Do winter's cold days leave you longing for warm comfort? Many homeowners wonder if using portable space heaters with central heating is a safe way to stay comfortable in freezing conditions. The thought of maximizing your main 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 Furnaces and Space Heaters Work Together?

Your furnace is a complete home heating solution that distributes heat evenly through ductwork and vents. In contrast, electric heaters deliver supplemental heat by targeting individual spaces. While this combination can make sense for temporary situations, relying too heavily on your space heater all winter may prevent you from noticing underlying issues that indicate the need for furnace repair or a new, economical furnace installation.

How Much Electricity Do Space Heaters Use?

Space heater energy usage and wattage vary widely. If you've wisely kept up with seasonal 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 air sealing materials 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 top concern in your household. Portable heaters can create fire risks 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 carbon monoxide risks when running your heat for months.

Potential Benefits of Space Heaters

Space heaters provide individual heating 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 power consumption 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
  • Unit location that blocks airflow from air ducts
  • Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the target area

Alternatives to Space 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 energy loss

Balancing Efficiency and Safety

Pairing a portable heater with your furnace can provide short-term relief, but it's no substitute for investing in professional HVAC upkeep and long-term solutions like improved insulation. For lasting coziness, economy and protection, focus on keeping your furnace in optimal working order and exploring modern upgrades that deliver whole-house comfort with fewer risks.