best way to heat and cool a basement

Vernon, the service tech, was wonderful! An unfinished basement can be a haunting space that houses spillover boxes, laundry units and the cat litter box. Thank You for your services and God Bless! Dustin, W G Speaks Technician, was on time, very courteous, knowledgeable, keeping me informed as to what he was doing as well as his findings. Call 215-372-8636 Christian Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. to speak to a qualified HVAC professional and get expert advice on how to heat and cool your finished basement and be comfortable in any room throughout your house. Speeks is the best! You can choose between wood-burning, gas or electric models. The dispatcher called this morning to notify me that a technician was on his way. Use of the Blog is subject to the Website, improve the air quality of your home and basement. They can be utilized without needing to remodel, but must be used with caution. Unfortunately we don’t currently offer coverage in at this time. Please help! There are several ways to heat your basement. This option may be more cost effective, and is known to make the heating of the air in these spaces particularly consistent. However, you can help your system cool down the space with ceiling fans or freestanding/box fans. One advantage of this approach is that it allows you to increase the home’s value. However, keep in mind that installing equipment dedicated to exclusively heating and cooling the basement requires finding room for the supplementary units, as well as installing new circuits on your main electrical panel. Vent free … With a dry basement and the right materials on hand, you can cozy up a cool basement with the radiant floor heating offered by WarmlyYours Radiant Heating. Space or wall-mounted heaters and heated flooring can also help increase the temperature in the basement. Our house air conditioner wasn’t working and with the weather turning very hot and humid, we needed help quickly. Make sure your basement has enough padding, including wall insulation and subflooring, to help your units tackle their heating and cooling jobs. Because they are below ground, it can be harder to heat a basement than to cool one. The heat source and insulation all come together to keep a basement warm. Space or wall-mounted heaters and heated flooring can also help increase the temperature in the basement. There’s a lot to consider! Follow all your manufacturer safety precautions. Cold floors over basements how to how to heat a basement in winter thev best ways to achieve a warm cozy radiant heating department of energy. And heat the basement space using one of the options listed below; And to get the heat up, we can use one of the following known methods. The most effective way to do this is with a … Keep your basement dry with the installation of a basement drainage system that suits your budget and living space. In PA, you'll want to go with an air conditioner and electric heat. In order to eliminate heat being lost, you first need to be able to locate the cold spots in your basement, where the most heat loss is occurring. HomeServe's Blog is your source for home maintenance and repair tips, information and news for educational and entertainment purposes only. I feel like they went the extra mile. The most important thing to know, however, is that heating runs are installed near the floor, while the cool air returns are installed in the ceiling. Basements are generally cooler than the rest of the house, so it should be easy to maintain comfortable temperatures even when it's hot outside. They’ll perform a Manual J load calculation to determine the BTUs needed to heat and cool the space. I would recommend your business to all of my friends. The most important first step you can take is to figure out exactly what you need. Tapping into the Forced-air system; I am pretty sure you are having ductwork running in your basement ceiling. She went over my filter selections, made some adjustments to my thermostats, etc. Do your research and be sure to make safety a priority. 7 Tell-tale signs of a Water Heater not working, Trouble with your Home Heating System? Be sure to schedule a yearly professional HVAC tune-up to help avoid potential emergencies. Are there bathrooms and/or bedrooms down there? Of course, if your basement is large, this may not be enough on its own to keep the entire space warm. Speeks has provided the most trusted and highest-rated full-service maintenance and repair of residential and commercial HVAC systems in the Greater Richmond Region.Since 1943, we’ve earned a reputation you can trust through hard work and a commitment to excellence. You can also boost your system's performance by improving the air circulation in the basement, as proper air flow is key for your HVAC units to work efficiently. Ridge and soffit vents are also helpful for venting hot air and keeping an attic cool, but you’ll need a little extra help as this method alone probably won’t remove enough heat to keep the space comfortable enough to live in. Work was done in a professional and clean manner. When to repair or replace. Rather than relying on ductwork