A functional basement can be quite useful as it adds a significant amount of usable square footage to your home’s living space. You can use a basement for various purposes such as turning it into a TV room, gym space, or even a personalized home office.
However, a cold basement can be quite a huge pain during winter. Not only is it uncomfortable to be down there, but it can also be a health hazard. And for this reason, finding a way to heat up that space is important.
But what heating options do you have for a cold basement? Do you know how to warm up a cold basement without breaking the bank?
Well, this useful piece offers a comprehensive guide to help you with just that. Continue reading to learn more.
Tips on How to Warm Up a Cold Basement
If the cold in your residential basement is making the area particularly uncomfortable for guests, try out these easy solutions:
- Use a Space Heater
Having the right space heater in your basement can change everything. Even better, there are different types and sizes of space heaters on the market, meaning you can choose one that is ideal for your basement.
The good thing about space heaters is that they quickly raise the temperature in a small area to make it more comfortable. Also, most space heaters come with features that allow you to set the temperature to your desired level. Furthermore, they have an automatic shut-off feature that turns off the device when it reaches the set temperature.
Because of these features, you can save on energy costs while also keeping yourself warm and safe from avoidable fire hazards.
- Install Insulation
One of the reasons why your basement might be cold is because there’s no insulation. This is especially common in older homes.
If this is the case, then you need to install insulation in your basement walls. Doing this will help to keep the cold air out and the heat in, making it more comfortable for you, your family and guests. Insulating your basement is best done for new constructions since you won’t need to tear down your walls and install insulation.
You can either do this yourself, but hiring a professional is almost always the best option.
- Use Cozy Rugs
Even with a space heater and insulation, your basement floors might still be quite cold. This is because concrete is a material that retains cold quite well.
One way to solve this problem is to use warm, cozy rugs on the floor. Doing this will help insulate the floor and make it more comfortable for you.
Interestingly, you can use the rugs for more than just warming up your basement. These rugs can be quite instrumental in adding some color and style to your basement space. As such, you’ll have solved two problems with a single solution!
- Use Curtains
Another easy way to warm up a basement is to use curtains. This is especially effective if you have windows or a sliding door in your basement.
Curtains help to keep the cold air out and the heat in, keeping the space warm. You can either buy ready-made curtains or make your own.
Either way, ensure that the curtains are made of a heavy material. Heavy curtain materials will generally give you the best results.
- Portable Baseboard Heater
Most basements are fitted with baseboard heaters. However, if yours isn’t, then you can always get a portable one.
A portable baseboard heater is quite easy to install and can be quite effective in warming up your basement. Just ensure that you get the right size for your space.
This device is simple to use, unobtrusive, and blends with your basement finishing. Also, it has a safety measure that automatically shuts it off in case of any problem — like blocked airflow.
- Use Radiant Floor Heating
This is one of the most effective cold basement solutions — radiant floor heating involves having heated coils or tubes installed beneath your basement floor. The method is not only effective in warming up the space, but also in reducing your monthly power bills.
The only downside of this solution is that it can be quite expensive to install. However, it’s worth the investment as you’ll enjoy comfortable living in your home for years to come. Also, they produce zero noise, are unobtrusive, and do not blow allergens and dust into the air.
- Invest In a Fireplace
If you’ve been searching for a long term solution, then investing in a fireplace is a good idea.
Not only will this help to warm up your basement, but it will also add some value to your home. Just ensure that you get a professional to install it for you.
A fireplace is quite an effective way of heating up your basement and making it more comfortable. It’s also a great addition to any home as it adds some style and sophistication.
- Seal off Crawl Space Drafts
Drafts coming from the crawl space could also be among the main reasons why your basement is so cold.
If this is the case, then you need to seal off these drafts. This will help keep the cold air from reaching our basement and the heat from escaping the space.
To establish whether there are drafts coming from the crawl space, do a simple test. Hold a lit candle near the floor and see if the flame flickers. If it does, then you have a draft.
You can also use a thermal camera to identify these drafts. Once you’ve found them, seal them off using weatherstripping or caulking, and you’ll be good to go.
Lastly, to make the space even more comfortable, you can add a humidifier to your list of cold basement solutions. It might not add to the warmth, but it will ensure that the basement air is moist enough to prevent issues like allergies, nosebleeds, or throat irritation, caused by dry air. Remember, cold air is mostly dry.
Key Takeaway
Learning how to warm up a basement room doesn’t have to be difficult; in fact, with these simple solutions, you’ll have the space warm and cozy in no time!
Just ensure that you implement these solutions as soon as possible to enjoy comfortable living in your home.
