Do winter's chilly days leave you wishing for warm comfort? Many homeowners wonder if using space heaters with central heating 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 drafty home. However, we recommend you consider the potential long-term implications before pulling your heater out of storage.
Can Furnaces and Space Heaters Work Together?
Your furnace is a whole-home comfort 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 temporary situations, 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 power consumption 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 heat 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. Space heaters can create fire hazards if you put them too close to combustible materials, so always maintain adequate spacing. 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 air circulation 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 programmable settings or zoning often achieve the same effect even more safely and efficiently. With advanced thermostat programming, you can fine-tune temperature programs, reduce energy waste 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 outdated models that lack modern safety technology
- Heater positioning that blocks airflow from air ducts
- Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the desired space
Alternatives to Space Heaters for Additional Warmth
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 cost-effectiveness and security:
- Furnace zoning systems for customized warmth
- Installing an updated, energy-efficient heating system for better energy efficiency
- Improving thermal barriers to reduce thermal leakage
Balancing Performance and Security
Pairing a portable heater with your furnace can provide short-term relief, but it's no substitute for investing in professional HVAC upkeep and permanent improvements like improved insulation. For lasting warmth, savings and security, focus on keeping your furnace in top shape and exploring modern upgrades that deliver comprehensive warmth with fewer risks.