When you finish a basement, one of the things you need to decide on is how to heat it. There are several options to choose from that can fit your needs and budget.
Extend Central Heating System
If you have a central heating system in your home, you may be able to extend it to the basement. It’s often the case that there’s already ductwork in the basement. You should consult with an HVAC professional as extending your system changes the heating load and how your ducts are configured.
Baseboard Heaters
You can install baseboard heaters in your basement. You’ll need a baseboard heater in each room. While baseboard heaters are relatively inexpensive, they do increase your electricity bill if you use them often.
Space Heaters
You can place space heaters in your basement. They usually cost less than $100, are portable and plug into a wall outlet. Cons are that they are energy-inefficient, and they take up space.
Ductless Mini-Split
If you have a large basement, it may make sense to have a ductless mini-split system installed. These systems consist of an outdoor unit and one or more interior wall units. While they’re expensive to have installed, ductless mini-split systems are very energy efficient.
Brian's Heating & Cooling, Inc. in Madera, CA, can help you with this project. Our expert technicians have been installing ductless mini-split systems since 2005.
Radiant Heating
You can install panels in the walls or floor to heat your basement. These are water-based systems that use hot water to heat rooms. They are inexpensive to install. Installation should be done while you’re finishing the basement, rather than afterward.
Fireplace
If your home has an existing chimney, you can install a conventional fireplace in your basement. If not, you could install an infrared fireplace instead.
At Brian's Heating & Cooling, Inc., we repair, install and maintain air conditioners and heaters. Other services we offer include tankless water heaters, indoor air quality solutions, duct cleaning, duct sealing, energy audits, ductless mini-split systems and ventilation. Get in touch today to find out more.
