Do winter's chilly days leave you longing for cozy comfort? Many homeowners wonder if using space heaters with furnace systems is a safe way to stay comfortable in frigid weather. The appeal of enhancing your main heating capabilities with space heating is understandable if you have a drafty 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 system is a comprehensive heating solution that distributes heat evenly through ductwork and vents. In contrast, portable heaters deliver extra heating by targeting individual spaces. While this combination can make sense for temporary situations, 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 regular furnace maintenance, relying on a space heater all winter will likely raise your bills instead of reducing them. Proactively addressing heat loss 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 proper distances. Look for models with tip-over and overheat protection to reduce risks. Be mindful of breaker load and power requirements, since exceeding capacity 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

Space 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 smart thermostat optimization, 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 old units that lack modern safety technology
  • Portable heater placement that blocks airflow from HVAC vents
  • Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the target area

Alternatives to Portable 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 efficiency and safety:

  • Multi-zone heating for specific area heating
  • Installing an updated, high-efficiency furnace for better energy efficiency
  • Improving weatherization to reduce thermal leakage

Balancing Cost-Effectiveness and Protection

Pairing a supplemental heater with your furnace can provide immediate warmth, but it's no substitute for investing in professional heating system service and long-term solutions like improved insulation. For lasting coziness, economy and protection, focus on keeping your furnace in optimal working order and exploring modern upgrades that deliver complete home heating with fewer risks.