“I’d like the silver one, please!”

Ah, if only it were that simple when purchasing a replacement water heater. It’s not, of course, and now it’s only gotten more complicated since the federal government implemented new and tougher energy conservation measures in April, 2015.

The program is called NAECA (National Appliance Energy Conservation Act), and it has forever changed the way Americans will purchase water heaters going forward. That’s because water heaters, as you once knew them, for the most part no longer exist.

Here are just a couple of the recent changes, and how they can impact your next purchasing decision:

• Let’s say you have a gas or electric water heater with less than 55 gallons of water storage capacity. If you were to purchase a replacement system today with the exact same storage capacity as your current unit, the new tank would be 2” taller and 2” wider. No big deal, right? Well, it’s only “no big deal” if you have enough space in your home or condo for the bigger storage tank. If not, then some creative thinking is going to be required to help you get the kind of hot water system you really need.

• Next, let’s say you’re looking to replace your 80 gallon electric storage tank water. Well, conventional models like the one you have now (hypothetically) are no longer being manufactured. So unless you can find one left over from the good old days, you’ll be replacing your current system with a hybrid electric heat pump water heater. And while you’ll definitely save money on your water heater operating costs, heat pump water heaters can only be installed in rooms or spaces at least 10’ by 10’ with sufficient ambient air for the heat pump function to work effectively.

While it’s always been a good idea to trust a professional plumber to recommend and install the right water heater, it’s even more important now in the wake of the NAECA regulations. Is it time to replace your water heater? Then contact Boden Plumbing today. We’ll explain all your options and help you choose what’s best for your home, family, and budget.

Does your kitchen look more like the set of a 1980s sitcom than the sleek, efficient, and stylish hub of your home? Maybe you’ve considered giving it a little – or big – facelift, but just aren’t sure where to start. Sure, the “before and after” pictures on those home improvement web sites are stunning, but the thought of starting a kitchen remodel can be downright overwhelming. And given the investment required, it’s definitely not something you want to jump into uninformed.

So before you hire a contractor and start swinging that sledge hammer, here are some things to consider.

• Budget – This may seem like an obvious starting point, and yet many kitchen remodeling projects go over budget, sometimes by thousands of dollars. Factor “surprises” into your budget, especially if you’re opening up walls or changing the footprint of the space.

• Stated Reason – Are you updating to make the space work better for you and your family or more for increased resale value? If it’s the latter, consider speaking with a real estate professional about what upgrades buyers in your neighborhood are looking for. You want to make your home desirable without going overboard.

• Use – How does your household use the kitchen or how do you wish you all could? If you’re an entertainer at heart, maybe an open layout, large French door refrigerator, and lots of prep space are important to you.

• Style – Do you prefer a modern look with simple lines and sleek surfaces or is traditional more your style? If your dream cabinets, counters, and flooring are out of your price range, look at alternative materials that still deliver the look you want for a fraction of the cost.

• Storage – Even a small kitchen can have tons of storage space if you make the most of the space you have. Upper cabinets that reach to the ceiling can hold seasonal or special occasion dishes, platters, and other items. A small rolling island or cart offers extra prep space and storage, while a small bistro table with a drop down side offers casual dining for two.

If you ultimately decide on a project bigger than changing out cabinet hardware, Boden Plumbing can prove to be an excellent resource for you, complete with helping you select just the right appliances and fixtures.  On the plumbing side, our many kitchen upgrade services include hooking up your new ice-making refrigerator, adding a new gas stove connection, installing all the plumbing for your new island sink, and much more.  Contact Boden today for professional advice and outstanding results.