Water heater manufacturer A. O. Smith and its family of brands will introduce consumer financing designed to give plumbing contractors a competitive advantage.

A. O. Smith’s consumer financing program, through a partnership with the GreenSky Program, will enable contractors to offer more payment options to their customers. The program will be available to contractors working with the company’s family of brands in 2016, according to David Chisolm, vice president of marketing.

“A. O. Smith is committed to equipping our contractors with a full suite of innovative and meaningful products as well as the tools that empower them to provide the right hot water solutions to their customers,” Chisolm said. “Flexible consumer financing gives contractors the opportunity to introduce their customers to more energy efficient products.”

High-efficiency water heating equipment such as the company’s Vertex condensing gas models, Voltex hybrid electric heat pump water heaters and tankless solutions are eligible for the financing program.  

“These products have very compelling stories, but are often overlooked because of their up-front cost,” he noted. “By offering consumer financing options, our contractors now have one more tool to help sell these solutions.”

Through the GreenSky program, participating A. O. Smith contractors can offer point-of-sale credit to their customers through mobile app, online or by phone. Customers will receive a credit decision within seconds.

“This unique and high caliber consumer finance program will help contractors mitigate cost concerns and puts the focus where it belongs: providing the right hot water solution for their customers,” Chisolm said.