If you live in a drafty basement apartment, you know how difficult it can be to stay warm. And while wearing three layers of clothing is one way to cope with the cold, sometimes the solution is as simple as installing a suitable heating apparatus. Everyone has different needs, and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. The purpose of this blog is to help you narrow your choices down to the option that suits your unique situation best. Here are some great options for heating your basement this winter.
1. Gas-Fired Furnace
Gas-fired furnaces are a great way to heat your basement. If you don’t have a gas line already, you can have a heating professional come in and install one. There are many furnace options for this purpose, including heat pumps. But if you have a gas line going to an existing furnace, installing a gas-fired furnace is very easy.
2. Portable Oil Heater
If you don’t want to install a whole new furnace, consider replacing that old stationary furnace with a portable oil heater. These typically only take about 10 minutes to install, and no furnace is required. Because they’re self-contained, they’re great for apartments because you don’t need an additional heat source in the basement.
3. Propane-Fired Furnace
A propane-fired furnace is another option that will get you through the cold winter months without a considerable investment. These units can be very affordable. This one has a low BTU rating, so it doesn’t get as hot as other furnaces. But what it does provide is a relatively efficient solution for the basement.
4. Forced-Air Heater
For a more traditional basement heating option, consider gas-fired forced-air furnaces. These are incredibly safe and easy to operate. They’re like the furnaces that warm your home upstairs, but they typically provide more heat than you’d need. So, these can be great options, especially for basement apartments that might not even have an upstairs.
5. Space Furnace
Another excellent option for heating a basement apartment is a space heater that offers forced air and radiant heat. These heaters, which typically come with thermostat controls and can be mounted on the wall or the floor, are perfect for apartments because you don’t need an additional furnace. Just make sure you get one with enough BTU (heating capacity) to keep an entire room warm—they typically range from 10,000 to 20,000 BTU.
6. Electric Baseboard Heater
If you do have an electric baseboard heat source, use it wisely. Electric baseboards can be very efficient when properly installed, but they can also draw a lot of electricity from the circuit when not in use. So, keep this in mind and only run the unit when you need it.
7. Floor Heater
A popular option for heating a basement apartment is a floor heater. These units consist of heating coils that sit underneath your floor, so they require an existing forced-air source. If you have an electric forced-air furnace, this may be the best option for you because it can help keep a room warm while keeping energy costs low. For heating installation services in Mesa, Arizona, contact Honest Air Conditioning. We would be happy to help you find the perfect heating option for your basement apartment.
8. Boiler
If you’re looking for a powerful heating option, a boiler might be the best choice for you. Boilers are typically used in large homes with a lot of space, but they can also be used in basements. These tend to be very efficient appliances that can heat an entire room or even an entire apartment on their own. You’ll need to provide the fuel source—usually either natural gas or propane—and install an exhaust system so that you’re not dealing with odors.
9. Electric Portable Heater
If you’re looking for a very affordable alternative, consider a portable electric heater. These heaters won’t heat your whole basement. Instead, they generate heat in a tiny area. But they can be a great way to stay warm without spending too much money.
10. Radiant Floor Heaters
For a unique and efficient way to stay warm this winter, consider radiant floor heating. There are a variety of options out there, including radiant floor heaters that have controls so you can limit the amount of heat you want to use. Radiant floor heaters have thermostats so you can regulate the temperature from your couch. The only downside to these units is that they’re often quite bulky. But if you have a small basement apartment, this might not be a problem.
11. Stacking Stoves
If you’re looking for a heating system, consider stacked wood stoves. These units are highly efficient, requiring very little fuel to heat an entire room. They’re great for basement apartment living because they provide plenty of warmth without requiring tons of electricity or propane. The only downside is that they tend to be quite heavy and not very portable, so you need to find the best place in your home where they’ll stay secure.
12. Radiator
You might want to consider a radiator for basement heating. These units are incredibly efficient and easy to install. You can get them in various sizes. They don’t require cords or ventilation, are easy to maintain, and are relatively inexpensive. The only downside is that they don’t provide the same amount of comfort as other heating systems. Radiators tend to be more for keeping your home’s temperature stable rather than warming it up fast.
13. Space Heater
A space heater is another way to heat small spaces this winter. These heaters are especially recommended for basements with little space because they can heat an entire apartment independently. They don’t require any ventilation, so they’re perfect for apartments with only one window or one door to let in the fresh air. As always, be sure you do all your research before purchasing a space heater.
14. Fireplace
If you have a fireplace, you should consider using it to heat your basement apartment this winter. These units are highly efficient, and they provide a lot of warmth. They’re also very romantic, so they can be a great way to set the mood in your apartment. Just make sure you use them safely.
15. Propane Heater
If you’re looking for an inexpensive basement heating system, consider a propane heater. These units are relatively easy to install and operate, and they provide plenty of warmth for your home. The only downside is that these units take up a lot of space, so make sure you have enough room available in your basement apartment before purchasing one.
When it comes to keeping your basement warm, you have plenty of options. You can use a combination of several heating resources or focus on one that’s perfect for your Mesa, AZ, home. For more information, contact Honest Air Conditioning. We also provide indoor air quality services as well as cooling repair, furnace maintenance, and AC installation services.