Heat a basement?

[gstrom99]

Radon can build up in a basement. If you vent the basement, or turn the air over in the basement, it doesn't build up as much. Anyhow, I'd get a radon test kit if it was never done.

Radon is all over Iowa, I've read. No test, no system (at least yet...). Needed? Yes, I'm sure.

 

[the old grind]

A furnace typically runs most efficiently when all vents are open. I used to use a small fan vs any heater to de-stratify basement air, (7" IIRC) set it on the floor tilted up ~45 deg, and ran it 24/7. It made the basement seem less cold and improved circulation.

I used to block basement HVAC outlets in the Winter but no longer do having learned better. A dehumidifier replaced the fan(s) within a year and exhausts straight up, pulling cooler air off the floor and circulating.

- the basement is DRY since the foundation drain was fixed, and dirt landscaped to slope away from the house. Oh, functioning gutters helped too...

"When it's done right." In this case a trifecta. btw, is there room downstairs to set up the train, or would you build a bigger layout from scratch? Asking for a friend.

 

[Doughknob]

I heat mine cuz i use it. Physics says if u dont use it, dont heat it. It will cost more to heat the extra space.

 

[kenmac]

vent in the basement may not heat much any way. Depends on the size of the area being heated and the size of the vent.
The thermostat is most likely located in the house (living area) so it will sense the temp in the living area, and most likely shut off the furnace before the basement ever warms up much

 

[quicksandfarmer]

Unless the division between the basement and the rest of the house is insulated you're heating the basement whether you want to or not. What determines the heat loss for a building is the insulation level and area of the exterior. Turning off a vent in the basement doesn't change either of those. With the basement unheated the first floor loses more heat through the floor and total energy use is about the same.

Keep in mind that once you get above the temperature needed to keep the pipes from freezing heat is only there for comfort. Do what makes you comfortable.

 

[Hazel]

Is the basement ceiling insulated ?

 

[oosik]

I've been here 40 years. Only time I ever heated the basement - we had -20F weather for three straight days. Put a small electric heater in the basement to protect the water pipes.

Basement is just used for storage. Usually will stay right around 55F - except in the very coldest weather. Without any heat - coldest I've ever seen in my basement - 38F.

I would not heat your basement - unless you have planned activities down there.

Hang a big dial thermometer down there. Gives you an idea what temps you are actually dealing with.

 

[Torvy]

As many have said, it depends on your intended use. Back home in SD, many, if not most, basements are at least partially used as living space. Humidity control is more important than heating, but in those types of climates at least some heat will be good. My folks had an electric fireplace so it was warmer as needed. I'd open the vent.

 

[rjpotts]

There is a dehumidifier down there. It ran NONSTOP before the foundation drain was fixed, and the place was always damp. Now, it keeps it around 40% and even shuts off when not needed.

The foundation drain is needed to prevent water pressure which places stress on the walls and floor leading to cracks and water infiltration.

The dehumidifier serves a somewhat different purpose. My house in Iowa has a basement with a very effective drainage system. Never the less a dehumidifier is needed in the summer months to keep the basement air dry preventing mold. In the winter basement humidity is not a problem no dehumidifier needed.

I do not heat or cool my basement because I have no living spaces there, just occasional use workshop, etc.

 

[jyoutz]

I heat our basement when it’s real cold even if we don’t use it. It heats the floors, making the whole house warmer. I installed a pellet stove in the basement and it doesn’t take much to heat it because it’s insulated and finished.