5 Tips for Selecting a Basement Heater

Basements are naturally cold places, so installing a basement heater is inevitable. Other than just being used as a storage facility, the basement can be put to different uses. It can be converted into a gym, study room, home office, or an entertainment room. During winters, the basement must be kept warm like the rest of the house; so the heating system must be stronger and more efficient. The key elements to be considered while selecting a basement heater are its effectiveness, energy consumption as well as environmentally friendliness. Following are some important tips to consider which choosing different types of basement heaters.

Use a Radiant Heating System for Sound-Free Heating

Radiant heating systems are very commonly used in basements. They are clean, energy efficient, and very effective. Radiant heating systems warm up the basement by heating up the floor from below. Flexible radiation tubes with air or water within are installed under the floor and/or behind wall panels. Electricity is used to produce this heat. Through the radiators, the entire floor is heated up, and the basement stays warm. Since the radiator tubes run beneath floor, they are invisible. The entire heating system is also sound free. The only downside of the radiant heating system is that it is expensive and difficult to install.

Use an Electric Heater for Large Basements

An electric heater is generally heavy duty and ideal for large basements as they can easily heat the room to 100F quickly. Inside the heater, there is an element which heats the oil that in turn heats the air in your basement. An electric heater is very economical and easy to use, though unnecessary for a small basement. One does not have to worry about the safety aspects since there isn’t any exposed element.

Use a Baseboard Heater to Save Space

The baseboard heater similar to a radiant heating system heats up the flooring and warm air rises. In the case of the baseboard heater, cold air is sucked towards the floor and it gets heated up in continuous cycles. This is a hassle-free solution without involving ducts. These heaters do not take up too much space and are very simple and easy to install. They are also suitable for different types and sizes of basements.

Use Ceramic Heaters for Cost-Effective Heating

Ceramic heaters have a fan inside which pushes hot air created by a ceramic heating element. They also come with added features such as a temperature sensor, air filter, tip-over switch and anti-freezing. For larger areas, you can buy a ceramic heater that has two heating elements and an oscillating grill. If budget is the main concern, then perhaps ceramic heating systems will suit you best.

Use a Propane Gas Heater for Small Basements

If your basement is 300 square feet or smaller, a propane gas heater is perfect for the basement. The good thing about them is that they don’t require duct work or electrical installation.

Ultimately, selecting a basement heater mainly depends on the area that you want to heat. Do you just want to keep a small area cozy or keep the entire basement warm? The answer lies in how you plan on using the basement.