When shopping for a new water heater, you probably think about many different things. For instance, electric or gas-powered water heaters, which brand has the best reputation, warranties, and so much more? Yet another thing to think about is whether you should go for a whole-house water heating system or point-of-use water heaters.
There are two main types of water heaters: tankless and storage. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, meaning they only heat water when you need it. Storage water heaters store hot water in a tank and then use that hot water as needed.
Tankless water heaters are only active when you need them to be, making them much more energy efficient than tank-style water heaters, which heat a tank of water repeatedly throughout the day whether you need it or not.
Though these two tankless water heaters have similarities, they also have differences.
A point-of-use (POU) water heater is a small water heater installed near a sink or other water source to get hot water right where you need it. These heaters are often used in tiny homes or apartments with limited space and no central water heater.
POU water heaters have several advantages over larger, central water heaters. They are much more energy-efficient since they only heat the water that you need when you need it. They also take up much less space than a central water heater and can be installed in various locations.
There are several disadvantages of point-of-use (POU) water heaters to be aware of before making a purchase. One drawback is that they typically have a shorter lifespan than whole-house models. This is because POU water heaters are constantly being used, which causes them to wear down faster. Additionally, POU water heaters are more expensive to operate than whole-house models, as they use more energy to heat the water.
Another downside to POU water heaters is that they can be a fire hazard. This is because the water heater is located near the point of use, which means there is a greater risk of the unit overheating and causing a fire.
A whole-house water heater provides hot water to all the fixtures in your home, including your sinks, showers, and washing machine. These units are typically powered by gas or electricity and can be tank-style or tankless.
Tank-style water heaters store hot water in a tank, the most common type of whole-house water heater. These units typically have a capacity of 40-60 gallons, and they use either gas or electricity to heat the water. On the other hand, tankless water heaters don't have storage tanks. Instead, they heat water on demand, which means they can provide an endless hot water supply.
There are many benefits to having a whole-house water heater. One of the most apparent benefits is that it provides hot water to every tap in your home, so you will never have to be worried about running out of hot water.
Another great benefit is that it can save you money on your energy bills. Because the water is heated in one central location, it is more efficient than having multiple water heaters. This means that you will use less energy, and your bills will be lower.
There are several disadvantages to whole-house water heaters. One is the initial cost. They are more expensive than traditional water heaters, and the installation costs can also be high. In addition, they require more maintenance than traditional water heaters, and the tank can develop leaks over time. Finally, if not correctly maintained, whole-house water heaters can be a fire hazard.
Both POU and Whole-House water heaters come with advantages and disadvantages. POU water heaters are more energy efficient and have a more negligible environmental impact than whole-house water heaters. However, they may not be able to give enough hot water for large families or households with high water usage. Whole-house water heaters are more expensive to purchase and operate, but they can provide an endless hot water supply. Ultimately, the best type of water heater for a household depends on the specific needs and preferences of the homeowners.
If you are in need of a hot water tank in Calgary, make sure that you call in a trusted professional.
ERM Plumbing & Heating can provide with installation and repair of hot water tanks in Calgary, among others. Contact us to get a quote today!
