If you encounter the unwelcome sound of a leaking water heater, it’s probably time to consider a replacement. Or perhaps you are upgrading the systems in your home or have additional hot water requirements that aren’t being met by your current set up. Under the right conditions, a point of use water heater could be your solution.

Aside from their compact size, energy, and time efficiency, there are many upsides to consider when one explores these water heaters. So, let’s jump right in!

What Is A Point Of Use Water Heater?

A point of use type provides hot water almost immediately through connections right next to the sink or shower faucet.

These tankless water heaters are great to include in any household, store, campsite, or office and do not even require re-plumbing.

Point of use heaters are also called under-sink water heaters or on-demand point of use hot water heaters. These kinds of systems are decentralized water heating units for all your continuous hot water household needs. If there is limited space available for the appliance, one of these units could be handy as they are known to be compact in size.

They would be most suitable installed to supply hot water under a kitchen or bathroom sink, for a hot tub, a single shower unit, to a dishwasher or a washing machine, or at a point where the demand for water heating is not high.

Another instance when they might be useful is if there is a long distance between faucet and appliance, as this reduces the wait time for hot water to run through the line. Units do vary in size and water output, but the idea is for the appliance to supply a single point on demand.

If you are looking for a bigger appliance to supply several outlets or be more centralized, then a larger tank or a higher output tankless model is better suited. If you are looking to move away from electric models altogether, then there are gas powered units to consider as well.

Types Available

Mini-Storage Tank Type

This type of point of use water heater offers users a large capacity of anything between 2 gallons to 30 gallons of hot water. These heaters are assessed and ranked based on the tank’s capacity.

The storage tank typically has a ceramic/glass coating, which combined with an anode rod, protects the unit against corrosion. These design elements are installed for maintenance purposes. They help to ensure that the water heaters are free from the harmful effects of corrosion.

Electric Tankless Water Heater

When it comes to water heaters, tankless electric models offer an uninterrupted low water flow, although this will depend on the flow rate and how quickly the unit can heat water coming into the pipes. In contrast to the mini-storage tank-type above, tankless water heaters are rated based on the number of gallons per minute they provide.

Tankless models are also handy plumbing additions for homes that need a hot water source but do not have space for a tank.  There are a few additional points to consider when opting for an electric tankless water heater installation.

Are Point Of Use Water Heaters Energy-Efficient?

Energy costs add up in the home, and unfortunately, these appliances can be a big cause for it. The good news for both your conscience and your energy bill, a point of use water heater may be able to provide just the energy efficiency you need.

By decreasing the amount of time taken for the hot water to travel between the tank and the shower head, they save considerable energy. Thus, they also help to lessen the amount of heat lost in the water distribution system.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of These Water Heaters

Advantages

• Mini point of use tank installations also act as buffers to minimize temperature changes. This occurs through an aptly named process of cold-water sandwiching.
• Cost efficiency is also a valuable aspect of a point of use water heater. This is because they lessen your amount of water usage as well as the amount of energy used to heat water.
• They also allow you to save some water and energy that is usually lost within your standard water heating system. With a more traditional heater, you have to consider the movement of the water itself. The standard means of operations involves running water for up to a minute at a time before the heater can heat water to a suitable temperature. Unless you are catching that water to reuse in some way, this means that you are losing a lot of precious resources over time.
• Aside from being sleek and small, the size of these water heaters belies their power. In addition, point of use heaters have a compact design. This means you can install them almost anywhere, even when limited space is available. Whether you want one under the sink, inside cabinet apartments, on the floor, at campsites, or standing on the floor, your options are endless.

Disadvantages

• If you’re running solar or geothermal systems, these models should only serve as a useful addition to work alongside them. They are not suitable as back-up water heaters for when these systems fail as they cannot handle a high demand for hot water.

Point Of Use Water Heater Reviews

 

Rheem 240V Heating Chamber RTEX-13 Residential Tankless Water Heater

 

First on our list of reviews is the Rheem 240V RTEX-13. This point of use water heater is a product of the well-renowned brand, Rheem.

Although on the pricier side, this model promises to deliver value for money. Within seconds, you can have hot water once you have installation complete. It provides simple installation, making it just as easy to replace later on in its life span. The 240V does not prove to be taxing on your energy resources due to its promise of 99.8% energy efficiency.

Another carefully considered design element is the external adjustable digital thermostatic control with its LED display.

This allows you to easily adjust the temperature to be just right for you. You can read our full review of the Rheem RTEX -13 information.

 

EcoTouch 9KW 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater

 

Next up is the EcoTouch on demand.  This model is a 9 KW electric tankless heater, promising you a powerful machine and delightfully warm showers.

This appliance provides between 0.5-1.5 gallons per minute of hot water. As a brand with more than 20 years of experience and dedication to providing services that are easy to use and energy saving, the EcoTouch is a brand you can trust.

You can use it for anything from sinks, dishwashers, washing machines, and more thanks to its compact design and simple installation. It heats up to temperatures of between 67℉ to 106℉, and, like the Rheem, ensures 99.8% optimal energy efficiency.

The engineers behind this design ensured to include smart-adjust modulation technology. This element simply means that it comes with micro-computer control and patented heating technology that provides stable temperature. How it works is that the tankless water heater can change the power input in real-time depending on the rate of flow and temperature settings.

 

EcoSmart ECO 11 Electric Tankless Water Heater

 

 

One of the first features to notice about the EcoSmart ECO 11 water heater is the patented modulating technology included in the design. This item is also highly energy efficient at 99.8%, saving you money, and lessening the harmful potential environmental impact.

You can have hot water within minutes at a lower cost of up to 60% by purchasing an EcoSmart electric tankless. When it comes to water heaters, electric tankless options are a good way to go. The EcoSmart is a worthwhile consideration thanks to its ability to provide up to 2 gallons per minute of consistently flowing hot water. It is also powerful with a provision of 13KW at 240 volts.

The design is also quite modern and compact, which can make it fit better into any setting. If you were still on the fence about making a purchase, the lifetime warranty may do something to convince you of the Eco 11. Read more about this product in our full EcoSmart ECO 11 review.

 

Bosch Electric Mini-Tank Water Heater Tronic 3000 T 2.5-Gallon (ES2.5)

 

The Bosch Tronic 3000 is a mini tank heater suitable for under the sink or other immediate, low demand hot water needs.

Not only is this unit well-priced, but it is also very compact. The design makes it easy to install on the wall, on a shelf, or even on the floor. The ES2.5 is also a self-service kind of heater that makes for seamless, independent installation.

This point of use water heater is powerful, providing a 2.5-gallon point of use. Like the heaters above, it promises 98% thermal efficiency. This is a factor that should remove some of your concerns regarding energy costs.

Although the lifespan of every heater is different, this model promises long-lasting quality. It is easy to maintain thanks to its ergonomic design that includes premium glass-lined material for longer service life. Read more about it in our Bosch Tronic review.

Final Thoughts

Because of its ability to provide instant access to hot water, you will be all the more grateful for your point of use water heater. Keep in mind that these appliances can only provide a limited continuous heated water supply and should be placed for use accordingly.

These electric water heaters are easier to install and can produce great energy savings, making them very useful in the right setting.