Do winter's frigid days leave you wishing 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 thought of maximizing your primary heating capabilities with supplemental heat is understandable if you have a drafty 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 ductwork and vents. In contrast, space heaters deliver extra heating by targeting specific rooms. 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, 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 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 Portable Heater With Your Furnace
Safety should always be a primary consideration in your household. Space heaters can create fire hazards if you put them too close to flammable objects, so always maintain proper distances. Look for models with tip-over and overheat protection to reduce risks. Be mindful of electrical load and electrical limitations, 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 toxic gas hazards when running your heat for months.
Potential Benefits of Space Heaters
Space heaters provide personalized comfort 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 smart thermostat optimization, you can fine-tune heating schedules, reduce power consumption and even improve indoor air quality 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 heating system
- Using obsolete heaters that lack modern space heater safety features
- Unit location that blocks airflow from ventilation
- Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the desired space
Alternatives to Room Heaters for Supplemental Heat
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, high-efficiency furnace for better energy efficiency
- Improving thermal barriers to reduce thermal leakage
Balancing Cost-Effectiveness and Protection
Pairing a portable heater with your furnace can provide immediate warmth, but it's no substitute for investing in professional heating system service and permanent improvements 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.