Do winter's chilly days leave you longing for warm comfort? Many homeowners wonder if using portable heaters with furnace 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 is a complete home heating solution that distributes heat evenly through ductwork and vents. In contrast, space heaters deliver supplemental heat 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 underlying issues that indicate the need for furnace repair or a new, high-efficiency 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 boost your expenses instead of reducing them. Proactively addressing thermal loss 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 Heater With Your Furnace
Safety should always be a top concern in your household. Space heaters can create fire risks 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 electrical load 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 toxic gas hazards when running your heat for months.
Potential Benefits of Portable Heaters
Space heaters provide personalized comfort 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 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 old units that lack modern safety technology
- Heater positioning that blocks airflow from heating registers
- Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the target area
Alternatives to Room Heaters for Supplemental Heat
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 safety and affordability:
- Multi-zone heating for customized warmth
- Installing a modern, high-efficiency furnace for better performance ratings
- Improving weatherization to reduce heat loss
Balancing Performance and Security
Pairing a supplemental heater with your furnace can provide short-term relief, 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 comprehensive warmth with fewer risks.