Can A Space Heater Save Money On The Energy Bill Over Your Home’s Furnace?

The winter season is coming, and most of us will find ourselves more indoor-bound than spending our time outdoors, even for work, with the only need to go out will be for essential errands.

So, as we spend so much time at home, we need to find ways to stay warm while being as energy-efficient and cost-effective as possible.

To keep warm, it is crucial to consider a few factors before adjusting the thermostat or buying new space heaters for every room in your house.

In this article, we will discuss if a space heater can save us more money on the energy bill than a furnace or central heating. 

When Should You Choose A Space Heater Over A Furnace?

A space heater should be your ultimate choice if you want to save considerable money on your energy bills.

The following are some main features of a space heater:

Much Cheaper Than A Furnace.

It might save you money rather than raising the temperature in your entire house if you use a space heater in a small space within your home.

You can turn on and off the space heater when you are in the room instead of having to keep the temperature constant.

As there is no need to heat the whole house, the space heater can change its temperature in a short period.

Convenient To Use.

Most space heaters for home use are electric due to their affordability, simplicity, and ability to only be plugged in when needed.

When the desired temperature is reached, they automatically shut off.

Adjustable for different temperature settings, space heaters can also be moved from room to room as needed.

Are There Any Negative Aspects Regarding Space Heaters?

While being convenient to use, space heaters also come with certain limitations, which are as follows:

Safety Risks

It is safe to use space heaters during the winter if you follow these guidelines: 

  • It is never a good idea to connect them to extension cords.
  • Ensure that they are kept at a safe distance from other objects.
  • Kitchens and other areas with high foot traffic should be avoided.

Take the proper precautions when using space heaters if you have children or pets in the house.

Keeping children away from space heaters is recommended by fire safety experts.

For this reason, some space heaters also have an automatic shut-off feature when they reach the required temperature.

They May End Up Being Costlier Than A Furnace.

For warm temperatures during the winter, you need a space heater that meets your needs and your space constraints.

You should consider not only a heater’s size and power source but also its maximum temperature for safety and programmable thermostats to keep it constant at the right temperature. 

When the bill arrives, people are often surprised by how much electricity their space heater uses.

Although space heaters can be helpful in small spaces, they are not cost-effective for heating a whole house.

Therefore, if your home doesn’t have sufficient heat, you should consider inspecting your HVAC and insulation system.

In conclusion, a space heater might effectively heat a small space or room in your house, but replacing your furnace with the latter is not a good idea.

Space heaters work best in areas with occasional colds or rooms that need extra warmth.

Therefore, ensure that the space heater you buy is of appropriate size according to your space and can work well in colder months.