Point of Use Water Heater 101: What You Need to Know

Introduction

Have you ever gone through the agony of finishing your shower while the water is turning cold? For instance, you might have been having a long wait for the hot water to reach a far-off faucet or appliance? If it is the case, you are not the only one. Usually, the old-fashioned tank-style water heaters are unable to provide sufficient hot water for the current day households, especially in big family houses with more than one bathrooms or long pipe runs. Fortunately, there’s a solution: point of use (POU) water heaters. These small and efficient units are conceived to provide hot water right where it is needed, thus avoiding the wait and providing a continuous flow of hot water for all your needs.

What Is a Point of Use Water Heater?

A point of use (POU) water heater, also referred to as a point of service (POS) water heater or a point of use on demand POU water heater, is a small water heating system that is intended to be installed at the point of use, such as under a sink, close to a shower, or near a washing machine.

Unlike central water heaters, which store and heat a large amount of water in a tank, POU water heaters heat water only when needed, right at the point of use. This means that there is no need for hot water to flow through long pipe lines, which results in efficient and instant hot water delivery.

The fact that they deliver hot water in an efficient and precise way has made the point of use water heaters a sensible choice for homeowners who want to improve their hot water experience and reduce energy consumption and related expenses.

Types of Point of Use Water Heaters

Point of use water heaters can be broadly categorized into two main different types: tank and tankless. Every one of them is different and they all have their own unique characteristics which home owners may select from in order to meet their particular hot water needs and preferences.

Tank POU Water Heaters

Tank point of use water heaters are compact, storage-type units that keep a small amount of water heated, typically 2.5 to 20 gallons. These heaters are similar to the larger tank heaters, but on a smaller scale.

The water in tank is continuously heated and maintained at set temperature so that the hot water is always accessible and can be used on demand. Tank PU heaters have the advantage of being suitable for applications with moderate and predictable hot water demand, for example, a single bathroom or kitchen sink.

Tankless POU Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters, which are often referred to as on-demand or instantaneous water heaters, do not have to store hot water. Rather, they heat water directly as it goes through the unit, and therefore, it produces endless hot water supply when required.

The heaters are usually wall-mounted and can run on electricity, natural gas or propane. When the hot water tap is turned on, the heating element or burner is activated, and the water flows through the unit at a very high speed and is heated.

Tankless point-of-use heaters have a superior energy efficiency since they only run when hot water is needed and there is no standby energy loss as with the tank-style heaters. Nevertheless, they have a smaller flow rate, so they are more for applications with lower hot water demand, like a single sink or shower.

How Do Point of Use Water Heaters Work?

The principle of their operation is rather simple yet efficient – they generate hot water on demand, right at the point where it is required. In contrast to a storage tank water heater which is continuously heating a large volume of water, POU heaters have the capability of only heating the water as it flows through the unit, consequently, the supply of fresh and unlimited hot water is guaranteed.

The operation of a POU water heater can be broken down into the following steps:

1. Water Demand: The moment you open a hot water tap or any device such as a sink, shower, or washing machine, the POU heater gets activated automatically.
2. Cold Water Intake: The main water source line supplies cold water to the POU water heater system via the inlet.
3. Heating Process: The heating process, based on the type of POU heater, can be carried out either by an electric heating element or a gas burner.
4. Electric POU Heaters: The water traverses a heating chamber with an electric resistance element inside it. The energy is transferred to the water very quickly from the element.
5. Gas-Fired POU Heaters: A gas burner lights up and heats a heat exchanger by which the cold water flows through, transferring the heat energy into the water.
6. Hot Water Delivery: The heated water is then dispersed directly to the outlet point, therefore the hot water is available instantaneously.
7. Temperature Control: Most POU water heaters are able to achieve the desired temperature of hot water, which is typically between 100°F and 140°F (38°C to 60°C), by using temperature control mechanisms.

