Do winter's cold days leave you wishing for warm comfort? Many homeowners wonder if using portable heaters with furnace systems is a safe way to stay comfortable in freezing conditions. The appeal of enhancing 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 Furnaces and Space Heaters Work Together?

Your heating system is a whole-home comfort solution that distributes heat evenly through air ducts and vents. In contrast, space heaters deliver extra heating by targeting particular areas. 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, energy-efficient furnace installation.

How Much Electricity Do Portable Heaters Use?

Space heater energy usage and wattage vary widely. If you've wisely kept up with routine furnace maintenance, relying on a space heater all winter will likely increase your costs instead of reducing them. Proactively addressing thermal 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 Heater With Your Furnace

Safety should always be a priority in your household. Portable heaters can create fire hazards if you put them too close to combustible materials, so always maintain safe clearances. Look for models with safety features to reduce risks. Be mindful of electrical load and power requirements, since overloading outlets can cause electrical issues. And remember to check your furnace ventilation 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 customized warmth 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 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  • Using outdated models that lack modern safety technology
  • Portable heater placement that blocks airflow from air ducts
  • Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the target area

Alternatives to Portable Heaters for Extra Heating

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 customized warmth
  • Installing a modern, energy-efficient heating system for better energy efficiency
  • Improving thermal barriers to reduce thermal leakage

Balancing Performance and Security

Pairing a supplemental heater with your furnace can provide immediate warmth, but it's no substitute for investing in professional heating system service and permanent improvements 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.