Do winter's cold days leave you wishing for warm comfort? Many homeowners wonder if using space heaters with furnace systems is a safe way to stay comfortable in frigid weather. The thought of maximizing your primary heating capabilities with portable warmth is understandable if you have a drafty home. 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 system is a comprehensive heating solution that distributes heat evenly through ductwork and vents. In contrast, space heaters deliver extra heating by targeting particular areas. While this combination can make sense for temporary situations, relying too heavily on your space heater all winter may prevent you from noticing underlying issues that indicate the need for furnace repair or a new, high-efficiency furnace installation.
How Much Electricity Do Electric Heaters Use?
Space heater electricity use and wattage vary widely. If you've wisely kept up with regular furnace maintenance, relying on a space heater all winter will likely boost your expenses instead of reducing them. Proactively addressing energy waste 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. Space heaters can create fire hazards 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 electrical load and power requirements, since exceeding capacity can cause electrical issues. And remember to check your air circulation to ensure you don't expose your family to increased CO dangers when running your heat for months.
Potential Benefits of Supplemental Heaters
Space heaters provide customized warmth by quickly warming rooms that feel colder than others. However, modern smart thermostats and temperature scheduling or zoning often achieve the same effect even more safely and efficiently. With advanced thermostat programming, you can fine-tune comfort settings, reduce energy waste and even improve overall 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 heating system
- Using obsolete heaters that lack modern protective mechanisms
- Unit location that blocks airflow from HVAC vents
- Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the desired space
Alternatives to Space Heaters for Additional Warmth
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 safety and affordability:
- Furnace zoning systems for customized warmth
- Installing an updated, high-efficiency furnace for better fuel economy
- Improving insulation and air sealing to reduce energy waste
Balancing Performance and Security
Pairing a portable heater with your furnace can provide temporary comfort, but it's no substitute for investing in professional furnace maintenance and permanent improvements like improved insulation. For lasting comfort, efficiency and safety, focus on keeping your furnace in top shape and exploring modern upgrades that deliver complete home heating with fewer risks.