Whole-Home vs. Point-of-Use Tankless Water Heaters

Did you know there are different types of tankless water heaters? There are, and there are two: whole-home and point-of-use. Each has specific benefits and advantages depending upon the unique needs and challenges of your particular Portland home.

Our team at 3 Mountains Plumbing of Portland is happy to assist you in helping you decide which option is best for you and your home, but in the meantime, here is a quick comparison for your convenience.

What Do They Have in Common?

Before examining the differences, let’s first investigate what all tankless water heaters share in common.

  • Energy Savings: Unlike standard tanks that constantly heat to maintain a storage tank full of hot water, tankless water heaters save energy by heating water only when needed.
  • Cost Efficiency: Typically requiring less maintenance than standard tanks, tankless water heaters also use less energy thus reducing monthly utility bills.
  • Space Efficiency: Tankless water heaters are about the size of a small travel suitcase. They are far more aesthetically pleasing than standard tanks and may be installed inside or out.
  • Longevity: Tankless heaters typically last five to ten years longer than standard tanks so they function as a solid home investment.

Whole-Home Tankless Water Heaters

As the name suggests, whole-home tankless water heaters heat water that flows through all faucets in your residential space. Whole-home tanks will provide an endless stream of hot water regardless of the number of showers taken in a row. You and your family will never run out of hot water.

Because tankless water heaters service the entire home, they are typically located in basements, crawlspaces, or utility closets. There is a certain amount of lag time that will naturally occur from when the hot water leaves the tank and arrives at your faucet. Hot water is not necessarily instantaneous, but once it arrives, it will not cease.

Point-of-Use Tankless Water Heaters

Point-of-use systems are small and function to serve one sink, washing machine, or shower as needed. They are located right next to or underneath their respective plumbing fixture or appliance.

The major difference between point-of-use and whole-home is that point-of-use heaters will provide instantaneous hot water at the touch of the faucet. However, unlike with whole-home tankless water heaters, the hot water from point-of-use systems will eventually run out.

Get in touch with 3 Mountains Plumbing today to find out which tankless water heating system is the right choice for you and your Portland home.

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