Do winter's cold days leave you wishing for toasty warmth? Many homeowners wonder if using portable space heaters with heating systems is a safe way to stay comfortable in freezing conditions. The thought of maximizing your main heating capabilities with portable warmth is understandable if you have a cold house. However, we recommend you consider the potential long-term implications before pulling your heater out of storage.
Can Furnace Systems and Space Heaters Work Together?
Your heating system is a comprehensive heating solution that distributes heat evenly through ductwork and vents. In contrast, space heaters deliver additional warmth by targeting specific rooms. While this combination can make sense for temporary situations, 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, high-efficiency furnace installation.
How Much Electricity Do Electric Heaters Use?
Space heater energy usage and wattage vary widely. If you've wisely kept up with routine 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 Space Heater With Your Furnace
Safety should always be a primary consideration in your household. Electric heaters can create safety dangers if you put them too close to combustible materials, so always maintain proper distances. Look for models with automatic shutoff mechanisms to reduce risks. Be mindful of circuit capacity 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 carbon monoxide risks when running your heat for months.
Potential Benefits of Portable Heaters
Space heaters provide individual heating 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 intelligent temperature control, you can fine-tune temperature programs, reduce utility costs 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 protective mechanisms
- Unit location that blocks airflow from ventilation
- Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the target area
Alternatives to Room Heaters for Extra Heating
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 an updated, high-efficiency furnace for better performance ratings
- Improving weatherization to reduce thermal leakage
Balancing Efficiency and Safety
Pairing a space heater with your furnace can provide temporary comfort, but it's no substitute for investing in professional heating system service and lasting upgrades like improved insulation. For lasting comfort, efficiency and safety, focus on keeping your furnace in optimal working order and exploring modern upgrades that deliver whole-house comfort with fewer risks.
