Point-of-use water heaters are becoming popular in various settings, from outdoor adventure vehicles to small living spaces. These compact devices offer on-demand hot water solutions for RVs, converted camper vans, tiny homes, and other applications that require minimal energy usage.
Point-of-use water heaters offer convenience, efficiency, and cost savings in many applications by providing instant hot water exactly where it's needed. The technology is rapidly evolving, with units becoming increasingly efficient, compact, and affordable.
What is a Point-of-Use Water Heater?
A point-of-use (POU) water heater is a compact device designed to provide hot water directly at a specific location where it's needed, such as under a sink, near a shower, or by a washing machine.
Unlike central water heaters that serve an entire home, POU water heaters are installed close to the point of use, thus their name. These efficient appliances are also known by several other terms, including "point-of-service water heater," "on-demand POU water heater," or simply "POU" or "POS" water heater.
POU water heaters come in two main types: tank and tankless. Tank models store a small amount of hot water (typically 2.5 to 4 gallons) for immediate use, while tankless versions heat water on demand as it flows through the unit.
Both types are designed to provide hot water quickly and efficiently. Each of them saves money and energy because neither is tasked with constantly heating water in storage tanks ranging from 60 to 120 gallons of hot water 24/7, a common issue with central water heating systems.
Benefits of Point-of-Use Water Heaters
Point-of-use (POU) water heaters offer several significant advantages over traditional central water heating systems:
- Instant hot water: POU water heaters provide hot water on demand, eliminating the need to wait for water to heat up or travel through long pipes. This results in faster access to hot water at the point of use, saving both time and water.
- Energy efficiency: These devices are highly energy-efficient as they only heat water when needed, avoiding the standby energy losses associated with storage tank water heaters. For homes using 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, POU water heaters can be 24%-34% more energy efficient than conventional systems (energy.gov).
- Space saving: POU water heaters have a compact design, taking up significantly less space than traditional tank water heaters. This makes them ideal for small homes, apartments, or areas with limited space.
- Cost savings: By reducing water usage and improving energy efficiency, POU water heaters can lead to lower utility bills over time. They also eliminate the need to run water while waiting for it to heat up, further reducing water costs.
- Flexibility and customization: POU water heaters can be installed at specific locations where hot water is needed most, such as showers, sinks, or appliances. This allows for customized hot water delivery tailored to each fixture's requirements.
- Consistent water temperature: These heaters provide a constant supply of hot water at a consistent temperature, ensuring comfort and preventing sudden temperature fluctuations during use.
- Environmental benefits: POU water heaters contribute to a smaller environmental footprint by reducing energy consumption and water waste. They can be exceptionally eco-friendly when powered by renewable energy sources.
- Methane reduction: For gas-powered models, tankless POU water heaters generally have lower methane leakage compared to central tank systems. While electric heat pumps offer the lowest emissions overall, tankless gas heaters still provide some climate advantage over traditional models with large storage tanks.
- Longevity and durability: POU water heaters often have a longer lifespan than traditional tank heaters due to their simpler design and reduced exposure to corrosive elements.
By offering these benefits, point-of-use water heaters provide an efficient, convenient, and cost-effective solution for hot water needs in various settings.
Types of Point-of-Use Water Heaters
There are two primary types of point-of-use (POU) water heaters: tank and tankless. Each type has its own advantages and is suitable for different applications.
Tank POU Water Heaters
Tank POU water heaters are compact versions of traditional storage water heaters. They typically hold between 2.5 to 20 gallons of water. These units pre-heat and store hot water, providing instant access when needed. Tank POU heaters are ideal for:
- Locations with moderate hot water demand
- Spaces where a slight delay in hot water delivery is acceptable
- Applications requiring a steady flow of hot water for short periods
Tankless POU Water Heaters
Tankless POU water heaters heat water on demand as it flows through the unit. They don't store hot water, making them more compact than tank models. Tankless POU heaters are best suited for:
- Areas with limited space
- Applications requiring continuous hot water supply
- Locations where energy efficiency is a priority
Choosing the Right POU Water Heater
When selecting a POU water heater, consider the following factors:
- Space availability: Tankless models are more compact and suitable for tight spaces.
- Hot water demand: Calculate the required flow rate (gallons per minute) for the intended application. Tankless models typically provide 0.35 to 0.5 GPM, while tank models can offer higher flow rates for short durations.
- Energy efficiency: Tankless models are generally more energy-efficient as they only heat water when needed.
- Installation requirements: Electric POU heaters are usually easier to install, while gas models may require additional venting.
- Power source: Consider whether electric or gas is more cost-effective and readily available in your area.
- Temperature rise needed: Factor in the incoming water temperature and desired output temperature to determine the required heating capacity.
- Budget: While tankless models may have higher upfront costs, they can offer long-term energy savings.
For specific applications:
- Bathroom sinks: A small tank (2.5-4 gallons) or low-flow tankless model is usually sufficient.
- Showers: A larger tank (6-20 gallons) or higher-flow tankless unit is recommended1.
- Kitchen sinks: A medium-sized tank (6-10 gallons) or moderate-flow tankless model works well.
- Remote locations: Consider a tankless model for better energy efficiency in infrequently used areas.
By carefully evaluating these factors and matching them to your specific needs, you can choose the most appropriate POU water heater for your application, ensuring efficient and reliable hot water delivery.
Best Point-of-Use Water Heater by Class
At Eco-Building Products, we offer Eccotemp water heaters, an innovative brand that designs some of the most energy- and cost-efficient products on the market. Because point-of-use water heaters come in various types to suit different needs and applications, here's a look at some of the best options across different classifications.
Best Mini Tank POU Water Heater
Mini tank POU water heaters are small, point-of-use units that store and heat a limited amount of water. They're perfect for single-fixture applications or areas with low hot water demand. Its not uncommon to have several mini tank water heaters located throughout the home.
The SmartHome 2.5 Gallon Electric Mini Tank Water Heater from Eccotemp is one of the best products in this class. It offers:
- 2.5-gallon capacity, ideal for single-fixture use
- Voice command compatibility with Alexa and Google Home
- 1440W heating capacity for quick recovery
- Compact design, weighing only 20 lbs when empty
- Easy installation with 120V plug-in operation
Best Portable POU Water Heater
Portable POU water heaters are designed for outdoor use or temporary installations. They're perfect for camping, RVs, or outdoor showers.
The versatility of Eccotemp’s Luxé EL7 Portable Tankless Water Heater is an outdoor product that offers the following features:
- 1.7 GPM flow rate, suitable for various outdoor applications
- Battery-powered ignition for use without electricity
- Compact and lightweight design for easy transport
- Adjustable water temperature and pressure
- Safety features, including auto shut-off and freeze protection
Best Mid-Size Home POU Water Heater
Mid-size home POU water heaters are designed to serve multiple fixtures or small to medium-sized homes. They offer a balance between performance and energy efficiency.
Check out the SmartHome Indoor 4.5 GPM Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater, a mid-size option that features:
- 4.5 GPM flow rate, suitable for multiple fixtures
- Natural gas operation for cost-effective heating
- Smart home compatibility for remote control and monitoring
- Compact wall-mounted design to save space
- High energy efficiency with up to 0.96 energy factor
You can also find a liquid propane model of this same water heater product. Each Eccotemp product represents the best in its class, offering efficient, reliable, and innovative solutions for various point-of-use water heating needs.
If you have questions about point-of-use water heaters, contact us!
