Do winter's cold days leave you wishing for warm comfort? Many homeowners wonder if using portable space heaters with furnace systems is a safe way to stay comfortable in frigid weather. The thought of maximizing your primary heating capabilities with portable warmth is understandable if you have a poorly insulated home. However, you should consider the potential long-term implications before pulling your heater out of storage.
Can Furnaces and Space Heaters Work Together?
Your heating system is a complete home heating solution that distributes heat evenly through ventilation systems. In contrast, space heaters deliver extra heating 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 fundamental concerns that indicate the need for furnace repair or a new, economical furnace installation.
How Much Electricity Do Electric Heaters Use?
Space heater power consumption and wattage vary widely. If you've wisely kept up with annual furnace maintenance, relying on a space heater all winter will likely boost your expenses instead of reducing them. Proactively addressing thermal loss by replacing old insulation and air sealing materials typically delivers better results than combining a patchwork of solutions.
Precautions to Take When Using a Portable Heater With Your Furnace
Safety should always be a top concern in your household. Portable heaters can create fire risks if you put them too close to furniture or window treatments, so always maintain proper distances. Look for models with tip-over and overheat protection to reduce risks. Be mindful of circuit capacity and electrical limitations, since straining circuits can cause electrical issues. And remember to check your air circulation 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 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 central heating
- Using old units that lack modern safety technology
- Heater positioning that blocks airflow from ventilation
- Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the target area
Alternatives to Space 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:
- Furnace zoning systems for targeted comfort
- Installing an updated, advanced HVAC unit for better energy efficiency
- Improving thermal barriers to reduce energy waste
Balancing Performance and Security
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 comprehensive warmth with fewer risks.