When your home was built, there's a good chance that cooling and heating your basement wasn't a priority. Families these days, though, often "finishandquot; their basement and spend a lot of time down there. We don't want you to freeze this winter, so here are some items you can either install or use in order to stay warm.
Traditional Fireplace
Whether or not your basement already has a chimney, you always have the option to install a traditional fireplace. It's easier and typically costs less if you already have a chimney down there, but either way, it's doable.
Electric Fireplace or Space Heater
Either one of these choices will be easy to use - just plug them up and you're good to go. Typically, you'll enjoy lower energy bills even if you run them at extended intervals. They're also both mobile, which means you can move them around the room or even to another room. Keep in mind, however, that an electric fireplace will typically be more attractively designed, just in case that's important to you.
Registers
This project can either be a do-it-yourself kind of thing or a job for your favorite certified HVAC technician. These registers act as a conduit for the warm air coming from your existing heating system into the basement.
Radiant Floor Heating
Instead of being warmed from above, perhaps you'd prefer to be warmed from below. Radiant floor heating can work with various flooring types, including tile, laminate, and even carpet. And walking around barefoot without freezing is an added bonus.
Wood-Burning Stove
If you're looking for an aesthetically-pleasing way to heat your basement, then you should definitely consider a wood-burning stove. One advantage that you might find useful at some point is the fact that you can continue to use it if the power goes out.
For more expert advice on heating your basement or any other concerns related to home comfort, be sure to contact the professionals at Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical. You can visit our website for in-depth information on most HVAC topics, or just give us a call at (408) 868-5500.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the South Bay Peninsula and Santa Cruz areas of California about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).