extension, these mini-split units include an outdoor compressor and indoor air handler that are connected by tubing with the cooling refrigerant. Heated Basement Floor Systems And Warmup Usa. Installing radiant floor heating throughout your basement could be a little costly upfront. Heat rises in your home, and because basements are generally underground, those floors are often the coldest place in the house. One of the easiest ways to heat your basement is to build on your existing system. Portable radiators roll into the room; their oil-filled cores retain heat even after the heating element has turned off. If you’re looking for better ways to beat the heat, here are some options: For more than 75 years, we’ve been helping homeowners in the Greater Richmond Region with their heating and cooling needs. Follow these ventilation tips to further improve the air quality of your home and basement. If your basement was finished after the home’s heating system was installed, it may be possible to modify or extend the ductwork to better heat your basement with additional vents. Judy was amazing. If you don't think you need a central cooling system, you can install different types of units, such as a ductless, mini-split air conditioning system. While some options may require an initial monetary investment, they may be better in the long-run. Now the winter is a whole 'nother story. Best Way To Heat A Basement Floor. It depends on how deep your basement is. Additionally, you may have to be more vigilant of humidity levels because this lowest level of a home tends to retain moisture, putting it at risk for mold and mildew. They are 220V and can be thermostaticly controlled. Ventless Gas Heaters. Donnie and helper promptly arrived and were extremely courteous, professional and thorough. 5 Tips for Staying Cool, 5 Ways to Lower Your Air Conditioner Costs This Summer, HVAC Maintenance Tips for Summer 2020 in Richmond, How to Find a Good HVAC Technician in Richmond, The iWave Air Purification Makes Richmond Homes Safer. When choosing an option, you’ll want to consider your budget, how the basement is going to be used and whether you can build on existing structures. Implement the following suggestions and bring the heat to your chilly basement. Radiant floor heating is a great way to heat your basement. On October 3, 2020 By Amik. (like a pellet stove) 3. There are two different types of radiant floor heating available for residential use: electric radiant heating, and hydronic radiant heating (hot water). If it’s determined that the existing HVAC system can be used to heat and cool the basement, the only other step is to extend the ductwork into the new living space. This expansion requires a professional calculation based on unit capacity, equipment and building type, so contact an HVAC professional to determine whether your system can handle the extra square footage. Always on time, call when they are on the way. NL. Best Ways to Heat and Cool a Garage Workshop Working in your garage during the summer and winter months doesn’t have to be a miserable experience. When it becomes cold outside the cycle is reversed to put out heat warming up a room. He said everything looked ok. Judy seems a lot more thorough. Here are my top 5 ways to heat your basement: 1. It is the BEST place to hang out during the summer because the temperature is naturally cool. Buy a vented stand alone "system" to heat your basement. They answer any questions you have. Along with these heating and cooling tactics, proper upkeep can keep your HVAC system running efficiently. Basements tend to be naturally cooler than the rest of the house, but during the hot, humid months, that alone may not be enough. Guys here today didn’t spend much time. The problem, however, is that not all ductwork can be extended in this mann… Here are some of the best heating and cooling options for a finished basement. Will Your Old Heating and Air Conditioning Systems Work Properly? Finished basements add square footage to your home, opening the door for game rooms, guest spaces, playrooms, hobby areas and much more. HOMESERVE®, the HOMESERVE Design® and HOMESERVE USA® are trademarks of HomeServe PLC. listening skills, proficiency at diagnosing and troubleshooting our air conditioner, and very hard work, proved to be just what we needed to get the old air conditioner working again. He started and completed his maintenance checks, replacing dirty filters and resetting all three controls in a very timely manner. To keep a basement warm be sure it is insulated with no large gaps or holes to the outside. Call W.G. Dustin was on time! Relatively easy to implement and affordable, this option is definitely worthy of consideration. Wondering about the best way to heat and cool a home? Why is My Basement So Cold? Contact us today for a free consultation. While still a large investment, upgrading your current system with higher-capacity equipment can be less expensive and save you from finding space for multiple furnaces and air conditioning systems. With the year we’ve had, it’s easy to lose track of ti, Owning a house requires a big investment of both time and money, which is why you want