Do winter's cold days leave you longing for cozy comfort? 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 main heating capabilities with supplemental heat is understandable if you have a poorly insulated 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, portable heaters deliver extra heating by targeting specific rooms. While this combination can make sense for brief periods, relying too heavily on your space heater all winter may prevent you from noticing root problems that indicate the need for furnace repair or a new, economical furnace installation.
How Much Electricity Do Portable Heaters Use?
Space heater energy usage and wattage vary widely. If you've wisely kept up with annual 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 weatherproofing typically delivers better results than combining a patchwork of solutions.
Precautions to Take When Using a Space Heater With Your Furnace
Safety should always be a priority in your household. Portable heaters can create fire hazards if you put them too close to combustible materials, so always maintain safe clearances. Look for models with safety features to reduce risks. Be mindful of circuit capacity and circuit capacity, since exceeding capacity can cause electrical issues. And remember to check your furnace ventilation to ensure you don't expose your family to increased toxic gas hazards when running your heat for months.
Potential Benefits of Portable Heaters
Room heaters provide individual heating 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 smart thermostat optimization, you can fine-tune temperature programs, 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 central heating
- Using obsolete heaters that lack modern space heater safety features
- Portable heater placement that blocks airflow from heating registers
- Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the target area
Alternatives to Room 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:
- Multi-zone heating for targeted comfort
- Installing a modern, high-efficiency furnace for better energy efficiency
- Improving insulation and air sealing to reduce energy loss
Balancing Efficiency and Safety
Pairing a portable heater with your furnace can provide short-term relief, but it's no substitute for investing in professional heating system service and permanent improvements like improved insulation. For lasting comfort, efficiency and safety, focus on keeping your furnace in optimal working order and exploring modern upgrades that deliver complete home heating with fewer risks.