Water heaters are necessary appliances in modern households. Homeowners who want a quick hot water supply should consider a point-of-use water heater that offers reliable and efficient solutions to hot water problems. In addition, it cuts down the wait time and wastage by providing hot water instantly after opening the faucet.
WHAT IS A POINT-OF-USE WATER HEATER?
A point-of-use or POU water heater is a small water heater installed very close to the application where hot water is needed. Unlike whole-house water heaters that supply hot water to the entire household from a central location, POUs are installed at the source, such as a sink, washing machine, bathtub, dishwasher, or shower. Due to the proximity, point-of-use water heaters provide instantaneous hot water.
It is easier to add a point-of-use water heater to the existing plumbing, and their compact size and convenient design make them ideal for installation under a sink or next to a shower. However, POU heaters are designed for small load requirements and serve only a single application.
WHEN TO CONSIDER POU WATER HEATER INSTALLATION?
A point-of-use water heater works best for:
- Supplementing an existing whole-house water heater
- Smaller homes with limited space and low hot water usage
- Larger homes where a fixture is located very far from the central water heater, and it is unable to get hot water.
- Bathrooms or hot tubs located in remote locations
- Home additions like a room or garage may require expensive or complicated plumbing work to connect to the central water heating system.
TYPES OF POINT-OF-USE WATER HEATERS
Electric-powered POU water heaters are more popular and commonly used by homeowners. There are two types of POU heaters:
- Point-of-use tank water heaters: They work like traditional tank water heaters; the only difference is that POU tank water heaters have a considerably smaller tank. They are cost-effective and provide instant hot water due to the shorter distance between the heating source and fixture. POU tank water heaters have a heating element that turns electrical energy into heat energy. The heated water is stored in a tank for use when required.
- Point-of-use tankless water heaters: These appliances require less space as they do not have a tank and are more efficient than tank POU water heaters. A POU tankless water heater heats water when a faucet is turned on. It heats cold water with the help of a heating element as the water passes through the unit. It also reduces the wait for hot water. Tankless POU heaters cost more than tank heaters.
THE BENEFITS OF POINT-OF-USE WATER HEATERS
- A point-of-use water heater provides hot water on demand and eliminates the waiting time for hot water to come from the tap or shower.
- Save water that goes down the drain while waiting for hot water from the faucet or shower head.
- More affordable than whole-house water heaters.
- They have a space-saving design.
- Eliminate standby heat loss and are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
CHOOSE THE BEST WATER HEATER
Point-of-use water heaters have become increasingly popular among homeowners looking for comfort, convenience, and energy efficiency. Contact a local water heater professional to help choose the correct point-of-use water heater size for the home and ensure its proper and safe installation.
Water Heater Pros provides water heater installation and replacement services for Las Vegas and surrounding area residents and businesses. Our expert technicians install both traditional and tankless water heaters for homes and other buildings with gas or electric service. We offer the highest quality installers for efficient, versatile water heaters such as Rheem. Ruud, high-efficiency tankless Navien units, and more. Ask about our installation specials.