Heating Options to Consider for Your Basement
Many homeowners refinish their basements and create a space for recreation, an office, or an extra family room. You need to have a reliable heating system that provides warmth during winter. The heating system should be cost-effective, easy to use, and efficient. If you are thinking about remodeling your basement or have noticed that your current heating system isn’t doing the job, the following are some heating options that you may consider for your basement.
Basement Fireplace
Fireplaces are cost-effective ways to warm your basement during winter. They are easy to install, if you have the technical know-how, and can use natural gas or wood. For a basement, it would be best to avoid using wood because it produces smoke. Regardless of whether or not your home has a chimney, it’s best to use natural gas for safety and health reasons.
If your home has a chimney, you may need to maintain it regularly to avoid the buildup of carbon monoxide. There are better alternatives that are affordable and safe like the infrared fireplace.
Baseboard Heater
Baseboard heaters offer long-term spot heating. They do not cost much and are easy to install. If you have a big house, you may need to install one for each room including the basement. They are powered by electricity, and ductwork is not necessary for them to be efficient.
For the basement, you can install the baseboard heater along the floor. You may like them as they are very quiet. Their installation is fairly inexpensive, but they use lots of electricity, so the cost over time can be high. Also, they may not be a good choice for families with young children or pets as they may touch the hot surfaces.
Radiant Heating
Hydronic radiant floor heaters are common for heating homes or basements. They use water that is heated to high temperatures that will heat the floor of a room from below. Another radiant heating system that you may consider is the electric radiant floor heater. It is a great alternative as it allows you to place it under the wood flooring, carpet, stones, or tiles. Also, it provides heat for a longer period than the hydronic radiant heater.
Floor Insulation
Floor insulation is an affordable solution when it comes to heating a basement. Also, it is easy to install and will maintain heat in the basement for longer. There are two types of floor insulation: rigid foam insulation and Dri-core insulation.
For you to use the rigid foam insulation, you must raise the basement floor. Sleepers are a great foundation for raised floors. After the floor is raised, you can install rigid foam insulation. Then, cover it with plywood and lay the final basement floor. Ensure that your basement does not have any leaks before installing this heating system.
Dri-core insulation is a reliable way to heat your basement floor and keep it dry. If you have the time and knowledge, you can buy and install Dri-core panels. Dri-core insulation comes in two available finishing options. In this case, you can always find one that has the same style to match your basement. Also, it does not make the room wet or humid, allowing you to breathe comfortably.
Ductless Mini-split
Among heating options, the ductless mini-split is possibly the most expensive. It has high installation and maintenance costs. That said, the ductless mini-split is great for large basements. Also, it will allow you to balance the temperature in your basement. You can increase or reduce the heat it releases at any time.
You may notice that it comes with an air handler, which can be connected to an external heat pump. The external heating system gathers thermal energy sending it to the basement.
Also, the air handler has a thermostat that allows you to regulate the temperature in the room. It can automatically determine the temperature needs of your basement. This heating solution does not produce any noise and offers air conditioning during the summer. Another benefit is their ability to use little energy to produce heat.
You may not have the time or knowledge to install a heating system in your Deptford Township, NJ, basement. In this case, it is best to seek professional services. At JAMCO Heating & Air Conditioning, we can guide you to select the best heating option for your basement. We are can repair, install, or maintain your heating or cooling system. Contact JAMCO Heating & Air Conditioning today for more information!
