Do winter's chilly days leave you wishing for cozy comfort? Many homeowners wonder if using portable space heaters with heating systems is a safe way to stay comfortable in cold temperatures. The thought of maximizing your primary heating capabilities with space heating is understandable if you have a cold house. 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 system is a whole-home comfort solution that distributes heat evenly through air ducts and vents. In contrast, portable heaters deliver extra heating by targeting particular areas. While this combination can make sense for brief periods, 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 Space Heaters Use?

Space heater power consumption and wattage vary widely. If you've wisely kept up with regular furnace maintenance, relying on a space heater all winter will likely raise your bills 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 Space Heater With Your Furnace

Safety should always be a priority in your household. Space heaters can create fire hazards if you put them too close to furniture or window treatments, so always maintain adequate spacing. Look for models with automatic shutoff mechanisms to reduce risks. Be mindful of breaker load and power requirements, since straining circuits 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 Portable Heaters

Portable 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 advanced thermostat programming, you can fine-tune temperature programs, 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 heating system
  • Using old units that lack modern safety technology
  • Unit location that blocks airflow from HVAC vents
  • Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the desired space

Alternatives to Space Heaters for Additional Warmth

You don't have to use several units or keep lugging a heater around different rooms in your home. These solutions often outperform space heaters in cost-effectiveness and security:

  • Multi-zone heating for targeted comfort
  • Installing an updated, advanced HVAC unit for better energy efficiency
  • Improving thermal barriers to reduce thermal leakage

Balancing Performance and Security

Pairing a space heater with your furnace can provide immediate warmth, but it's no substitute for investing in professional HVAC upkeep 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.