A basement is usually cold, forcing you to look for the best way to heat a basement if you plan to set up an office or lounge in the space. A well-heated basement provides a comfortable environment where you can have a good time during winter.
You best believe your basement will be the last place you want to be when winter finally comes. A basement’s location typically keeps the temperatures from elevating, so it’s ever cool and humid in the summer. The winter conditions change this for the worst.
Your HVAC may not warm your basement space as it directs all upstairs heat. Installing the best heating option is the only thing that will give you the warmth you need to get you through the winter. The rest of your house stays warm when the basement is warm.
Besides keeping you cozy and comfortable, a warm basement might be what you need to protect your plumbing system from freezing and bursting. Ensure you research extensively before settling for a warming option for your basement.
Effective Ways to Heat a Basement in Your House
If you’ve never heated a basement before, you may wonder how to heat a basement. Ponder no more as there are many ways to heat a basement and make it comfortable. Keep reading to learn more about the various ways to heat a basement.
1. Ductless Heat Pump
A ductless heat pump should be your top consideration when looking for the best way to heat a basement because it’s energy efficient. It works efficiently, ensuring you don’t have to worry about paying outrageous energy bills.
It works by delivering warm air into the target area through the indoor air handler that connects to an outdoor unit. It extracts heat from outside even during winter and delivers it indoors without ductwork.
Another thing is that it is easy to install thanks to the ductless quality. Also, the system usually has freeze protection mode, and you can connect it to a smart controller. This option might be more costly, but it’s worth every penny.
2. Radiant Floor Heating
The other option is installing infrared radiation, which is radiant floor heating. Radiant floor heating ensures even heat distribution, so you don’t have cold spots. It operates silently and does not encourage the circulation of allergies in your space.
If you consider it, know that you have two choices. You can choose the electric or the hydronic option or the electric one. With electricity, the electric cables run through the basement floor and heat up as the current passes through them.
The hydronic option involves embedding pipes under the floor for hot water to run through them and, in the process, heat your space. Radiant floor heating is a practical and valuable investment that you should seriously consider.
3. Using Your Existing HVAC System
Although your HVAC delivers warm air upwards, you can also ensure that heat gets to the basement by extending the existing ductwork. Take it up with your HVAC contractor first to assess your unit.
It’s worth considering since it promotes energy efficiency while increasing your home value. You should go for it if you can overlook that there will be differences in the amount of heat between the basement and upstairs.
4. Electric Space Heater
The best thing about an electric space heater is that you can place it anywhere in your basement. Consider it if you are looking for an affordable way to heat a basement. Getting it to work is straightforward since it only involves plugging it in.
You can choose the electric heater you want based on whether it heats through radiation or convection. Consider getting the kind that delivers through radiation if you are looking for spot heating. A conventional electric heater, on the other hand, ensures even temperature distribution.
5. A Baseboard Heater
Baseboard heaters are a convenient and simple way to heat a basement. Installation for a baseboard heater is flat against the wall. It works by heating the cold air near the floor, which then rises to warm your basement space.
It comes in the variety you plug into your home electrical system or the independent kind. Weigh out which one fits your needs better between the convention and hydronic ones that are filled with oil and water.
6. Insulate the Basement
Most heating alternatives for a basement work more efficiently when you have an insulated basement. Insulate the walls and the floor to retain any little heat in the basement.
Also, insulate concrete walls with extruded foam and use fiberglass for framed walls. A foam board is suitable for the floor, rugs, and carpets.
7. Wall Heater
A wall heater is also an excellent option for heating a basement if you are looking for efficient heating in a small basement. It draws in cold air and blows it out into your space to warm it. You can choose between a gas wall heater and an electric wall heater.
8. Heating Stove
Using a stove is a traditional alternative that comes in handy when all you have is wood or pellets for fuel. Using it shows your environmental consideration since it is less harmful than standard wood stoves.
It is an energy-efficient option that is also clean. There is not much to using it as it only requires daily refueling. If you have no problem dealing with ash, a stove will suit you as a way to heat a basement.
9. A Fireplace
A fireplace is also an option when looking into how to heat a basement. It also helps to create a rustic appearance for your space. Also, a fireplace provides a certain level of comfort. You have options when looking for a fireplace to heat your basement.
A wood fireplace performs as required while enhancing the aesthetic of your basement space. The other option is a gas fireplace that does not leave ash behind or an electric fireplace which is an enclosed box with coils that heat as currents pass through them.
Final Words
As you look for the best way to heat a basement, it would serve you best to choose a system that you can easily integrate with other systems in your house. For instance, a ductless heat pump can work along a smart controller. If you have trouble selecting the best way to heat a basement, let Hurliman help you choose what suits your home best.
