Do winter's cold days leave you longing for cozy comfort? Many homeowners wonder if using portable space heaters with central heating is a safe way to stay comfortable in cold temperatures. The thought of maximizing your primary 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 Furnace Systems and Space Heaters Work Together?

Your heating system is a complete home heating solution that distributes heat evenly through air ducts and vents. In contrast, portable heaters deliver supplemental heat 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, high-efficiency furnace installation.

How Much Electricity Do Portable Heaters Use?

Space heater electricity use and wattage vary widely. If you've wisely kept up with regular 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 Space Heater With Your Furnace

Safety should always be a top concern in your household. Space heaters can create safety dangers if you put them too close to flammable objects, 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 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 Space Heaters

Space heaters provide customized warmth 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 intelligent temperature control, you can fine-tune comfort settings, reduce utility costs 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 outdated models that lack modern protective mechanisms
  • Portable heater placement that blocks airflow from HVAC vents
  • Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the target area

Alternatives to Portable Heaters for Supplemental Heat

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 safety and affordability:

  • Zone control systems for targeted comfort
  • Installing a modern, advanced HVAC unit for better performance ratings
  • Improving weatherization to reduce heat loss

Balancing Performance and Security

Pairing a supplemental heater with your furnace can provide immediate warmth, 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 optimal working order and exploring modern upgrades that deliver whole-house comfort with fewer risks.