Do winter's cold 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 frigid weather. The thought of maximizing your central heat capabilities with portable warmth 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 system is a complete home heating solution that distributes heat evenly through air ducts and vents. In contrast, portable heaters deliver additional warmth by targeting individual spaces. While this combination can make sense for brief periods, 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 electricity use and wattage vary widely. If you've wisely kept up with routine furnace maintenance, relying on a space heater all winter will likely raise your bills 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 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 furniture or window treatments, so always maintain proper distances. Look for models with safety features to reduce risks. Be mindful of electrical load and electrical limitations, since overloading outlets can cause electrical issues. And remember to check your heating system vents to ensure you don't expose your family to increased carbon monoxide risks 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 temperature scheduling or zoning often achieve the same effect even more safely and efficiently. With advanced thermostat programming, you can fine-tune heating schedules, reduce power consumption and even improve humidification and 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 old units that lack modern protective mechanisms
  • Heater positioning that blocks airflow from air ducts
  • Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the intended room

Alternatives to Space 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, energy-efficient heating system for better performance ratings
  • Improving insulation and air sealing to reduce heat loss

Balancing Cost-Effectiveness and Protection

Pairing a space heater with your furnace can provide immediate warmth, but it's no substitute for investing in professional furnace maintenance and lasting upgrades like improved insulation. For lasting coziness, economy and protection, focus on keeping your furnace in excellent condition and exploring modern upgrades that deliver comprehensive warmth with fewer risks.