Basement Heating

Basements are those areas of the house that require maximum heating because they tend to get the coldest too. If you happen to spend a lot of time in the basement it is likely that you require a good source of heat particularly in the winters when temperatures drop drastically. Apart from insulating your basement against the cold, it is important that you have a proper source of heat. As such, take a look at some options of basement heating systems you can choose from, to keep yourself warm in there.

Option 1: Direct Vent Gas Fireplace
Heating a basement with a direct vent gas fireplace is a great idea. In fact, when installed in a basement it does not even require a chimney. Instead, it is exhausted from the side wall of the house. Such fireplaces not only keep your basement warm without using electricity, they are also a great way to enhance the décor of the basement, since they are available in a variety of sizes and styles. This may help if you use your basement as a den, an entertainment zone, or simply as a place where you unwind and get away from the rest of the world for a bit. It is however, important to insulate your basement well so that this gas fireplace can work efficiently.

Option 2: Ceramic Heating Systems
For smaller basements ceramic heaters are a good option, as these are portable. Some come with a fan that directly vents out hot air into the room. If you have a larger basement, you can still choose this option by buying a ceramic heating system with dual heating elements. These also have oscillating grills and are capable of evenly heating the room. You may use the temperature control and anti-freezing option that some of these heaters come with. They also have air filters that you will be required to clean regularly.

Option 3: Heavy Duty Electric Heaters
Heavy duty electric heaters can heat areas as large as 500 square feet, so if you have a large basement that you need to keep warm, this may be one of your best options. These do not require much space, can be mounted on walls, are portable and lightweight, and are the easiest to install in your basement. Their temperatures can also be controlled. On the negative side, these may generate heavy electricity bills, so unless extremely necessary, you may consider other the other heating options.

Option 4: Radiant Heating System
Irrespective of the area you have to cover, the radiant heating system, a type of underfloor heating, will provide uniform heat to the basement and keep it well heated so that you can relax there. It is mostly used below a floor and consists of tubing that radiates heat directly through the floor. It is therefore also called radiant floor heating systems. While most often it is connected to a water boiler that is its prime source of heat, it is one of the most energy efficient options you could install. On the other hand, there are also electric radiant floor heating systems you may choose to install. The biggest drawback of this system is that it requires a great deal of time and money for the installation process, and has to be done before the flooring is laid. This basement floor heating system requires additional duct work and dealing with any problems with these is difficult because they are covered with a layer of flooring or wall paneling.

Option 5: Baseboard Heaters
Baseboard heaters are low lying heaters, that function by sending out warm air and pulling down cold air to reheat it. Since it occupies less space and is easy to install without the need for any duct work, these may be simple heating solutions for smaller basements.

The best way to choose from any of the basement heating systems is to determine the size of the space you are heating, your budget, and the efficiency of the product. It is usually a one time investment, so invest wisely.