Benefits of Installing a Point of Use Water Heater

Having a POU unit installed in your household or business can be a great help, in that it offers more convenience and cost-savings. Here are some of the key advantages:

• Endless Hot Water Supply: Different from traditional tank-style water heaters with limited capacity, POU water heaters do not store hot water. They heat water on demand only, thus the hot water supply is infinite and continuous that would prevent the possibility of running out during peak demand hours.
• Enhanced Energy Efficiency: According to the Department of Energy (DOE) of the U.S., the water heating may consume 19% of the total energy used in the average family. POU water heaters are very energy-efficient as they are heated only when needed and not when standby heat losses from tanks might occur. In case of that, most of the energy can be saved. The Department of Energy expects that homeowners can reduce their water heating monthly cost by up to 50% by using the POU water heaters at each water outlet.
• Space-Saving Design: Due to their small nature, POU water heaters can be located at the most convenient places including under sinks, in closets, or in a crowded utility room.
• Reduced Water Waste: POU water heaters provide hot water on demand, so no longer do people have to let the water run until it gets hot, similar to what happens with the central water heaters. Besides the fact that it cuts water wastage, it also contributes to the reduction of utility bills, which are usually a result of excessive water consumption.
• Improved Hot Water Distribution: In large homes or buildings with long pipe runs, POU water heaters can contribute to temperature restoration of fixtures that are farthest from the central water heater, thereby by preventing heat loss in the distribution system and improving efficiency of hot water delivery.
• Extended Lifespan: Whereas a tank water heater might typically last for 10-15 years, a tankless POU water heater, according to the DOE data, can go up to 25 years with proper maintenance. Besides, tankless heaters for POU are more convenient to replace than central storage tanks when they reach the end of their service life.
• Versatile Applications: POU water heaters have an advantage over centralized systems in some cases, especially when a centralized system is not practical or efficient. For example, when hot tubs or outdoor showers are involved.

This can be achieved by exploiting these advantages and, in turn, will make it possible for homeowners and businesses to have a continuous and reliable supply of hot water while they will be using less energy, paying less utilities and making the environment cleaner.

Applications and Ideal Locations for Point of Use Water Heaters

POU water heaters are widely adaptable and are capable of being put in different sites to serve the multiplicity of requirements for hot water, whether residential or commercial. Here’s a comprehensive overview of common applications and ideal installation locations for POU water heaters:

Application	Ideal Location
Bathrooms	– Under sinks – Closets/utility rooms (for larger units) – Basements (near bathrooms or bars)
Kitchens	– Under kitchen sinks
Laundry Rooms	– Near washing machines
Outdoor Living Spaces	– Garages – Workshops – Near outdoor sinks or showers
Detached Buildings	– Garages- Workshops – Guest houses
Bars/Kitchenettes	– Basements – Closets/utility rooms
Hot Tubs/Spas	– Near hot tub installations
Restaurants/Commercial Kitchens	– Under sinks – Near dishwashers or other hot water-intensive equipment
Office Kitchenettes	– Under sinks
Boats/RVs	– Near sinks or showers

Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Point of Use Heaters

The most basic method of installing a point of use hot water heater is relatively simple. Nevertheless, it is advisable to adhere to the instructions supplied by the manufacturer, strictly. Below is a basic step-by-step guide:

1. First, shut off the water supply, electric power or gas supply to the area where construction is planned.
2. Additionally, the heater must be securely installed on the wall or any other available flat surface.
3. Secure the heater’s inlet to the cold water pipe.
4. Connect your heater’s hot water outlet with the outlet of your choice.
5. Gas-powered unit owners should connect their equipment to the gas line. Make sure that it is properly vented.
6. Electrical cables should be the next step. They should be attached to the circuit breaker of the heater.
7. On the other hand, turn on the water tap to identify if there are any leaks.
8. Install the device in accordance with instructions from the manufacturer and set it up as instructed in the user manual.

Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Performance

Similarly to any appliance, the point of use water heaters needs regular maintenance to provide efficient and prolonged performance. Here are some maintenance tips:

• Flush the Unit Regularly: Use the manufacturer’s instruction manual and flush the device according to the manual. This will help us to flush out the sediment or scale that leads to the heater to function slowly and break down in the long run.
• Check for Leaks: Do periodic check-ups, and find out if the unit and its connections are leaking or not. If you discover any of them, ASAP, go fix them or you will have water damage and many other problems.
• Clean or Replace Filters: Instruction: Clean or replace the filter on your heater if it has one, following the manufacturer’s instructions. To achieve this, I will ensure a constant supply of water to the drain and will also ensure that the pipes are free from any obstructions which may cause blockages. If such an object gets stuck in the filter, it could result in the flow rate of the water being impaired and harming the water heater.
• Check the Anode Rod: For the case of tank-type heaters, provide anode rod inspection and if it is worn out, just replace it. It effectively curbs corrosion and prolongs the heater’s life span.
• Follow the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule: Read and follow the user’s manual, do the maintenance schedule set regularly so that the performance and lifespan of the appliance will be optimal at all times.

