According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the average household spends more than $1,000 per year on water. You can also save at least 20% water by using water-efficient fixtures and appliances.
You might consider installing a point-of-use hot water heater if you have noticed high water bills or problems heating your water when doing dishes and showering.
Installing a point of use water heater is an investment so you may not know if this is right for your house. There are many options available, so you might feel overwhelmed.
In this article we will teach you everything you need before you install a POU water heater. You can then decide whether POU water heaters are right for you.
What is a point of use water heater?
Point of use heaters are water heaters that are located near their point of usage, rather than being at the center. This is how they got their name. You can install it under your sink, next to the shower or in a cabinet near your washer.
It is close to the source of hot water, so the hot water can be delivered quickly and efficiently. It is an excellent alternative to a traditional tank water heater because it takes more time for hot water to get to the point of usage. Bottom line, a central water heating system takes more energy to produce your home’s continuous hot water use.
How does a point of use water heater work?
A point-of-use water heater will usually be electronically powered. There is also gas-powered point of use heaters. However, they are much less popular. They are less common because they cost more, need a gas line hookup, and require venting.
Two types of electronic powered POU water heaters are available.
The first is the water tank model, which uses a heating element in order to convert electrical energy into heat.
After this, the hot water is stored in the tank and is ready to be used when the faucet turns on.
Another type of POU water heater is tankless water heaters. Tankless POU water heaters work by circulating cold water through it.
You will use more electricity with an electric tankless water heater because the water heater heats up just before it comes out the tap.
Common uses for POU water heaters
POU water heaters can be installed directly at the water source so they are easy to install anywhere you require hot water. The most popular use is for your shower. This makes it a great choice if your shower is not near your central water heater.
Installing a POU water heater will mean that you don’t need to wait for your central heater to warm up every day.
Another common point of use water heater location is under the sink, which can be used in the bathroom or kitchen. It can help you feel comfortable while washing dishes or to maintain sanitary hygiene.
Many people also choose to place a POU water heater next to their dishwasher or washing machine.
Installing a POU water heater can make a big difference if these appliances aren’t working as they should because they are far away from the central heater.
The benefits of using POU water heaters
A POU water heater will heat your water quickly and offer other advantages. A POU water heater can be very useful in a remote area. Hot water might not reach the taps as quickly as you expect.
A POU water heater solves this problem because the water doesn’t need to travel nearly as far from its source as a central heater.
A POU water heater will also help you save money on water. Turning on your water and then waiting for the hot water to heat up is a waste.
Lastly, POU water heaters are compact and won’t get in the way, unlike a central water heater.
When is a POU water heater right for you?
A POU water heater can be a great option if you live in a big house where you don’t have the central heater and your taps are not close enough to it. This will reduce your waiting time for water to heat up or even stop heating up. It will also help you save money by not running water.
A POU water heater is a great option for small homes with low water consumption. It only heats what you require. This in turn reduces your electric usage and results in a lower utility bill (i.e., energy efficiency).
A POU water heater is also possible if the location you need to heat your taps, such as an outdoor sink or shower, can be easily installed.
If you are adding a room to your home or garage, it is worth looking into installing a POU water heater.
A POU water heater is a better option than paying for expensive plumbing to connect to your central heating system. The POU water heater will prevent your central heating system being overloaded.
Final thoughts
In general, a POU water heater can be beneficial for everyone, as it provides faster hot water and can lower utility bills (i.e., energy savings). These units are also budget-friendly, with many costing less than $300.
If you want to ensure hot water is readily available at all fixtures in your home, consider installing a POU water heater.
