Do winter's frigid days leave you wishing for warm comfort? Many homeowners wonder if using portable heaters with furnace systems is a safe way to stay comfortable in freezing conditions. The thought of maximizing your central heat capabilities with supplemental heat is understandable if you have a poorly insulated home. However, you should consider the potential long-term implications before pulling your heater out of storage.
Can Furnaces and Portable Heaters Work Together?
Your furnace system is a complete home heating solution that distributes heat evenly through ductwork and vents. In contrast, electric heaters deliver additional warmth 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 fundamental concerns that indicate the need for furnace repair or a new, economical furnace installation.
How Much Electricity Do Electric Heaters Use?
Space heater energy usage and wattage vary widely. If you've wisely kept up with annual furnace maintenance, relying on a space heater all winter will likely boost your expenses 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 safety dangers if you put them too close to furniture or window treatments, so always maintain safe clearances. Look for models with automatic shutoff mechanisms to reduce risks. Be mindful of circuit capacity and circuit capacity, since straining circuits can cause electrical issues. And remember to check your furnace ventilation 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 temperature scheduling or zoning often achieve the same effect even more safely and efficiently. With smart thermostat optimization, you can fine-tune heating schedules, reduce utility costs 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 HVAC system
- Using outdated models that lack modern safety technology
- Heater positioning that blocks airflow from heating registers
- Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the intended room
Alternatives to Portable Heaters for Additional Warmth
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 cost-effectiveness and security:
- Furnace zoning systems for customized warmth
- Installing an updated, advanced HVAC unit for better energy efficiency
- Improving weatherization to reduce energy loss
Balancing Efficiency and Safety
Pairing a space heater with your furnace can provide short-term relief, 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 excellent condition and exploring modern upgrades that deliver complete home heating with fewer risks.