How to Choose the Right Point of Use Water Heater

The choice of the proper point of use (POU) water heater is also important for meeting the hot water requirements. Follow this step-by-step guide to make an informed decision:

Assess Your Hot Water Demand

The most important factor to be considered while choosing hot water usage is the amount of hot water usage.Consider the following factors:

• The amount of heating fixtures (e.g., showers, faucets) used.
• The conventional flow rate (gallons per minute) for each fixture
• Whether it is the kitchen sink or the bathtub that needs hot water at the same time.

Determine the Power Source

Decide between electric, natural gas or hybrid POU water heaters to suit your available energy sources and personal taste.

• Electric POU Heaters: It is the best option for places which have the possibility of having the electrical circuit dedicated to them.
• Gas-Fired POU Heaters: Ideal for these sites that are connected to a gas line.
• Hybrid POU Heaters: They can be run either with electricity or gas, providing superior flexibility.

Consider Size and Capacity

• Determine the available installation space and choose a POU water heater that is compact and offers sufficient hot water capacity.Factors to consider:
• Tank vs. Tankless: Instant heaters are designed for continuous use, while the storage units have a limited capacity.
• Flow Rate: Choose a unit that has the capacity to deliver the maximum flow rate that you require during the hot water peak.
• Tank Capacity (for tank models): Choose the tank size for your household to meet the hot water demand.

Prioritize Energy Efficiency

Make sure you look for ENERGY STAR certified models that will give you the best energy efficiency and environmentally friendly operation. Efficient units may have an initial higher cost but will make you save money on utility bills in the long run.

Research Reputable Brands and Warranties

Invest in a high-quality POU water heater from a reputable brand that comes with a long warranty. Read customer reviews and ensure that you buy a product that will meet your expectations and offers you a good after-sales service by going through warranty provisions.

Consider Additional Features

You may have different choices based on your needs and budget. For instance, you may desire to have a POU water heater with additional features such as temperature control, self-modulating technology, or remote monitoring.

Best POU Water Heaters in 2024 From JNOD

At JNOD, a top brand in point of use water heaters, we take pride in developing and supplying a wide assortment of quality and new water heaters that meets different residential and commercial needs. Here are some of our top-rated POU water heater models for 2024:

Shower Water Heater with Pump FG-HPD

Instant electric water heater from FG-HPD which is JNOD is a space saving product that saves time, money and energy. Additionally, thanks to its patented tankless technology, it is suitable for numerous applications worldwide, ranging from smaller homes to large businesses such as offices or restaurants, and even the public. The highlights include an in-built silent DC booster pump for water pressure boosting, a simple 360° installation, an ergonomic touchscreen control for direct temperature setting, and a patent die-cast aluminum heating element for high efficiency.

Kitchen Water Heater – KJ

The KJ kitchen water heater from JNOD is stylish and has a portable design with a built-in ABS front case, through which one can set the temperature by pushing a button. It is 95% smaller than a tank heater in its size and can be installed on the wall or in various places of use. Nothing JNOD’s patented cast aluminum electric heating element assures the water and electricity separation for safe use. Besides, it has several safety devices to avoid leak detection, overheating and IP25 waterproof rating were also added. The system ensures unlimited supply of hot water along with energy-saving, easy operating, and small space-demanding.

Kitchen Water Heater – KH-B

JNOD’s KH-B water heater for kitchens from JNOD comes with a modern and portable design, featuring a high-quality ABS front case and touch button temperature control. It’s 90% smaller than traditional tank heaters and mounting is possible on a wall or at multiple points of use. JNOD’s cast aluminum electric heating element, which is a patented design, makes sure that there is no water and electricity mixing to provide a safe usage. Moreover, it has multiple safety protections incorporated, including overheat prevention, IP25 waterproofing and fault auto-detection. It can supply the instant and endless hot water even though it is energy-saving, easy to use and install, and it has a digital display for users to monitor.

Conclusion

Point-of-use water heaters are the new game-changers in the hot water solution industry, with unlimited hot water supply, energy efficiency and compact designs. Through the knowledge of various types, uses, and installation requirements, you can make a wise choice that is tailored to your hot water needs while also reducing energy waste and saving money. If you invest in an efficient POU water heater, you will never have to be concerned about cold water again.