Do winter's cold days leave you longing for toasty warmth? Many homeowners wonder if using space heaters with central heating is a safe way to stay comfortable in cold temperatures. The appeal of enhancing your central heat capabilities with portable warmth is understandable if you have a cold house. However, you should consider the potential long-term implications before pulling your heater out of storage.

Can Furnace Systems and Portable Heaters Work Together?

Your furnace system is a complete home heating solution that distributes heat evenly through ventilation systems. In contrast, portable heaters deliver additional warmth by targeting particular areas. 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 Electric Heaters Use?

Space heater electricity use and wattage vary widely. If you've wisely kept up with annual 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 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 top concern in your household. Electric heaters can create safety dangers if you put them too close to flammable objects, so always maintain adequate spacing. Look for models with safety features to reduce risks. Be mindful of breaker 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 Supplemental Heaters

Space 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 smart thermostat optimization, you can fine-tune temperature programs, 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 outdated models that lack modern safety technology
  • Heater positioning that blocks airflow from ventilation
  • Using a space heater that is too small to adequately warm the desired space

Alternatives to Room Heaters for Extra Heating

You don't have to use multiple devices 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 targeted comfort
  • Installing an updated, energy-efficient heating system for better performance ratings
  • Improving weatherization to reduce heat loss

Balancing Efficiency and Safety

Pairing a space heater with your furnace can provide short-term relief, but it's no substitute for investing in professional furnace maintenance and lasting upgrades like improved insulation. For lasting comfort, efficiency and safety, focus on keeping your furnace in optimal working order and exploring modern upgrades that deliver complete home heating with fewer risks.