Home Furnace vs. Space Heater | Which One Should You Run?

Home Furnace vs. Space Heater | Which One Should You Run?

Keeping your home warm in the winter is an absolute necessity to keep your family safe. Plus, you also need it to keep your home safe from damage. Most homes throughout the United States rely on a furnace to stay warm. But, it's not uncommon for homeowners to question if they can run a space heater to heat their homes.

Why Opt for Using a Furnace to Heat Your Home?

Furnaces are easy to operate, and they provide energy-efficient heating for your home. These forced-air systems can run on a variety of fuels, with gas being the most popular. The typical gas furnace operates between 85 and 97% efficiency. Oil furnaces have an efficiency between 80 and 89%.

Another great benefit of using a furnace to heat your home is that you can run it around the clock. You don't have to shut it off when you leave. Plus, you can use the built-in thermostat settings to ensure that it's running only when it needs to.

Top Reasons to Avoid Heating Your Home With a Space Heater

A space heater's initial convenience of being portable can be attractive. But, its high heating costs can push that attraction right away. Producing heat based on electricity, as space heaters do, is the most expensive way to heat your home. When using many space heaters to heat all the areas in your home, things are going to get expensive.

Apart from rising energy costs, space heaters pose a fire hazard. Each space heater that you put in service throughout your home is an added fire hazard. They can overheat, become tipped over, and lead to fire damage. This can be a real cause for concern, especially if you have pets that are running around and/or small children.

Additionally, realize that space heaters should only be on when you're around. You don't want to leave them running when you're away from home. You won't be there to catch any fire or overheating issues. That means that your home won't be warm when you're not there. This can be dangerous for your piping and a real pain for your entire family.

Call Us Today

If you need help with your home furnace, then it's time to give us a call. Let our knowledgeable HVAC professionals assist you with all your home heating needs.