Do winter's chilly days leave you wishing for cozy comfort? Many homeowners wonder if using portable 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 system is a comprehensive heating solution that distributes heat evenly through ventilation systems. In contrast, space 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 root problems that indicate the need for furnace repair or a new, high-efficiency 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 increase your costs instead of reducing them. Proactively addressing energy waste by replacing old insulation and draft stoppers 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 combustible materials, so always maintain safe clearances. Look for models with automatic shutoff mechanisms to reduce risks. Be mindful of breaker 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 Space Heaters

Room 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 intelligent temperature control, you can fine-tune comfort settings, 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 heating system
  • Using outdated models that lack modern space heater safety features
  • Portable heater placement that blocks airflow from air ducts
  • Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the desired space

Alternatives to Room Heaters for Supplemental Heat

You don't have to use several units or keep lugging a heater around different rooms in your home. These solutions often outperform space heaters in efficiency and safety:

  • Furnace zoning systems for specific area heating
  • Installing a modern, high-efficiency furnace for better fuel economy
  • Improving thermal barriers to reduce heat loss

Balancing Cost-Effectiveness and Protection

Pairing a supplemental heater with your furnace can provide immediate warmth, but it's no substitute for investing in professional HVAC upkeep and lasting upgrades like improved insulation. For lasting comfort, efficiency and safety, focus on keeping your furnace in top shape and exploring modern upgrades that deliver whole-house comfort with fewer risks.