Do winter's chilly days leave you wishing for warm comfort? 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 supplemental heat 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 comprehensive heating solution that distributes heat evenly through ventilation systems. In contrast, space heaters deliver additional warmth by targeting particular areas. While this combination can make sense for short-term use, 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 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 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 hazards if you put them too close to combustible materials, so always maintain safe clearances. Look for models with tip-over and overheat protection to reduce risks. Be mindful of breaker 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 Space Heaters

Portable 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 advanced thermostat programming, you can fine-tune comfort settings, reduce utility costs 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 obsolete heaters that lack modern space heater safety features
  • Portable heater placement that blocks airflow from heating registers
  • Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the intended room

Alternatives to Portable 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 efficiency and safety:

  • Zone control systems for customized warmth
  • Installing an updated, high-efficiency furnace for better fuel economy
  • Improving insulation and air sealing to reduce energy waste

Balancing Performance and Security

Pairing a supplemental heater with your furnace can provide temporary comfort, but it's no substitute for investing in professional heating system service 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 whole-house comfort with fewer risks.