Keep Your Basement Warm in the Winter with these Tips

If you use your basement for more than simple storage, you know it can get pretty chilly down there in the winter. For those with bedrooms or recreational areas in the basement, keeping them warm in the winter can be a challenge. Despite the natural insulation of the earth, which keeps your basement comfortable in moderate temperatures, in the bitter cold of winter, this earthen insulation is not enough. Fortunately, there are a few ways to keep your basement warm and comfortable in the winter.

Tips for Keeping Your Basement Warm without Inflating Your Energy Bill

• Infrastructure improvements
  These improvements cost less over the long-term, and don’t involve a heating and cooling system overhaul or added energy expenses:
  • Seal leaks and cracks in the basement structure.
    Seal cracks in concrete flooring and walls, and gaps surrounding windows and doors with the appropriate foam insulation, caulk, or weather stripping.
  • Add more insulation.
    Outfit your basement walls with rolls or spray foam insulation covered by drywall or paneling sheath for a warmer environment and sleek, finished looking.
  • Replace dated, worn, windows and doors with more energy-efficient options.
    If your basement windows and walkout doors are warped or broken, or hold single-pane glass, replacing them with new, more efficient, double or triple-paned glass options that more effectively seal can make a noticeable difference.
  • Add carpeting or area rugs.
    Throw rugs and carpeting add warmth and insulation in dry basements.
• Home heating unit additions
  Sometimes infrastructure improvements are not enough for a comfortable basement environment. In these cases, additional heating may be required, such as:
  • Installing basement vents.
    Depending on the design of your home and your system, incorporating a heating vent into your basement may solve your comfort issues.
  • Floor heating.
    Adding a radiant heat system to your basement floor will not only make your basement warmer but the floor and furnishings as well. These electrically-powered systems circulate hot water beneath your basement floor, warming the cement with heat, which rises throughout the room. Floor heating is easily added with new construction, however incorporating it into existing basements can be more involved.
  • An additional heating unit.
    A basement specific heating unit, such as a Mitsubishi ductless air conditioner or electric baseboard heater, may offer the comfort you are yearning for. You may also consider wood and pellet stoves, however keep in mind, these require the hauling of fuel and frequent maintenance.
  • A space heater.
    Electric space heaters are easy to use, but not without expense and risk. If you use these heaters frequently, you will definitely see a difference in your energy bill. Use them with care to avoid fire dangers, locating them far from flammable materials and turning them off and unplugging them when not in use.

Stay comfortable all year long with the help of the home comfort experts at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact us to learn more about affordable basement heating additions today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/keep-your-basement-warm-in-the-winter-with-these-tips/