Best Heating & Cooling Options for a Finished Basement
November 15, 2021
A basement offers a world of possibilities for finishing your home. You can add extra bedrooms, a media room, or even create an income rental with a finished basement. However, no matter how well insulated, you’ll need to condition the air. So, what are your best heating and cooling options for a finished basement?
It’s a big decision, and there are several factors to consider. Much of your decision will be based on your existing system and the budget you’ve allocated to the project.
Why Your Finished Basement Needs HVAC
You’ve just spent a lot of money and work finishing your basement, and you may have even chosen it to house a precious collection in your sports cave or media room. If you have added electronics or collectibles, you’ll want cool, dry air to keep them pristine.
And while the temperature in your basement may be fine, the lack of air movement and humidity levels can affect your enjoyment of the space.
Humidity in the air can make us feel hotter or colder than the temperature. It can also cause mold and mildew and damage your furnishings and the finishes you installed in your new space.
Options for Heating and Cooling a Finished Basement
There are several ways to improve the air quality in your new basement room. Roughly, they include:
Adding on to the existing system
If your current HVAC equipment can handle the additional load, then adding on to your existing system is one way to provide conditioned air. It can also be a more affordable option since most of the expense will be in ductwork.
Contact an HVAC professional for an assessment. They can take a look at your current system and find out whether it’s a workable solution for providing heating and cooling to your finished basement.
Ductless HVAC systems
A ductless mini split system may be another way to add HVAC to your new space. While they are more expensive than adding ductwork, if your current system can’t perform, it’s an excellent option. On the other hand, they’re extremely efficient, so you won’t be adding much to your monthly power bill.
Baseboard heaters
If your basement needs heat more than air conditioning, you can also install baseboard heaters. Expect to purchase one per room, but check with the manufacturer’s guidelines for how many square feet each model covers.
Whole house humidity control
Your basement can remain quite comfortable without heat or cooling, so adding on humidity control may serve your needs best. A whole-house humidifier and dehumidifier in your existing system may provide all the comfort you need in your newly finished basement.