Do winter's cold days leave you longing for warm comfort? Many homeowners wonder if using portable space heaters with heating systems is a safe way to stay comfortable in frigid weather. The appeal of enhancing your primary heating capabilities with portable warmth 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 Space Heaters Work Together?
Your furnace is a complete home heating solution that distributes heat evenly through ventilation systems. In contrast, space heaters deliver extra heating by targeting individual spaces. 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, high-efficiency 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 safety dangers if you put them too close to flammable objects, so always maintain adequate spacing. Look for models with safety features to reduce risks. Be mindful of circuit capacity and power requirements, since overloading outlets 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
Portable 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 smart thermostat optimization, you can fine-tune heating schedules, reduce utility costs and even improve humidification and 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 obsolete heaters that lack modern safety technology
- Heater positioning that blocks airflow from HVAC vents
- 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 multiple devices or keep lugging a heater around different rooms in your home. These solutions often outperform space heaters in safety and affordability:
- Furnace zoning systems for customized warmth
- Installing an updated, energy-efficient heating system for better performance ratings
- Improving weatherization to reduce energy loss
Balancing Cost-Effectiveness and Protection
Pairing a supplemental heater with your furnace can provide immediate warmth, but it's no substitute for investing in professional heating system service and lasting upgrades like improved insulation. For lasting warmth, savings and security, focus on keeping your furnace in top shape and exploring modern upgrades that deliver comprehensive warmth with fewer risks.
