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Bright Arrow
Joined: 10 Apr 2008
Posts: 1
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 Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2008 3:03 pm Post subject: Basement Is COLD Remodeling |
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I am going to remodel my basement and would like to have your ideals on how to make my basement warm.
Right now it is finshed with wood paneling and it is alway cold in the basement. Althrough I have 3 heat ducts and a cold duct in the basement.
How would you remodel my basement to make it warmer? It is a block basement built in 1973.
I plan on putting drywall on the walls and cileing with new lighting.
If you can help me on this project I would be very thankful. |
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phansford
Joined: 18 Apr 2004
Posts: 488
Location: SW Ohio
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| Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 6:00 am Post subject: |
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Your basement can be "cold" for a couple of reasons.
First - place a thermometer in the basement and record temperatures for a couple of days. Compare this with upstairs. You might see a difference of 5 degrees or so. Enough to feel the difference. Basements are inheritantly cooler due to ground temperatures. At 5 feet or so below ground - temperatures are fairly consistent (about 55 degrees F).
Second - You need a dehumidifer in the basement. This will remove a lot of the moisture inheritant in basements. This will help the basement feel more comfortable. You might not be cold...... just clamly. (Nice thought huh)
Third - Depending on the size of your basement, you probably have enough supply air (the air coming out of the ducts - cool or warm). Basements don't need a lot of heating/cooling. Remember - you are only raising the outside (ground) temperature from about 55 to 70. Compare that to the outside air temperature upstairs. You might need to make sure the ducts are properly placed to the return air (not to close to allow the warm air to just flow directly to the return without warming the space)
The dehumidifer is probably the solution your "cold" basement. Buy a nice one with digital read-out. Set it to about 40%. Drain it to your sump pump (if you have one). This will keep your sump pump primed during dry seasons it might not run.
Third - It might be difficult to add more duct work to your furnace and you might consider adding some electric baseboard in a few spots. You can then turn them on when you feel the basement needs a little punch to warm up. Not the most economical in the long run, but you aren't going to run them constantly.
Finally - add insulation to your to the exterior walls as you build out the basement. Use 2 x 4's so you can get lots of insulation. Try to find an insulaiton that resist mold (just in case it ever gets wet). DO NOT USE A PLASTIC VAPOR BARRIER!!!! Mold experts do not recommend using plastic vapor barriers except for under slabs.
Hope this gets you started - sorry for the delay in responding to your question. |
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adailide
Joined: 26 Jan 2006
Posts: 76
Location: Michigan
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