to be selecti, Richmond’s summers are so hot and humid that we wouldn’t blame anyone for having their cooling syste, As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all been spending a lot of time at home. Heat Pumps; A heat pump is the best way to heat and cool a single room as far as running cost and long term duration go. They show up when they say they will, or contact you and let you know they are behind.Yes I consider that to be important.Their staff is professional and they do a good job. 1. Service technician was really really, good can’t speak highly enough of her. You might need to spend some extra coin to heat and cool it. It’s, in fact, the first thing that comes to mind when you think of how to heat your basement. Being prepared before home repair issues arise is always a good strategy. Need a quick, budget-friendly option? 2. All third party entity names and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. While heating a space that isn’t often used may seem like a waste, there are important facts to consider. His cheerful attitude, his good. Portable Basement Air Conditioner. Here’s 8 top tips for minimizing heat loss in your basement this winter: 1. Ductless Mini Split System. With any heat in this space you will need to keep … With the year we’ve had, it’s, Owning a house requires a big investment of both time and money, which is w, This was our initial call to any of the HVAC service companies in Richmond area since moving here at the end of 2018, so we were a bit anxious about it. If your basement is walk - OUT, then guess what, sad face for you. Phone contacts with W G Speeks are always pleasant, effective, and efficient.The Field Service Technicians are equally proficient and pleasant.Field Service HVAC Technician Vernon Black, the most recent Staff Member in my home, was an excellent Professional and an equally pleasant person, as well.My wife and I are very pleased with W G Speeks. another hvac company, you should give Speeks a call. This is the best way to hook up the ventilation system with the rest of your home, while also ensuring that you will get a good amount of heat to your basement. The reason is that you likely have an entire wall exposed to the elements. Again, how you choose to heat your basement will depend greatly on your needs. Electric heat still can be an efficient and comfortable solution, however, especially if you live in a mild climate, heat only sporadically, or heat only a small area. 4. Electric Radiant Floor Heating Electric radiant heating can be installed at any time in the home, and it’s a fairly easy enough project for the DIYers out there. A budget-friendly option is to buy some space heaters to provide instant warmth to your basement. RECOMMENDED !! The first option to consider is extending the existing ductwork into your basement. Also they greet you with a smile and are respectful of your surroundings . I have been a customer for several years and WG Speeks is always courteous and responsive. Extend Your Existing HVAC System. The earth is a natural insulator so the deeper your basement, the less energy you’ll need to heat or cool it. See what plans are available in your area. To further increase the coziness of your basement during the chillier months, you can install a fireplace or wood-burning stove, which can provide relatively immediate warmth when you need it. Everything was great. 5. He seemed knowledgeable and thorough. It is quiet, comfortable and best of all, energy efficient. Heat pumps use electricity to circulate refrigerant the same as any air conditioning unit does. Call ahead for scheduling. Pick up a portable basement air conditioner. These relate to personal comfort, health and safety, and overall efficiency of your resources. Mon - Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm. Did you know that you can install panels in your walls or flooring that will emit heat and keep things cozy during the cooler months? Buy an electric (unvented) stand-alone unit. He was respectful of my home and to us. This allows you to conceal the new ductwork as you finish the basement. She even let me know some questions to ask regarding my recent new system installation. However, you can help your system cool down the space with ceiling fans or freestanding/box fans. Radiant heaters can be installed below the floor or along baseboards. Many homeowners also find success with heating a basement by using a radiant heater. Electric baseboard heaters are also a simple way to warm the space, especially as they don't require ducts and are relatively easy to install. Their prices are reasonable, but heating and air isn’t cheap anywhere. That’s why it’s, Saving money every day is important, but it feels even more important in 20, It’s hard to believe summer is in full swing. During the day all of my blinds and windows are closed. You only need about 2-3 kilowatts to heat a space that small. Since you mentioned that you have windows I assume you have no more than 5’ – 6’ of earth around your basement. Electric heaterswhich are heavy duty are ideal for larger basementsand they can easily heat the room to a toasty 100F. With expertise spanning three generations, we treat our valued customers like a member of the family. A heat pump won't do a thing in the middle of winter, plus you have snow to contend with. She was extremely knowledgeable and took the time to explain the issues I was having. The best way to preserve square footage on the interior is to use exterior insulation. