What Is A Point-Of-Use Water Heater? (Find Out Now!)
Having hot water in a home is essential, and this is why most homeowners go out of their way to ensure they have reliable water heating systems. One way you can ensure you always have hot water at home is by installing complementary point-of-use water heaters.
These heaters will be explained in this article, and after you’re done with this piece you’ll know whether or not point-of-use water heaters are right for your home.
A point-of-use water heater is a component that can be attached to a faucet to ensure there is hot water immediately when it’s called for. These can be installed as complementary components to central water heater systems, and they make these systems more energy-efficient. These are used commonly in kitchens and bathrooms, specifically on sinks and showers.
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What Are Point-of-Use Water Heaters?
Point-of-use water heaters are ideal because they heat water very near the faucet from which the water will be poured. This is not what happens when a central heater supplies the hot water, as there water comes from a central location when it’s called for.
POU water heaters are often used in conjunction with a central water heating system, as they’re mainly used to keep water hot. A POU is an energy-efficient water heater, and it beats frequently using extra hot water temperature or relying on a storage system for hot water.
Owners of solar heaters and geothermal heat pumps should, however, refrain from using POU systems as backups, as they’re not suitable in this role. In an instance where the main system goes out, a POU system will not be able to meet the demand for hot water.
When Purchasing a Point-of-Use Water Heater Should Be Considered
If you’re building a new home—and installing another kind of energy-efficient central water heater is impossible—it’s best to install point-of-use water heaters, as these will reduce energy consumption like a geothermal heat pump, for example, would.
Moreover, if you’re adding an addition to your home, a POU water heater may be a good choice; you just need to make sure that only cold water is running to the addition. Hot tubs which require electricity to run can also be improved by point-of-use water heaters.
Decentralized water heaters are not for everyone, and this is why you should consider the pros and cons of these before you purchase one. If you’re looking to save money and energy at the same time, then attaching POU water heaters to the faucets that are far away from your central water heater can help.
Additionally, if you use less than 20 gallons of water per day, a POU system will be a good investment. Those who use remote bathtubs and hot tubs can also benefit from using point-of-use water heaters.
Are Traditional Water Heaters Inferior to Point-of-Use Systems?
Traditional water heaters certainly fulfill the purpose for which they were designed, but this doesn’t mean that these systems don’t waste a lot of energy. They do! Just think about how you have to run the water for a minute before hot water is delivered.
Unless you save the water that comes out before hot water is delivered, water waste will just be a part of owning a traditional water heater. Moreover, when a heater wastes energy to overheat water, this is yet another instance that shows their inefficiency.
And if your pipes don’t provide proper insulation, a heater may continuously heat water, costing you a fortune.
In general, point-of-use water heaters use less energy and water than traditional systems, as there’s no transporting water a long distance. Hot water is right behind a faucet, and when it’s needed it shows up immediately.
Where Point-of-Use Water Heaters Work Best
Central water heaters are not inherently inefficient these days. Whether you have a traditional tank or a tankless water heater in your home, it’s pretty easy to get hot water quickly and consistently.
It’s just that point-of-use water heaters are great for making water hot when faucets are far from the central system. It’s for this reason that POU heaters are often employed in basement bathrooms and guest kitchens.
Moreover, if you have to install plumbing in a part of your home that’s never had plumbing in it before, a point-of-use water heater may be better than connecting to a central system.
Consider How Much Hot Water Is Consumed in Your Home
Before you install any point-of-use water heaters, you should consider how much water heating is needed in your home on a regular basis. Older homes are generally reliant on central water heaters, and these often do a fine job satisfying a family of four.
But if you have a large family and a small tank, it’s here where a point-of-use water heater could be very effective. They will also take some usage stress off the main system, and this will not only make the system more energy-efficient but lengthen its life as well.
If there are certain areas in your home that require more hot water, like kitchens and bathrooms, you can solely install point-of-use water heaters in these locations. This way you won’t need to undertake an elaborate whole-house installation process.
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Related Questions
How much are point-of-use water heaters?
A lot of factors determine the cost of a point-of-use water heater installation. The biggest factor is your existing plumbing system and the condition it’s in.
In general, however, one can expect to pay between $400 and $800 for a point-of-use water heater installation, and this figure includes the cost of labor. Whether you have a tankless or tank system will also determine the price of an installation.
How fast does a POU water heater deliver hot water?
A point-of-use water heater will deliver hot water in seconds, and POU heaters that complement tank systems heat water slightly faster than tankless systems. In short, A POU heater delivers hot water fast, all while barely taking up any space.
Matt loves everything DIY. He has been learning and practicing different trades since he was a kid, and he's often the first one called when a friend or family member needs a helping hand at home. Matt loves to work with wood and stone, and landscaping is by far his most favorite pastime.
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