Do winter's cold days leave you wishing for warm comfort? Many homeowners wonder if using portable space heaters with heating systems is a safe way to stay comfortable in frigid weather. The appeal of enhancing your central heat 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 heating system is a whole-home comfort solution that distributes heat evenly through ductwork and vents. In contrast, electric heaters deliver additional warmth by targeting particular areas. 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 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 increase your costs 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 Portable 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 flammable objects, so always maintain proper distances. Look for models with safety features to reduce risks. Be mindful of breaker load and electrical limitations, since overloading outlets 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 Portable Heaters

Space heaters provide customized warmth 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 intelligent temperature control, you can fine-tune temperature programs, reduce utility costs 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 safety technology
  • 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 Additional Warmth

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:

  • Multi-zone heating for customized warmth
  • Installing an updated, high-efficiency furnace for better energy efficiency
  • Improving thermal barriers to reduce energy loss

Balancing Performance and Security

Pairing a supplemental heater with your furnace can provide immediate warmth, but it's no substitute for investing in professional HVAC upkeep and permanent improvements like improved insulation. For lasting warmth, savings and security, focus on keeping your furnace in top shape and exploring modern upgrades that deliver complete home heating with fewer risks.