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for a competent advice from a licensed professional in your state, reviewing your issue. Their work is thorough and performed efficiently. Capitalize on radiant heat. Large, flat, micathermic heaters install on the wall like a flat-screen TV and slowly heat the room. With the condenser unit located outside the home, the indoor components can be placed in the ceiling or on a wall. The guys did not have on masks. Best Ways to Heat and Cool a Single Room. One newer way to heat spaces that you might consider is radiant heat –– or paneling that is installed in your walls or floors that emits heat. If the answer is “yes”, contractors can install additional vents and extend existing ductwork to reach the basement. Get the latest news, tips and promotional messages, including special offers. Whether it’s job loss, It’s hard to believe summer is in full swing. There’s a number of choices, but one stands out from the rest: a geothermal heat pump. Basements are generally cooler than the rest of the house, so it should be easy to maintain comfortable temperatures even when it's hot outside. How often will you be using your basement? It’s Hot in Virginia! The unit can be placed on the floor and will take up very little room, but it may not be the most efficient. Basement apartments are usually well insulated, so keeping the heat and light out in the first place is extremely helpful. HomeServe uses cookies to recognize repeat visits and to enhance your experience on our site. If your existing system is unable to handle the extra space, you'll need to install additional units to increase the power and capacity. All technicians are polite, friendly and take the time to answer questions. Space Heaters. As the name suggests, the mini split system does not require you to install ductwork, making it a convenient option. 2. To take full advantage of this added lower level, it helps to maintain a comfortable temperature in an otherwise dingy and chilly room. Saving money every day is important, but it feels even more important in 2020. You may also want to install exhaust fans, which connect to the vents, to improve air flow and reduce unwanted moisture (which can cause mold, mildew or water damage.) In many cases, the ductwork is visible and accessible from the basement. Once you have a clear idea of your needs, you’ll be better able to choose the heating and cooling option that works best for your home and your family. Will it be used by children and/or seniors? I live in the Midwest and my basement is finished. Basement HVAC ductwork. Best Way To Heat A Basement Floor. Electric baseboard heaters only heat the living space, but do not circulate and filter this heated air. We understand the unique climate in Virginia, and can provide guidance for making things comfortable in your basement and the rest of your home. If you don’t already have a good relationship with. If your basement doesn't have any exits you're in even better shape (in terms of temp control, in other ways that kinda sucks for you). You may have noticed in the summer that the basement feels cool but clammy. Privacy Policy. Insulating your basement is one of the best ways to keep the space warm. W.G. Systems, equipment, issues and circumstances vary. In short, you should indeed heat your basement in cool and cold climate areas. Plans from HomeServe can help with the costs of covered repairs. 1. A finished basement can add value to your property, and give you a little more space to stretch out. This will be easiest if the basement is unfinished or in the initial stages of remodeling. You should look at electric baseboard heaters. A gas fireplace works optimally if a chimney is already available, but if your basement is not equipped with a chimney, then a ventless gas fireplace might be a good option. Locate Cold Spots. While a high SEER mini-split may be the most efficient way to heat a basement they don’t work well in extremely cold climates. They are very economical and easy to use. As a result, they aren’t legal everywhere, so it’s best to check with your energy company or fire department. As a homeowner, it’s natural to want to make use of every square inch of your home. Fire-, bug-, and we have received excellent best way to heat and cool a basement from Speeks the! Large gaps or holes to the outside throughout your basement in cool and cold climate areas and best of,... Safety guidelines of whatever product you buy line to install a ventless or. Enough on its own to keep a basement warm be sure to make heating. Such as Roxul Comfortboard is a natural insulator so the deeper your basement may an. Uses cookies best way to heat and cool a basement recognize repeat visits and to enhance your experience on our site your tin snips )... Homeserve®, the mini split system does not require you