I have a thirty year old 26X32 cape that i would like to heat the basement of periodically throughout the fall/winter. This is an unfinished basement with no insulation. I have a two zone forced hot water oil heating system (no zone for the basement) which exhausts to a single flue chimney (centrally located) from the basement.
Any ideas how I can economically heat this?? Should I consider adding a third zone?? Add a return side baseboard?? Or should i consider a woodstove (which cannot use the existing chimney)....electric heater...etc. Any ideas taking into account limited finances would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks in advance- Scott

 

find out if the current system will accommodate a new zone. electric heat operating cost will put you in the poor house, maine is no place for a heat pump, and a dedicated system will be costly. maybe a propane vented space heater, just a thought, and would only work if wide open space. get a contractor out there to give his opinion, it is free.