# Tankless Water Heater Or Storage Water Heater: Which One Is Right For Your Needs? > It used to be that a New England homeowner had few choices when it came to heating water. Now there are options . The two most popular are the conventional storage-tank heater and the tankless heater,... [![water heater options Massachusetts area](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/waterheater.rodenhiser1.jpg)](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/waterheater.rodenhiser1.jpg)It used to be that a New England homeowner had few choices when it came to heating water. Now there are [options](http://rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham/water-heater-newton.html). The two most popular are the conventional storage-tank heater and the tankless heater, also known as a demand water heater. Each has its advantages as well as its drawbacks. Which is best for your home? The answer depends on your family's needs. [![water heater options Massachusetts area](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/waterheater.rodenhiser1.jpg)](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/waterheater.rodenhiser1.jpg) Whether they're gas-operated or electric, storage heaters have been around for a long time. They tend to use a lot of energy -- sometimes accounting for as much as 25 percent of your utility bill. And much of that energy use is pretty inefficient: It's going toward keeping a tank of water hot in anticipation of when you'll need it. However, new, high-efficiency models, if well-insulated, can be much more efficient than older ones. Storage water heaters are also less expensive than the tankless models. Their life span is typically around eight to 12 years. Tankless models, while newer here in the U.S., have been in use in Asian and European countries for many years. They are popular because there is no "standby heat loss" -- they don't use energy to heat water that's being stored. Instead, they heat water only as it is needed. They are also available in electric or gas powered. However, tankless heaters are more expensive than storage water heaters, and they may cost more to install as well. Tankless heaters have another drawback: Sometimes they are unable to meet simultaneous major demands from the household. For instance, if someone wants to take a shower while the dishwasher's running, a tankless heater might not be able to supply enough hot water for both. That's why some households install more than one tankless heater or designate a tankless heater for one appliance, such as the washing machine. Tankless heaters can last up to 20 years with normal use and proper maintenance. If you're weighing your options and could use some professional input, please feel free to call [Rodenhiser](http://rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html). We'll be happy to help. ***Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about* *water heater options **and other HVAC topics, download our free [Home Comfort Solutions Guide](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/download-the-home-comfort-solutions-guide.html).***** ***Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning* *serves the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts.* *To get started, check out [our website](http://rodenhiser.com/) or see our [current promotions](http://rodenhiser.com/save-plumbing-heating.html).*** ***Photo courtesy of*** ***[Shutterstock](http://www.shutterstock.com/).*** ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/tankless-water-heater-or-storage-water-heater-which-one-is-right-for-your-needs.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/tankless-water-heater-or-storage-water-heater-which-one-is-right-for-your-needs.html)