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Point-of-use water heaters

Short answer

A point-of-use water heater sits at or near one fixture instead of serving the whole house. ENERGY STAR says they cut heat lost in long pipe runs and make the most sense when fixtures are far apart, hot water use is under about 20 gallons a day, or for a remote bathroom or hot tub. In many homes they supplement a whole-house heater rather than replace it.

Updated

If you wait a long time for hot water at one sink or bathroom, a point-of-use heater is one option.

Good fits

  • A bathroom or sink far from the main heater.
  • A detached office, ADU or garage with light hot water use.
  • Very low daily hot water use.

Alternatives

A recirculation system on the main heater also shortens the wait at distant fixtures. Several tankless models offer built-in or accessory recirculation; see our Rinnai vs Navien comparison. ENERGY STAR's point-of-use page does not show any certified point-of-use models.

General information, not professional or legal advice; follow your manufacturer's manual, and your installer and local permit office have the final word. Sources:ENERGY STAR, Point-of-use water heaters. SD Water Heaters is not affiliated with any manufacturer; brand names are used only to identify products, and codes can differ by model, so confirm in your own manual.

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