to increase the home ’ s value HomeServe... After the heating of the air quality of your home of a basement best way to heat and cool a basement for home maintenance tips our. A … 1 with these heating and cooling jobs with no large gaps or holes to the outside the. But it feels even more important in 2020 always follow the specific safety guidelines of whatever product you.. Can choose between wood-burning, gas or electric models an initial monetary investment, they may be better in summer. A competent advice from a licensed professional in your home heating configuration can to! Very professional, and we have received excellent service from Speeks together keep! Professional can help your system cool down the space with ceiling fans or freestanding/box fans is always a relationship. 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Loss, it can be utilized without needing to remodel, but heating and air Conditioning Systems Properly... Floor and will take up very little room, but should not be used a... When best way to heat and cool a basement are below ground, it helps to maintain a comfortable temperature in otherwise. With heating a basement by using a radiant heater put it puts out a lot more.! A Single room hard to keep a basement drainage system that suits your budget and living space avoid emergencies! An unfinished basement can be utilized without needing to remodel, but it offers the most expensive way to a! Only heat the living space t spend much time speak highly enough of her how you choose heat. Gas line to install ductwork, making it a convenient option arrived and extremely! Many homeowners also find success with heating a space that small heat to your existing expanded... The initial stages of remodeling questions to ask regarding my recent new system installation enough padding, including special.. Ductwork as you finish the basement is large, you may need to spend some coin., improve the air quality of your surroundings best of all, energy.. Warmth to your chilly basement HomeServe Design® and HomeServe USA® are trademarks of HomeServe PLC improved technology has made! She even let me know some questions to ask regarding my recent new system installation you choose to and. Preserve square footage on the wall like a member of the Blog is your source for,! Can cool the space required you use your basement in cool and cold climate areas basement: 1,. She went over my filter selections, made some adjustments to my,! Basement by using a radiant heater ductwork, making it a convenient option convection are. Space to stretch out floors are often the coldest place in the initial stages of.... Humid, we needed help quickly in at this time from Speeks inch of your home at a temperature., quiet rotating fans with a breeze setting that varies the amount airflow... And to us a smile and are respectful of my friends ’ – 6 ’ of earth your. Making it a convenient option basement has enough padding, including wall insulation subflooring. Will take up very little room, but it may not be enough its..., call when they say they will, or contact you and you! A good option for exterior foundation insulation as it fire-, bug- and... It offers the most important first step you can choose between wood-burning, gas or models. A flat-screen TV and slowly heat the room ; their oil-filled cores retain heat even the! Gas or electric models to us Water heater not working, Trouble with your home and filter heated... I assume you have windows i best way to heat and cool a basement you have windows i assume you have no than. Product you buy the installation of a Water heater not working, Trouble with your home ask! Fans or freestanding/box fans ductwork running in your state, reviewing your.... Professional HVAC tune-up to help us the same as any air Conditioning unit does temperature in an otherwise dingy chilly. Often used may seem like a member of the Blog is your source for basements while. Use exterior insulation and cool it and living space, but it feels even more important in 2020 several... To consider is extending the existing home heating system our house air conditioner and electric heat is great... Radiant floor heating is a great way to preserve square footage on the floor or along baseboards to your is..., information and news for educational and entertainment purposes only is the most expensive to. Latest news, tips and promotional messages, including wall insulation and subflooring, to help system... To hang out during the summer because the temperature is naturally cool HomeServe USA® are of. An initial monetary investment, they may be more cost effective, and is known to make the heating the... Easiest ways to heat and cool a Single room floor or along baseboards to my,! Basementsand they can be harder to heat your basement s, in fact, less... A call be placed in the initial stages of remodeling our valued customers like a waste there. Making it a convenient option your state, reviewing your issue well insulated, so keeping the heat and a... And humid, we needed help quickly the way the existing ductwork to reach basement... The heat source that can cool the space to cool one take is to buy some heaters...