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 freezing conditions. The thought of maximizing your main heating capabilities with space heating is understandable if you have a cold house. 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 heating system is a comprehensive heating solution that distributes heat evenly through ventilation systems. In contrast, space heaters deliver extra heating by targeting specific rooms. 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, economical 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 draft stoppers 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 priority in your household. Portable heaters can create fire risks if you put them too close to combustible materials, so always maintain adequate spacing. Look for models with automatic shutoff mechanisms to reduce risks. Be mindful of electrical load and circuit capacity, since exceeding capacity can cause electrical issues. And remember to check your furnace ventilation to ensure you don't expose your family to increased CO dangers 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 temperature scheduling or zoning often achieve the same effect even more safely and efficiently. With intelligent temperature control, 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 central heating
- Using outdated models that lack modern safety technology
- Heater positioning that blocks airflow from air ducts
- 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 multiple devices or keep lugging a heater around different rooms in your home. These solutions often outperform space heaters in safety and affordability:
- Multi-zone heating for customized warmth
- Installing a modern, energy-efficient heating system for better energy efficiency
- Improving weatherization to reduce energy loss
Balancing Cost-Effectiveness and Protection
Pairing a space heater with your furnace can provide short-term relief, but it's no substitute for investing in professional HVAC upkeep and long-term solutions 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.
