Do winter's frigid days leave you wishing for cozy comfort? Many homeowners wonder if using portable heaters with heating 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 drafty home. However, you should consider the potential long-term implications before pulling your heater out of storage.

Can Furnace Systems and Portable Heaters Work Together?

Your furnace system is a comprehensive heating solution that distributes heat evenly through ductwork and vents. In contrast, electric heaters deliver supplemental heat by targeting particular areas. While this combination can make sense for temporary situations, 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, high-efficiency furnace installation.

How Much Electricity Do Electric Heaters Use?

Space heater energy usage and wattage vary widely. If you've wisely kept up with routine furnace maintenance, relying on a space heater all winter will likely boost your expenses instead of reducing them. Proactively addressing heat 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 top concern in your household. Electric heaters can create fire risks if you put them too close to furniture or window treatments, so always maintain proper distances. Look for models with safety features to reduce risks. Be mindful of electrical load and power requirements, since exceeding capacity can cause electrical issues. And remember to check your heating system vents to ensure you don't expose your family to increased CO dangers when running your heat for months.

Potential Benefits of Space Heaters

Space 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 advanced thermostat programming, you can fine-tune comfort settings, reduce energy waste 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 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 target area

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 safety and affordability:

  • Furnace zoning systems for customized warmth
  • Installing an updated, energy-efficient heating system for better performance ratings
  • Improving thermal barriers to reduce thermal leakage

Balancing Performance and Security

Pairing a portable heater with your furnace can provide immediate warmth, but it's no substitute for investing in professional furnace maintenance 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 whole-house comfort with fewer risks.