Do winter's frigid days leave you wishing for toasty warmth? Many homeowners wonder if using portable space heaters with furnace systems is a safe way to stay comfortable in frigid weather. 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 Furnace Systems and Space Heaters Work Together?

Your furnace is a whole-home comfort solution that distributes heat evenly through ductwork and vents. In contrast, electric heaters deliver extra heating by targeting specific rooms. While this combination can make sense for brief periods, 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 Portable Heaters Use?

Space heater energy usage and wattage vary widely. If you've wisely kept up with routine furnace maintenance, relying on a space heater all winter will likely raise your bills instead of reducing them. Proactively addressing energy waste by replacing old insulation and weatherproofing 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. Electric heaters can create fire risks if you put them too close to flammable objects, so always maintain proper distances. Look for models with safety features to reduce risks. Be mindful of circuit capacity and electrical limitations, since straining circuits 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 Portable Heaters

Room heaters provide customized warmth 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 comfort settings, 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 central heating
  • Using old units that lack modern space heater safety features
  • Portable heater placement that blocks airflow from heating registers
  • Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the desired space

Alternatives to Room Heaters for Extra Heating

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 a modern, advanced HVAC unit for better fuel economy
  • Improving insulation and air sealing to reduce thermal leakage

Balancing Cost-Effectiveness and Protection

Pairing a supplemental heater with your furnace can provide temporary comfort, but it's no substitute for investing in professional heating system service and lasting upgrades like improved insulation. For lasting coziness, economy and protection, focus on keeping your furnace in excellent condition and exploring modern upgrades that deliver comprehensive warmth with fewer risks.