# Gas and Oil Furnaces Offer Different Pros and Cons for Massachusetts Homeowners > Both gas and oil furnaces have advantages and disadvantages, and the following guide will help you determine which option may be best for your home. Before you install a new furnace in your Massachusetts home, you may have to decide between oil or gas as the fuel source, depending on where you live. Both gas and oil furnaces have advantages and disadvantages, and the following guide will help you determine which option may be best for your home. ## Gas Furnace Pros and Cons [![furnace2](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/furnace2-300x201.jpg)](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/furnace2.jpg)Natural gas furnaces are [more efficient](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/time-look-back-school-energy-savings-holliston-homeowners.html) overall than oil furnaces, with AFUE ratings of 89 to 98 percent common today, as compared to modern oil furnaces, which have AFUE ratings of 80 to 90 percent. Gas furnaces require less maintenance, with only one or two service visits needed annually, depending on the model, while oil furnaces require more frequent maintenance due to soot buildup and oil filter changes. [Gas furnaces](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/troubleshoot-a-problematic-gas-furnace.html) also tend to be quieter and cleaner to operate, and natural gas costs as little as a third of the price per heating season. On the other hand, gas furnaces tend to be more expensive than their oil counterparts, by up to 25 percent for the most efficient models, and your home must be located in an area that has natural gas service installed. ## Oil Furnace Pros and Cons Oil furnaces are convenient because they can be installed in remote areas that aren't serviced by natural gas lines. The home heating oil is delivered as needed by a fuel company, and typically [routine furnace maintenance](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/fall-furnace-inspection.html) is included as part of the delivery contract. Oil furnaces are less expensive than comparable gas furnaces, and they often produce more heat per BTU of fuel used. The major disadvantages of oil furnaces include the requirement for on-site fuel storage and the higher expense of home heating oil per heating season. Oil isn't as clean-burning as gas, requiring more frequent maintenance, and oil furnaces tend to be louder and less efficient than gas models. For more information about the differences between gas and oil furnaces, talk to our home heating professionals at [Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning](http://rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html). We've served the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts since 1928. *Image via [Shutterstock.com](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/gas-oil-furnaces-offer-different-pros-cons-massachusetts-homeowners.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/gas-oil-furnaces-offer-different-pros-cons-massachusetts-homeowners.html)