Do winter's chilly days leave you longing 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 appeal of enhancing your primary heating 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 Furnace Systems and Space Heaters Work Together?
Your furnace system is a comprehensive heating solution that distributes heat evenly through ductwork and vents. In contrast, electric heaters deliver supplemental heat by targeting individual spaces. While this combination can make sense for brief periods, 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 seasonal 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 Portable Heater With Your Furnace
Safety should always be a top concern in your household. Electric heaters can create fire risks if you put them too close to flammable objects, so always maintain adequate spacing. Look for models with safety features to reduce risks. Be mindful of electrical load and electrical limitations, 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
Room heaters provide customized warmth 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 smart thermostat optimization, you can fine-tune heating schedules, 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 outdated models that lack modern protective mechanisms
- Portable heater placement that blocks airflow from ventilation
- Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the intended room
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:
- Furnace zoning systems for specific area heating
- Installing an updated, high-efficiency furnace for better energy efficiency
- Improving thermal barriers to reduce energy waste
Balancing Cost-Effectiveness and Protection
Pairing a supplemental heater with your furnace can provide temporary comfort, but it's no substitute for investing in professional HVAC upkeep and permanent improvements like improved insulation. For lasting coziness, economy and protection, focus on keeping your furnace in top shape and exploring modern upgrades that deliver complete home heating with fewer risks.