The new year is quickly approaching, and that means plenty of opportunities for a fresh start. Perhaps 2020 is the year you upgrade your plumbing for added functionality or to bring contemporary style to your kitchen and bathroom - knowing either reason will lower your water bill. Here's our list of top suggested upgrades for the new year:

Soften Your Water

A water softener system removes calcium, limestone, lead, iron, magnesium and other minerals from your water supply before it flows through your home. These minerals - along with any sewage or agricultural runoff that may make its way into your pipes - make it extremely difficult for your home's appliances to operate at maximum efficiency. In fact, some studies show that consistent hard water flow can shorten an appliance's lifespan by as much as 30 percent. Hard water can also make you use more soap - both for dishes and for your hair and body - because the minerals counteract the desired sudsiness. Installing a water softener simply saves you money in the long term - a little on soaps and cleaners, and a lot on the cost of new appliances.

Freshen Up Your Fixtures

Is your new year's resolution to stick to a strict budget? Have no fear! You can still refresh your kitchen and bathroom with some simple fixture upgrades. Consider looking into new fixtures like faucets or shower heads. Not only are new designs sleek and functional, they can also save you money. New low-flow designs use a fraction of the water normal fixtures do - and they don't sacrifice savings for style. Rely on a plumber to help make installation seamless and worry-free.

Install a Tankless Water Heater

Resolve to stop wasting time and water waiting for your water to heat up. Tankless water heaters use high-powered elements to rapidly heat water as it runs through the heat exchanger, delivering it directly to your faucets without a storing tank. Essentially, they work by only heating the water in your system as its needed - meaning instantaneous hot water for you as well as hard-to-beat energy savings on your electric bill. Plus, tankless water heaters boast a long life span: an average of 20 to 30 years, which is double the life of a storage tank water heater. Call your plumber to discuss the best tankless options for your space.

David Gray can help you easily upgrade your plumbing in 2020. We offer complete home plumbing services and repairs to homes, condos and commercial offices. Contact us for projects big and small. For more information, call (904) 467-0784 or visit www.davidgrayplumbing.com.