8 Basement Heating Options to Consider

Basement heating is an important part of finishing a basement and making it livable. If you have a finished basement, you might find it cooler than the rest of house, especially if you live in a cold climate. However, if you are planning on converting it into an entertainment area or game room, you’ll want to look at heating options to maximize warmth and comfort. There are several heating options that can serve as economical and useful solutions.

1. Electric Heaters

Electric heaters are inexpensive and effective. These heaters use an electric element in the form of a coil or wire to generate heat when the electricity is turned on. Electric heaters can also include fans, which disperse the heated air into the surrounding area, and they are safe and free from harmful emissions.

2. Liquid-filled Heaters

Using water or oil to spread heat through convection, liquid-filled space heaters also operate on electricity. These devices are easy to use, but may take a longer time to heat the surroundings.

3. Radiant Space Heaters

These heaters also operate on electricity, using the principle of heat radiation to heat small areas. Radiant space heaters use metallic heat elements or quartz to radiate heat to surrounding objects, and these objects then spread the heat to the surrounding area.

4. Ceramic Space Heaters

Ceramic space heaters operate on electricity as well. These portable space heaters consist of ceramic plates with aluminum sheets inbetween. When the heater is switched on, electricity heats up the ceramic and in turn the aluminum, which then spreads. Ceramic heaters are considered safer and more energy efficient than other space heaters. These heaters also have a wide range of safety mechanisms and advanced features available, depending on the model and price.

5. Fireplaces

If you have an existing chimney in your basement, a fireplace would be the best option. An electric, gas, or wood burning fireplace is more economical and efficient than most other basement heating options. However, in the absence of a chimney, the price may be much higher because of installation costs.

6. Wood Burning Stoves

A wood burning stove is another economical option if you have a working chimney in the basement. In addition to providing toasty warmth and the well-liked aroma of burning wood, a wood burning stove lets you heat your basement during power outages as well since it is not reliant on electricity.

7. Baseboard Heaters

Baseboard heaters require electricity, are installed at floor level, and require no additional venting or duct work to heat. They heat the cold air near the floor, which then rises and warms the surrounding area. Baseboard heaters are available in many sizes and configurations, but they do present a safety hazard if you are not careful about what is placed nearby. Drapes, furniture, and anything else flammable should be kept away.

8. Under-floor Radiant Heat

This is a great option to consider if you are finishing your basement with the intention of using it as a living space. For a basement, you might need to install pipes underneath your flooring to carry warm water or air that will heat the floor. Though expensive, under-floor heating systems are highly efficient and long-lasting. Some systems also enable installation of the pipes behind walls as well.