source: bobvila
A finished basement increases the square footage of a home by adding living space that can be used as a TV room, home office, home gym, or children’s play area. The issue is that basements are often cold in the winter, especially for those who live in colder climates. Fortunately, there are several non-major renovation methods for warming up a cold basement. If you want to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your basement, consider the products listed below.
Cozy Area Rug
If your basement floors are always cold, a high-pile area rug in the main living area is a quick fix. TWINNIS’ plush rug is available in a variety of colors and four sizes, and its nonslip base eliminates the need for a rug pad. The fluffy microfiber material is soft enough to be used as a play surface for children.
Electric Fireplace
A sleek built-in electric fireplace, such as this one from Antarctic Star, can add warmth and elegance to a basement. It can be recessed, semi-recessed, or wall-mounted, giving you a variety of installation options based on your needs. It is available in six widths ranging from 30 inches to 68 inches to accommodate a variety of spaces. The fireplace is controlled by the device’s touch-screen buttons or the included remote control.
Portable Baseboard Heater
Some basements come equipped with baseboard heaters, but if yours didn’t, it’s feasible to add one without undertaking a major renovation. This Fahrenheat portable baseboard heater simply plugs into a wall outlet and features nearly silent operation. For added safety, the unit will shut off automatically if its air intake is blocked. Its simple, unobtrusive design helps it to blend into any space.
Radiant Wall Heater
While portable space heaters are a good choice for heating areas of a basement as needed, a wall-mounted panel heater is a more permanent solution. This flat panel heater from Amaze Heaters heats spaces of up to 150 square feet using convection. The 24-inch by 24-inch electric wall heater measures only half an inch deep, making it subtle and unobtrusive on white walls.
Warm Throw Blanket
If your basement doubles as a den or TV room, it’s prudent to equip your couch with cozy throw blankets to stay warm while binge-watching the latest Netflix series. This throw blanket from The Connecticut Home Company—which topped our best throw blankets guide—comes in five sizes and a rainbow of colors to suit any décor style. The outer layer features faux fur, while the lining is made from a plush sherpa material.
Reverse Ceiling Fan
One reason basements are often colder than the rest of a home is that heat rises. Installing a ceiling fan can help address that airflow issue. Although it may seem counterintuitive, there’s a simple trick that allows ceiling fans to keep a space warm. Ceiling fans are generally set to spin counterclockwise and push cool air downward, but reversing their direction has the opposite effect, circulating warm air in a room instead. Choose a reversible model like this fan from Hunter Fan Company, which we rated as the best option for small rooms in our best ceiling fan guide. As a bonus, it serves as an additional light source.
Radiant Floor Heating System
In new construction, it’s popular to install radiant floor heating systems, which are an efficient way to heat a home in winter. However, it’s also possible to add radiant floor heating to space during the renovation. Electric heated mats from Warming Systems come in a variety of sizes, and they even include a temperature-sensing thermostat. While this is one of our more expensive suggestions for basement heating, it’s also one of the most effective.
New Furnace Filter
If your basement furnace is underperforming, it’s likely time to change the air filter. In fact, dirty filters are one of the most common reasons HVAC systems falter. This pack of six Nordic Pure filters boasts a MERV rating of 12, which is considered ideal for home use. To stay on top of replacing your furnace filters, also consider signing up for an air filter subscription to ensure new ones are delivered at regular intervals.
