In rural areas, an electric tank water heater remains the simplest and most dependable choice for most homes. A tankless unit takes up less space and does not keep a supply of hot water on hand, but it has limits: flow that may fall short when several fixtures run at once, a high electrical demand, and sensitivity to the hard water some wells produce. Whichever model you choose, the water heater must produce water at 60 °C to help prevent Legionnaires' disease. At Wilfrid David in Chénéville, we help homeowners across La Petite-Nation choose the right unit for their house or cottage.
The electric tank water heater
This is the most common type in Quebec: a tank, two electric elements and a thermostat. Hydro-Québec notes that the elements draw 3,000 to 4,000 watts when operating at full capacity, and that it can take up to two hours to fully reheat a tank.
Its advantages are clear. A reserve of hot water is always available, which covers several uses at once, such as two showers and the dishwasher, until the reserve runs down. The unit is familiar, easy to replace and simple to maintain.
It does, however, keep water hot at all times, even when none is being used. Hydro-Québec therefore recommends insulating hot-water pipes that run through cool areas. It also points to three-element water heaters, designed to reduce electricity demand during winter peak periods.
The tankless water heater
A tankless, or instantaneous, water heater has no tank: water is heated as it passes through the unit. It supplies hot water on demand, but its ability to serve several uses at the same time can be limited. A single shower is generally not a problem; a shower, the washer and the dishwasher together may exceed the capacity of some units.
In rural areas, two other factors come into play:
- electrical supply: to heat water instantly, an electric model requires a large amount of power. Before buying one, have an electrician confirm that your home's electrical service can support it;
- incoming water temperature: well water is cold in winter, and the colder it arrives, the harder the unit has to work to reach the set temperature.
Well water and scale
Some wells supply hard water, high in calcium and magnesium. When heated, these minerals form scale inside the water heater. The buildup interferes with heat transfer, lowers efficiency and can shorten the life of the unit, whether it is a tank or a tankless model.
To know how hard your water is, it has to be tested. The Quebec government points out that the only way to know the quality of well water is to have it analyzed by an accredited laboratory. Ask the lab to include hardness in the analysis. If the water is hard, take it into account before choosing a unit: a water softener, more frequent maintenance or a better-suited model. The manufacturer's descaling instructions should also be followed. Showerheads that scale up quickly are often a first indication.
60 °C at the heater, 49 °C at the shower
Quebec's public health institute (INSPQ) recommends setting water heaters at 60 °C to limit the growth of Legionella bacteria, and Quebec's construction code sets a minimum temperature for the same reason. Hydro-Québec also states that 60 °C is the recommended setting and that there is no need to go higher. Lowering the temperature to save energy is therefore not recommended, since this setting is a health protection measure.
At 60 °C, however, water can scald. The Régie du bâtiment du Québec notes that at this temperature, a second-degree burn occurs in one to five seconds. That is why the code requires pressure-balancing or thermostatic valves for showers and bathtubs, or a mixing valve that performs the same function, set so the water does not exceed 49 °C. The water stays hot enough in the heater and safe at the shower.
In older homes, the fixtures do not always meet this requirement. When children or seniors live in the house, having them checked is recommended.
Our recommendation for homes and cottages in the area
For most homes in La Petite-Nation, a properly installed electric tank water heater, set at 60 °C and paired with correctly adjusted shower valves, is the simplest and most reliable solution.
A tankless unit suits specific situations: a bathroom far from the main water heater, a small cottage where few fixtures run at the same time, or a space where a tank cannot be installed. We assess these cases individually, taking into account your electrical service and your water quality.
At a cottage closed for the winter, the unit, whether tank or tankless, must be drained according to the manufacturer's instructions. Our article on closing the cottage for winter explains the steps.
When to call a professional
Contact us if your water heater is leaking, making unusual noises or no longer supplying enough hot water, or if you need to choose a unit for a new build or a renovation. Call us at 819-428-3161 or see our residential plumbing page. If you are also considering radiant heating, see our article on glycol radiant floors.
Filed under Residential plumbing
