Do winter's frigid days leave you longing for toasty warmth? Many homeowners wonder if using portable heaters with heating systems is a safe way to stay comfortable in cold temperatures. The thought of maximizing your central heat capabilities with space heating is understandable if you have a poorly insulated home. However, you should 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 ductwork and vents. In contrast, space heaters deliver supplemental heat 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 fundamental concerns that indicate the need for furnace repair or a new, high-efficiency furnace installation.
How Much Electricity Do Portable 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 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 priority in your household. Electric heaters can create fire risks if you put them too close to combustible materials, so always maintain proper distances. Look for models with automatic shutoff mechanisms to reduce risks. Be mindful of electrical load and power requirements, since straining circuits can cause electrical issues. And remember to check your furnace ventilation to ensure you don't expose your family to increased toxic gas hazards when running your heat for months.
Potential Benefits of Space Heaters
Portable 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 advanced thermostat programming, you can fine-tune comfort settings, reduce power consumption 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
- Heater positioning that blocks airflow from HVAC vents
- Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the desired space
Alternatives to Portable 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 safety and affordability:
- Furnace zoning systems for customized warmth
- Installing an updated, high-efficiency furnace for better energy efficiency
- Improving insulation and air sealing to reduce energy waste
Balancing Cost-Effectiveness and Protection
Pairing a portable heater with your furnace can provide temporary comfort, but it's no substitute for investing in professional HVAC upkeep and lasting upgrades like improved insulation. For lasting coziness, economy and protection, focus on keeping your furnace in optimal working order and exploring modern upgrades that deliver comprehensive warmth with fewer risks.
