Do winter's cold days leave you longing for toasty warmth? Many homeowners wonder if using space heaters with furnace systems is a safe way to stay comfortable in frigid weather. The thought of maximizing your primary heating capabilities with space heating is understandable if you have a drafty home. However, you should 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 complete home heating solution that distributes heat evenly through air ducts and vents. In contrast, electric heaters deliver supplemental heat by targeting particular areas. While this combination can make sense for brief periods, 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, energy-efficient furnace installation.

How Much Electricity Do Electric Heaters Use?

Space heater electricity use 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 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 Space Heater With Your Furnace

Safety should always be a primary consideration in your household. Space heaters can create safety dangers if you put them too close to flammable objects, so always maintain safe clearances. Look for models with safety features to reduce risks. Be mindful of circuit capacity and power requirements, since straining circuits 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 Space Heaters

Room heaters provide customized warmth by quickly warming rooms that feel colder than others. However, modern smart thermostats and programmable settings or zoning often achieve the same effect even more safely and efficiently. With advanced thermostat programming, you can fine-tune comfort settings, reduce power consumption and even improve overall 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 HVAC system
  • Using outdated models that lack modern protective mechanisms
  • Portable heater placement that blocks airflow from HVAC vents
  • Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the desired space

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 cost-effectiveness and security:

  • Furnace zoning systems for customized warmth
  • Installing an updated, energy-efficient heating system for better performance ratings
  • Improving thermal barriers to reduce heat loss

Balancing Performance and Security

Pairing a supplemental heater with your furnace can provide temporary comfort, but it's no substitute for investing in professional furnace maintenance and permanent improvements like improved insulation. For lasting warmth, savings and security, focus on keeping your furnace in excellent condition and exploring modern upgrades that deliver complete home heating with fewer risks.