Do winter's frigid days leave you wishing for toasty warmth? Many homeowners wonder if using space heaters with heating systems is a safe way to stay comfortable in cold temperatures. The thought of maximizing your primary heating capabilities with portable warmth is understandable if you have a cold house. However, we recommend you consider the potential long-term implications before pulling your heater out of storage.

Can Furnace Systems and Portable Heaters Work Together?

Your furnace is a comprehensive heating solution that distributes heat evenly through ventilation systems. In contrast, electric heaters deliver additional warmth by targeting specific rooms. While this combination can make sense for short-term use, relying too heavily on your space heater all winter may prevent you from noticing fundamental concerns that indicate the need for furnace repair or a new, economical furnace installation.

How Much Electricity Do Portable Heaters Use?

Space heater power consumption and wattage vary widely. If you've wisely kept up with routine furnace maintenance, relying on a space heater all winter will likely boost your expenses instead of reducing them. Proactively addressing heat loss by replacing old insulation and air sealing materials typically delivers better results than combining a patchwork of solutions.

Precautions to Take When Using a Portable Space Heater With Your Furnace

Safety should always be a priority in your household. Portable heaters can create safety dangers if you put them too close to furniture or window treatments, so always maintain safe clearances. Look for models with tip-over and overheat protection to reduce risks. Be mindful of breaker load and electrical limitations, since straining circuits can cause electrical issues. And remember to check your furnace ventilation to ensure you don't expose your family to increased carbon monoxide risks when running your heat for months.

Potential Benefits of Space Heaters

Space heaters provide customized warmth by quickly warming rooms that feel colder than others. However, modern smart thermostats and programmable settings or zoning often achieve the same effect even more safely and efficiently. With advanced thermostat programming, you can fine-tune heating schedules, reduce energy waste and even improve humidification and comfort at lower temps without relying on additional appliances.

Avoid these mistakes when using space heaters alongside your furnace:

  • Relying solely on space heaters to replace your HVAC system
  • Using old units that lack modern space heater safety features
  • Heater positioning that blocks airflow from heating registers
  • Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the target area

Alternatives to Space Heaters for Supplemental Heat

You don't have to use several units or keep lugging a heater around different rooms in your home. These solutions often outperform space heaters in efficiency and safety:

  • Furnace zoning systems for targeted comfort
  • Installing an updated, advanced HVAC unit for better performance ratings
  • Improving insulation and air sealing to reduce energy waste

Balancing Performance and Security

Pairing a space heater with your furnace can provide immediate warmth, but it's no substitute for investing in professional HVAC upkeep and lasting upgrades like improved insulation. For lasting coziness, economy and protection, focus on keeping your furnace in optimal working order and exploring modern upgrades that deliver comprehensive warmth with fewer risks.