A major problem of basements, though, is that they could become the coldest part of the house especially during the winter months. A good heating system is therefore required in this particular area of the home to keep you warm.
Radiant heat
Radiant heating systems are commonly used to provide warm air in basements. This type of heating system is best used under the floor to release a more equal amount of heat in the room. Radiant heating can be used with any type of floor covering such as tile, wood or vinyl.
Those using wood flooring should take extra care. The reason is that very high water temperatures in the flexible tubes can cause damage to the wood flooring. It can also be that the glue bonding the tubes to the basement slab will get affected and the wood will dry up in the long term. Experts recommend using a wood laminate instead of solid wood for better control of the heat cycles.
A benefit of radiant heating is that it has no noise so you can have a sound rest and sleep in your basement all the time. It is also invisible to the eye allowing you to design your room without having to consider space for your heater.
Other alternatives
A fireplace is a nice alternative to heaters. It is one of the most proven ways to heat your basement. A disadvantage is that it can be expensive to install one if no fireplace already exists in the home.
If you have a large basement, the heavy duty electric heaters are ideal. They are capable of providing heat of up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. It is easy to operate, does not cost much and safe to touch as no heating elements are released while switched on.
For smaller rooms that measure about 300 square foot, the propane heaters are best. This heating system makes use of propane gas as its fuel instead of electricity or ductwork. Its advantage is that before warming the air, it warms people and objects.
Another alternative is the electric baseboard heater. With this type of heating system, warm air rises up while cold air is pulled down to the ground to be heated once more. It is ideal for newly built homes or those that have been renovated and don’t require much space. Additionally, it is easy to install as no ductwork is needed. Baseboard heaters also don’t make noise and can be controlled individually in each room.
Ceramic heaters are another option in heating a spacious basement. They use a fan to push air over a ceramic heating device and a large grill to fan the twin heating elements. This type of heating system has a foot switch, tip-over switch, air filter that’s built in, overheat sensor and a setting to prevent freezing.
So, depending on your budget and the kind of work you can afford to do, there are various ways to provide warm air to your home’s basement.
