Do You Actually Need a Dedicated Circuit for That Space Heater?

When temperatures drop, space heaters seem like an easy fix- plug it in and boom, instant warmth. But most homeowners don’t realize how much electrical demand these little devices put on your home.

Here’s what you need to know before relying on one:

Space Heaters Pull a LOT of Power

Most portable space heaters draw 1,500 watts, which can max out an entire 15-amp circuit by themselves.

This means:

• They can’t share a circuit with TVs, microwaves, vacuums, or other large loads

• Running two heaters on the same circuit = guaranteed breaker trip

• Old wiring or loose connections can overheat behind the walls

  
  

Permanent Heating Sources Are Designed for Continuous Load

Wall heaters, furnace systems, and baseboard heaters:

• Have dedicated circuits

• Are built for long run-times

• Don’t overload the rest of your home’s wiring

• Provide even, safer heating

Space heaters are temporary tools, not meant to replace real heating.

Extension Cords + Space Heaters = Fire Risk

These devices pull too many amps for most extension cords. Even “heavy-duty” cords can overheat.

Always plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet (and ideally, their own circuit).

If Your Heater Trips the Breaker, That’s a Warning

It’s not the circuit being “annoying.” It’s the circuit telling you:

“I’m overloaded. Something could overheat.”

If the breaker didn’t trip, the wires could overheat- which is worse.

What a Dedicated Circuit Fixes

A dedicated circuit:

• Gives the heater its own safe electrical pathway

• Prevents overheated wires

• Stops constant breaker trips

• Protects your panel

• Keeps other rooms from losing power

It’s one of the simplest upgrades homeowners can make for winter safety.

When You Definitely Need One

• Using a space heater daily

• Older homes with knob & tube or aluminum wiring

• Homes with limited heat in certain rooms

• Rooms converted into offices or nurseries

• When upgrading HVAC isn’t an option

  
  

When a Space Heater Is Safe to Use

• Short-term use

• In a room with its own circuit

• Plugged directly into a wall outlet

• When the heater is newer and ETL/UL-listed

• When you don’t run multiple high-load appliances at the same time

  
  

Concerned your home can’t handle winter heating loads?

We can check your circuits and upgrade them if needed to keep your home warm and safe.

👉 Schedule a Free Estimate Today

📞 Call us at (425) 737.1905

📧 Or contact us online Navielectricllc.com