Do winter's frigid days leave you longing 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 appeal of enhancing your primary heating capabilities with supplemental heat 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 is a comprehensive heating solution that distributes heat evenly through ductwork and vents. In contrast, electric heaters deliver extra heating by targeting specific rooms. While this combination can make sense for short-term use, relying too heavily on your space heater all winter may prevent you from noticing root problems that indicate the need for furnace repair or a new, energy-efficient furnace installation.

How Much Electricity Do Portable Heaters Use?

Space heater electricity use and wattage vary widely. If you've wisely kept up with annual furnace maintenance, relying on a space heater all winter will likely raise your bills instead of reducing them. Proactively addressing thermal loss by replacing old insulation and draft stoppers 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 primary consideration in your household. Electric heaters can create fire hazards if you put them too close to flammable objects, so always maintain safe clearances. Look for models with automatic shutoff mechanisms to reduce risks. Be mindful of electrical load and electrical limitations, since straining circuits can cause electrical issues. And remember to check your heating system vents to ensure you don't expose your family to increased carbon monoxide risks when running your heat for months.

Potential Benefits of Portable Heaters

Room heaters provide individual heating 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 advanced thermostat programming, you can fine-tune heating schedules, reduce energy waste 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 old units that lack modern safety technology
  • Unit location that blocks airflow from ventilation
  • Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the intended room

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:

  • Furnace zoning systems for targeted comfort
  • Installing a modern, advanced HVAC unit for better performance ratings
  • Improving thermal barriers to reduce heat loss

Balancing Efficiency and Safety

Pairing a supplemental heater with your furnace can provide immediate warmth, but it's no substitute for investing in professional HVAC upkeep and permanent improvements like improved insulation. For lasting comfort, efficiency and safety, focus on keeping your furnace in top shape and exploring modern upgrades that deliver comprehensive warmth with fewer risks.