--- title: Hiring the Right Contractor description: Westinghouse Water Heating | Hiring the Right Contractor image: https://blog.htproducts.com/hubfs/sink.jpg --- [![Westinghouse Innovation You Can Be Sure Of](https://blog.htproducts.com/hs-fs/hub/352411/file-1249912889.png?width=200&height=44&name=file-1249912889.png)](http://www.westinghousewaterheating.com) [Electric Water Heater](http://www.westinghousewaterheating.com/electricwaterheater.html)    [Gas Water Heater](http://www.westinghousewaterheating.com/gaswaterheater.html)    [Tankless Water Heater](http://www.westinghousewaterheating.com/tanklesswaterheater.html)    [Blog](https://blog.htproducts.com/westinghousewaterheating)    [Store](http://shop.westinghousewaterheating.com/)    [Contact](http://www.westinghousewaterheating.com/contact.html) ## [Hiring the Right Contractor](https://blog.htproducts.com/westinghousewaterheating/hiring-the-right-contractor) Posted by [Westinghouse Water Heating](https://blog.htproducts.com/westinghousewaterheating/author/westinghouse-water-heating) on Aug 28, 2015, 4:00:00 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) In order to get the most out of your high efficiency Westinghouse Water Heating product, it is important that a licensed professional installs it. Proper installation means that it will run smoothly - saving energy and money. Below are 10 tips from Energy Star on hiring a heating and cooling contractor.  ![sink](https://blog.htproducts.com/hs-fs/hubfs/sink.jpg?width=692&name=sink.jpg) **1. Study up** — Find out about license and insurance requirements for contractors in your state. And before you call a contractor, know the model of your current system and its maintenance history. Also make note of any uncomfortable rooms. This will help potential contractors better understand your heating needs. **2. Ask for referrals** — Ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers for contractor referrals. You can also contact local trade organizations for names of members in your area. **3. Call references** — Ask contractors for customer references and call them. Ask about the contractor's installation or service performance, and if the job was completed on time and within budget. **4. Find special offers** — A heating and cooling system is one of the largest purchases you'll make as a homeowner. Keep your costs down by checking around for available rebates on energy-efficient ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment. Begin your search at [www.energystar.gov](https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home.index). **5. Look for ENERGY STAR** — ENERGY STAR qualified products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and offer significant long-term energy savings. Contractors should be able to show you calculations of savings for ENERGY STAR heating and cooling equipment. **6. Expect a home evaluation** — The contractor should spend significant time inspecting your current system and home to assess your needs. A bigger system isn't always better; a contractor should size the heating and cooling system based on the size of your house, level of insulation, and windows. A good contractor will inspect your duct system (if applicable) for air leaks and insulation and measure airflow to make sure it meets manufacturers specifications. **7. Get written, itemized estimates** — When comparing contractors' proposals (bids), be sure to compare cost, energy efficiency and warranties. A lowest price may not be the best deal if it's not the most efficient because your energy costs will be higher. **8. Get it in ink **— Sign a written proposal with a contractor before work gets started. It'll protect you by specifying project costs, model numbers, job schedule and warranty information. **9. Pass it on **— Tell friends and family about ENERGY STAR. Almost one-quarter of households knowingly purchased at least one qualified product last year, and 71% of those consumers say they would recommend ENERGY STAR to a friend. Spread the word, and we can all make a big difference. **10. Get the ENERGY STAR Guide** — For complete information on keeping your home comfortable year-round, get the ENERGY STAR [Guide to Energy Efficient Cooling and Heating](http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/publications/pubdocs/HeatingCoolingGuide%20FINAL_9-4-09.pdf?4ba1-bafc) [en espanol](https://www.energystar.gov/ia/home_improvement/heat_cool/EPA_Spanish_HVAC_MECHv2.pdf?4ba1-bafc) — [Guía para la Eficiencia de Energía en la Calefacción y el Aire Acondicionado](https://www.energystar.gov/ia/home_improvement/heat_cool/EPA_Spanish_HVAC_MECHv2.pdf?4ba1-bafc)    (Original article: [https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat\_cool.pr\_contractors\_10tips](https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_contractors_10tips)) [Tweets by @WestinghouseWH](https://twitter.com/WestinghouseWH) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.htproducts.com%2Fwestinghousewaterheating%2Fhiring-the-right-contractor%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.htproducts.com%2Fwestinghousewaterheating%2Fhiring-the-right-contractor%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.htproducts.com%2Fwestinghousewaterheating%2Fhiring-the-right-contractor%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.htproducts.com%2Fwestinghousewaterheating%2Fhiring-the-right-contractor%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Hiring%20the%20Right%20Contractor) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.htproducts.com%2Fwestinghousewaterheating%2Fhiring-the-right-contractor%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.htproducts.com%2Fwestinghousewaterheating%2Fhiring-the-right-contractor%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.htproducts.com%2Fwestinghousewaterheating%2Fhiring-the-right-contractor%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Most Read Posts Search this site on Google Search Google   ### ™ Westinghouse Electric Corporation © HTP Comfort Solutions LLC. 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