Do winter's cold days leave you wishing for toasty warmth? Many homeowners wonder if using portable heaters with heating systems is a safe way to stay comfortable in cold temperatures. The appeal of enhancing your central heat capabilities with space heating 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 Portable Heaters Work Together?

Your furnace is a comprehensive heating solution that distributes heat evenly through air ducts and vents. In contrast, portable 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 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 increase your costs 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 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 circuit capacity and electrical limitations, 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 CO dangers when running your heat for months.

Potential Benefits of Portable 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 temperature programs, reduce power consumption and even improve overall 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 old units that lack modern protective mechanisms
  • Heater positioning that blocks airflow from ventilation
  • Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the desired space

Alternatives to Portable Heaters for Supplemental Heat

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:

  • Multi-zone heating for customized warmth
  • Installing a modern, advanced HVAC unit for better fuel economy
  • Improving thermal barriers to reduce energy loss

Balancing Performance and Security

Pairing a supplemental heater with your furnace can provide short-term relief, but it's no substitute for investing in professional heating system service and lasting upgrades like improved insulation. For lasting comfort, efficiency and safety, focus on keeping your furnace in optimal working order and exploring modern upgrades that deliver comprehensive warmth with fewer risks.