Do winter's chilly days leave you longing for toasty warmth? Many homeowners wonder if using portable heaters with furnace systems is a safe way to stay comfortable in cold temperatures. The thought of maximizing your main heating capabilities with space heating 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 Furnaces and Portable Heaters Work Together?
Your furnace is a comprehensive heating solution that distributes heat evenly through ductwork and vents. In contrast, electric heaters deliver extra heating 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 underlying issues that indicate the need for furnace repair or a new, energy-efficient furnace installation.
How Much Electricity Do Space Heaters Use?
Space heater energy usage and wattage vary widely. If you've wisely kept up with seasonal furnace maintenance, relying on a space heater all winter will likely raise your bills instead of reducing them. Proactively addressing thermal loss by replacing old insulation and draft stoppers 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 primary consideration in your household. Electric heaters can create fire hazards if you put them too close to combustible materials, so always maintain safe clearances. Look for models with automatic shutoff mechanisms to reduce risks. Be mindful of circuit capacity and power requirements, since straining circuits can cause electrical issues. And remember to check your air circulation to ensure you don't expose your family to increased carbon monoxide risks when running your heat for months.
Potential Benefits of Supplemental Heaters
Portable heaters provide individual heating by quickly warming rooms that feel colder than others. However, modern smart thermostats and thermostat setbacks or zoning often achieve the same effect even more safely and efficiently. With advanced thermostat programming, you can fine-tune temperature programs, reduce power consumption 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 heating system
- Using old units that lack modern space heater safety features
- Heater positioning that blocks airflow from ventilation
- Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the desired space
Alternatives to Room Heaters for Extra Heating
You don't have to use multiple devices or keep lugging a heater around different rooms in your home. These solutions often outperform space heaters in safety and affordability:
- Zone control systems for customized warmth
- Installing a modern, high-efficiency furnace for better energy efficiency
- Improving insulation and air sealing to reduce energy loss
Balancing Performance and Security
Pairing a portable heater with your furnace can provide short-term relief, but it's no substitute for investing in professional furnace maintenance and permanent improvements like improved insulation. For lasting coziness, economy and protection, focus on keeping your furnace in top shape and exploring modern upgrades that deliver whole-house comfort with fewer risks.