Do winter's frigid days leave you longing 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 main heating capabilities with portable warmth is understandable if you have a drafty home. However, you should consider the potential long-term implications before pulling your heater out of storage.
Can Furnaces and Portable Heaters Work Together?
Your heating system is a complete home heating solution that distributes heat evenly through air ducts and vents. In contrast, portable heaters deliver additional warmth by targeting individual spaces. 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, economical furnace installation.
How Much Electricity Do Electric Heaters Use?
Space heater electricity use and wattage vary widely. If you've wisely kept up with annual furnace maintenance, relying on a space heater all winter will likely raise your bills 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 Space Heater With Your Furnace
Safety should always be a top concern in your household. Portable heaters can create fire hazards if you put them too close to furniture or window treatments, so always maintain adequate spacing. Look for models with tip-over and overheat protection to reduce risks. Be mindful of breaker load and circuit capacity, since overloading outlets can cause electrical issues. And remember to check your heating system vents to ensure you don't expose your family to increased toxic gas hazards when running your heat for months.
Potential Benefits of Space 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 heating schedules, reduce power consumption and even improve indoor air quality 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 outdated models 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 Portable Heaters for Supplemental Heat
You don't have to use various heaters 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 targeted comfort
- Installing an updated, energy-efficient heating system for better energy efficiency
- Improving insulation and air sealing to reduce thermal leakage
Balancing Efficiency and Safety
Pairing a space heater with your furnace can provide immediate warmth, but it's no substitute for investing in professional furnace maintenance and long-term solutions like improved insulation. For lasting warmth, savings and security, focus on keeping your furnace in optimal working order and exploring modern upgrades that deliver complete home heating with fewer risks.
