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 thought of maximizing your central heat capabilities with portable warmth 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 Space Heaters Work Together?

Your furnace is a complete home heating solution that distributes heat evenly through air ducts and vents. In contrast, electric heaters deliver extra heating 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 underlying issues that indicate the need for furnace repair or a new, energy-efficient furnace installation.

How Much Electricity Do Space Heaters Use?

Space heater energy usage 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 energy waste 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 Space Heater With Your Furnace

Safety should always be a priority in your household. Electric heaters can create fire risks 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 breaker load and circuit capacity, 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 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 smart thermostat optimization, you can fine-tune heating schedules, reduce power consumption 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 space heater safety features
  • Unit location that blocks airflow from heating registers
  • Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the desired space

Alternatives to Portable Heaters for Extra Heating

You don't have to use various heaters or keep lugging a heater around different rooms in your home. These solutions often outperform space heaters in efficiency and safety:

  • Zone control systems for customized warmth
  • Installing an updated, high-efficiency furnace for better performance ratings
  • Improving thermal barriers to reduce energy waste

Balancing Performance and Security

Pairing a portable heater with your furnace can provide immediate warmth, but it's no substitute for investing in professional furnace maintenance and lasting upgrades like improved insulation. For lasting comfort, efficiency and safety, focus on keeping your furnace in top shape and exploring modern upgrades that deliver whole-house comfort with fewer risks.