Do winter's chilly days leave you wishing for toasty warmth? Many homeowners wonder if using space heaters with central heating is a safe way to stay comfortable in frigid weather. The appeal of enhancing your primary heating 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 Space Heaters Work Together?

Your furnace system 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 underlying issues that indicate the need for furnace repair or a new, energy-efficient furnace installation.

How Much Electricity Do Electric Heaters Use?

Space heater power consumption 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 draft stoppers 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 primary consideration in your household. Space 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 circuit capacity, since exceeding capacity 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 Supplemental 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 intelligent temperature control, 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 central heating
  • Using old units that lack modern safety technology
  • Portable heater placement that blocks airflow from air ducts
  • Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the intended room

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 efficiency and safety:

  • Multi-zone heating for specific area heating
  • Installing an updated, advanced HVAC unit for better fuel economy
  • Improving weatherization to reduce heat loss

Balancing Efficiency and Safety

Pairing a portable heater with your furnace can provide immediate warmth, but it's no substitute for investing in professional furnace maintenance and permanent improvements like improved insulation. For lasting warmth, savings and security, focus on keeping your furnace in optimal working order and exploring modern upgrades that deliver comprehensive warmth with fewer risks.