When your house doesn’t provide enough space to accommodate your growing family, you shouldn’t overlook the space downstairs. A finished basement will feel like an expansion of the living area, providing extra space when you need it the most. The basement apartment is ideal for an in-law suite or as an additional apartment for young adults. On the other hand, a basement apartment can become a rental unit and secure a passive income for your household.
The process of finishing a basement will turn the empty and dull space into a cozy and inviting living area. We have already explained the steps, and you can keep up here.
From our extensive experience in remodelling, one of the essential aspects to consider is the basement floor heating. Winters in Canada are harsh, so the proper heating solution will keep your finished basement comfortable. Some available basement floor heating options are radiant, air-duct branching and electric.
Is Basement Floor Heating Worth It?
Floor heating combined with good insulation will make your basement feel comfortable. The floor heating covers the span of your basement and provides proper heat distribution. Electric heating is a cost-efficient solution. Hydronic heating is costlier to install, but it has lower operational costs. Homeowners can also update their existing HVAC duct line to extend to the basement. It already provides heating for your home, so extending the system will cost less than installing radiant floor heating.
Hydronic Floor Heating
Hydronic heating is an energy-efficient heating option ideal for basements. The pipes are filled with warm water that circulates, heating the concrete floor and surrounding air. One of the advantages is that you won’t have visible lines, as hydronic heating is installed within the flooring. There is no need to update your existing HVAC system, which can get costly.
The radiant heating operates quietly and is ideal for people with allergies due to the lack of ducts. Also, it is durable and doesn’t require frequent maintenance.
Air-duct Branching
Connecting the basement to your existing HVAC unit is a feasible solution. It is an excellent way to use the power of your current unit without investing in a brand new solution. The branching system will deliver the heated air all the way to the basement. However, ensure that the air ducts are nicely sealed to prevent heat loss. Also, you need to ensure the unit has enough heating capacity to cover the basement.
Air duct branching provides hot air through the vents, which are strategically positioned around the space. However, this might result in uneven heating. To achieve a pleasant temperature, the unit will need to work for a longer time.
Electric Heating
Electric heating is another popular option to consider for your basement. It consists of electric cables positioned in a specific pattern, transferring heat through the floor. The system has a thermostat so you can control the temperature. The materials and installation costs will be cheaper when compared to hydronic heating.
The heating system is pretty thin, allowing it to be placed under any flooring. Basements often have a low ceiling, so an electric system is thin enough and won’t add much height to your floor. It comes with a load management unit to optimize energy use. To sum up, electric floor heating is cost-efficient and ideal for application in smaller spaces.
Final thoughts
The floor heating is crucial for turning your basement into an extension of the living space. With several options available, you can choose the right one for your needs and budget. If you need assistance, the experienced basement remodelling team at LevelUp Basements will be of huge help. Contact us now, and we will be happy to assist you with your basement remodelling project.