Options for Heating Your Finished Basement

The first step to creating warmth in your finished basement is by making it more heat-efficient. We can look to some basic energy-saving practices to keep the cold out and seal the warmth in. One way to do this is by installing insulation in your basement walls—and even under the floor.

Interior wall insulation options are better at waterproofing your walls, so you’ll want to explore those options for your finished basement. XPS, EPS, or mineral wool insulation don’t absorb water and are affordable, making them excellent options for basements. You can use this type of insulation in both the walls and ceiling, essentially wrapping your entire basement in a warm blanket. 

Floors can also be insulated, but with different insulation materials. For floors, you will want to explore rigid foam and DRIcore insulation options. Rigid foam is best for floors that are not prone to water issues. If you choose to have rigid foam insulation installed in the floor, the floor will need to be prepared with foundations called “sleepers” that hold the insulation. DRIcore is another subfloor insulation option that is specifically used in basements, and comes in a variety of options to suit the unique needs of your basement.

Once you’ve taken steps to insulate your basement and make it more heat efficient, it’s time to look at heating options. Basement fireplaces, radiant heat, and HVAC are all wonderful ways to make your basement a warm and comfortable living space.

Add a gorgeous fireplace to your basement for visual interest and lots of warmth. Installation of a fireplace is quick, simple, and will keep your basement cozy for years to come. Choose a masonry fireplace for a customized look, or select a prefabricated fireplace for a more cost-effective option. Choose a traditional wood-burning fireplace, a gas-heated fireplace, or an infrared fireplace—which acts more like a space-heater. Your fireplace options are plentiful, and will add beauty and warmth to your lower level.