If you’ve just finished your basement, you might be wondering what the best way to cool and heat your basement is.
Basements are notorious for being frigid and damp, so sufficient basement heating is needed to ensure it stays comfortable all winter long. Additionally, if your basement gets too hot or, worse, too humid, you will also want to invest in a cooling system.
Learn how to efficiently heat a basement and keep your space cool by reading our recommended options, along with their benefits and drawbacks, below.
1. Extend Existing Ductwork for Heating
If you already have centralized heating installed throughout the rest of your house, you can extend existing ductwork and install vents in your basement to get hot air blowing in.
Pros:
- Doesn’t require a separate heating unit
- One of the most energy-efficient options
- Increases home value
Cons:
- Involves an extensive installation process, possibly requiring walls and ceilings to be torn up.
2. Install Heated Floors
A luxurious addition to any home, heated floors provide comfort to the room by radiating heat uniformly from the ground up.
Pros:
- Energy-efficient
- No noise
Cons:
- Installation costs
- Requires floors to be redone
3. Install Baseboard Heaters
Unlike in-floor heating, baseboard heaters can be installed with minimal remodeling needed. Plus, modern units are significantly smaller, sleeker and more energy-efficient than their predecessors.
Pros:
- Convenient and low cost to install
Cons:
- Generally, less energy efficient than other options
- Limits where furniture can be placed
Looking for the best ways to heat your finished basement ? Contact the HVAC professionals at RB Heating today to learn how we can help!
4. Add a Fireplace
For some, nothing beats sitting beside a warm, crackling fire in the winter. That’s why this traditional option makes the list, even though it may be the least practical. To install a wood-burning fireplace, you will need ventilation and a chimney. Also, gas fireplaces require a natural gas line and other safety features.
An electric fireplace, however, can be both inexpensive and easy to install while still providing the same level of warmth and ambiance as the more traditional alternatives.
Pros:
- A cozy ambience
- Aesthetically appealing
Cons:
- Smoke and fire hazard
- Installation costs vary depending on the type of unit being installed
5. Use a Basement Heat Pump
A heat pump in the basement can both heat and cool your lower level. They work by pumping warm air out of the home in the summer and blowing warm air into the house in the winter. Heat pumps are an extremely energy-efficient option and can be more cost-effective if you opt for a portable one.
Pros:
- Dual purpose: heating and cooling
- Energy-efficient
- Ductless
Cons:
- Unappealing appearance
6. Use Centralized AC For Cooling
If you already have a furnace with ductwork installed, then a centralized AC system may be the best way to use an air conditioner in your basement.
Pros:
- Adds home value
- Equipment and units are out of sight
Cons:
- Requires regular duct cleaning and unit maintenance
7. Install a Ductless AC Unit
Ductless AC units can include window AC units, in-wall units and mini-split systems. The one that works best for your home typically depends on your budget, the size of the space and how frequently you’ll need it.
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Inexpensive
- Easy to maintain
Cons:
- Unsightly appearance
- Limited cooling capacity.
Work with the Pros to Properly Cool and Heat Your Basement Today
Want professional assistance with heating a finished basement? Contact RB Heating today to speak with one of our trusted HVAC experts. We’re happy to help you complete your projects—no matter how big or small!
