’re handled.
- Find out how long the contractor has been in business. Generally, it takes several years for contractors to become established and compile good track records.
- Ask contractors if they are affiliated with any trade associations. Contractors in good standing want to keep informed of industry news and receive regular training.