Do winter's chilly days leave you wishing for warm comfort? Many homeowners wonder if using space heaters with furnace systems is a safe way to stay comfortable in cold temperatures. The appeal of enhancing your main heating capabilities with supplemental heat is understandable if you have a cold house. However, we recommend you 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 comprehensive heating solution that distributes heat evenly through ventilation systems. In contrast, portable heaters deliver supplemental heat by targeting specific rooms. While this combination can make sense for short-term use, 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, 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 seasonal 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 weatherproofing typically delivers better results than combining a patchwork of solutions.

Precautions to Take When Using a Space Heater With Your Furnace

Safety should always be a priority in your household. Portable heaters can create fire risks if you put them too close to furniture or window treatments, so always maintain adequate spacing. Look for models with tip-over and overheat protection to reduce risks. Be mindful of breaker load and power requirements, 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 CO dangers when running your heat for months.

Potential Benefits of Supplemental Heaters

Room 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 advanced thermostat programming, you can fine-tune comfort settings, reduce energy waste 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 protective mechanisms
  • Unit location that blocks airflow from heating registers
  • Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the intended room

Alternatives to Space Heaters for Extra Heating

You don't have to use various heaters 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 a modern, high-efficiency furnace for better fuel economy
  • Improving insulation and air sealing to reduce energy waste

Balancing Performance and Security

Pairing a portable heater with your furnace can provide temporary comfort, but it's no substitute for investing in professional heating system service and long-term solutions like improved insulation. For lasting comfort, efficiency and safety, focus on keeping your furnace in top shape and exploring modern upgrades that deliver comprehensive warmth with fewer risks.