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Selecting a furnace isn’t just a technical decision—it’s about year‑round comfort, smart energy use, and safety during Connecticut’s cold snaps. In Milford and across Southern Connecticut, your choice between a natural gas furnace and an electric furnace affects utility costs, performance, and maintenance. Whichever system you choose, prioritize code‑compliant, professional installation and regular safety checks.
At M&R Mechanical Services, we’ve helped local homeowners make confident heating decisions since 1959. Our highly trained team delivers personalized guidance grounded in decades of regional HVAC experience.
How These Heating Systems Work
Natural Gas Furnace Operation
Natural gas furnaces create heat by combusting fuel in a sealed chamber. A blower moves the heated air through ductwork to quickly warm your living spaces—performance that pairs well with New England winters. Safe operation depends on proper venting, combustion air supply, and professional installation.
Electric Furnace Operation
Electric furnaces use resistance heating coils powered by electricity. A blower distributes the warmed air through your ducts. Their simple design means fewer moving parts and typically lighter maintenance, but they draw more energy to deliver the same heat output. They also require adequate electrical capacity and correctly sized breakers installed by a licensed electrician.
Natural Gas Furnaces
Benefits
Natural gas furnaces deliver fast, powerful heat that’s ideal for cold‑weather performance. In regions where natural gas rates beat electricity, they often provide lower monthly operating costs. They’re also backup‑ready when paired with a properly sized standby generator and transfer switch to power the blower and controls during outages—remember that modern furnaces still require electricity.
Drawbacks
In Connecticut, where electricity rates are relatively high, electric furnaces often cost more to operate and usually deliver a slower heat rise than gas models. They’re fully dependent on grid power unless paired with a backup system, and any generator solution must be installed outdoors with proper ventilation and a transfer switch—never use portable generators indoors or in enclosed spaces.
Electric Furnaces
Benefits
Electric furnaces offer a straightforward, typically lower‑cost installation because they don’t require a gas line or flue. With no combustion, they eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide and generally operate more quietly than gas systems. Their compact form factor also makes them a practical choice for tight mechanical rooms, smaller homes, and secondary heating zones.
Drawbacks
In Connecticut, electricity rates often make electric furnaces more expensive to operate, and they typically deliver a slower heat rise than gas systems. They also rely entirely on grid power unless paired with a backup solution. If you plan to use a generator, it must be installed outdoors with proper ventilation and a transfer switch—never operate portable generators indoors or in enclosed spaces.
Installation vs. Operating Costs
Upfront Installation
Electric furnaces are typically faster to install with less infrastructure; any panel upgrades or new circuits must be completed by a licensed electrician. Gas furnaces require venting, gas piping, pressure testing, and start‑up performed by licensed professionals with the required permits.
Long‑Term Energy Use
Electric furnaces can be 100% AFUE yet still cost more to run where electricity is expensive. Gas furnaces convert fuel slightly less efficiently but often cost less monthly thanks to lower gas rates. Real‑world costs depend on local fuel prices, home insulation, and correct equipment sizing—a professional load calculation helps avoid oversizing and wasted energy.
Which Furnace Is Right for Your Home?
Choose based on your home’s layout, available fuels, budget, and comfort preferences:
- Choose Natural Gas if you already have gas service, want strong heat output, and are aiming for lower monthly costs in a cold climate.
- Choose Electric if gas isn’t available, you prefer a lower initial investment, or you plan to offset electricity with solar. Electric can be a smart fit for smaller homes or zoned additions.
Why Milford Homeowners Choose M&R Mechanical Services
Local Expertise Since 1959
We’ve served Milford, CT and surrounding Southern Connecticut communities for over 65 years. Our team understands the region’s climate and housing styles—delivering recommendations that balance performance, safety, and cost‑efficiency.
Personalized, No Cookie‑Cutter Solutions
We evaluate your home’s size, insulation, ductwork, energy use, and budget to match you with the right furnace type and capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Which furnace costs less to run?
Answer: Natural gas furnaces are typically more affordable to operate in cold climates because natural gas is usually less expensive than electricity. This makes them a cost-effective choice for areas like Connecticut where heating is essential for much of the year.
Question: Are electric furnaces safer?
Answer: Yes, electric furnaces are considered safer since they don’t involve combustion or the risk of carbon monoxide leaks. They still require proper electrical capacity, correct breaker sizing, and professional installation to reduce fire and shock hazards, and smoke/heat alarms should be maintained.
Question: Can I switch from gas to electric?
Answer: Yes, switching is possible but may require upgrading your home’s electrical panel or wiring. It’s important to consult an HVAC professional and a licensed electrician to evaluate compatibility, permitting, and costs.
Question: Which system lasts longer?
Answer: Electric furnaces often last longer due to having fewer mechanical components and experiencing less wear over time. With proper care, they can offer a longer operational lifespan than gas systems.
Question: Do both systems require maintenance?
Answer: Yes, both types of furnaces benefit from routine maintenance to ensure optimal efficiency and safety. Annual professional servicing can also prevent costly repairs or system failures. Replace or clean filters regularly, test CO detectors for gas systems, and keep equipment areas clear of storage.
Question: Which heats faster?
Answer: Gas furnaces heat faster because combustion generates high heat quickly, making them ideal for cold climates. This can be especially beneficial during sudden temperature drops.
Question: Can electric furnaces run on solar?
Answer: Absolutely—they can be powered by grid electricity offset by solar panels. For operation during a grid outage, a battery system or a solar inverter designed for backup power is required; consult a licensed electrician to design a safe, code-compliant setup.
Making Your Final Furnace Decision
Understanding your home and energy priorities makes the choice clearer—whether you want immediate cost savings, long‑term efficiency, or low‑maintenance comfort. Whatever you choose, insist on licensed installation, code compliance, and annual safety checks.
Let M&R Mechanical Services help you make a confident, informed decision that keeps your home warm and efficient for years to come.