As summer quickly gives way to fall, we’re all gearing up for colder weather. Breaking out the thicker blankets and buying a new coat is intuitive. But how do we keep our homes warm during the frigid months of winter? The basement specifically can be especially unbearable when the temperatures start to dip.
So let’s go over some ways to stay cozy in the basements through the coldest days of the year.
If your basement is still unfinished, you’re in luck. You have the opportunity to insulate your space with the material of your choosing. The main purpose of insulation is to keep you warm but it also comes with the added advantage of lowering your utility bill.
Different materials will offer different advantages. There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes time to pick an insulation medium.
If your basement is already finished, you still have options. You won’t even have to remove the drywall. It is a bit of a process but it can be done. The first thing you’ll have to do is cut a series of small holes through the drywall. Next, insert either loose-fill cellulose or injection foam insulation. Once you’ve filled up the wall cavity, you can patch up the holes and paint over them.
Of course, both finishing a basement and adding insulation will cost a good chunk of money. This is a great option if you have the means for it but, if not, there are still plenty of other ways to keep the basement warm this winter.
This is another hefty investment but totally worth it if you have the means to pursue it. A lot of heat is lost through your floor and foundation. Heated floors help keep the ground and your feet toasty. There are two main types of floor heating systems to choose from: hydronic and electric.
Hydronic underfloor heating is powered by hot water. They run on a system of pipes embedded in your stone or concrete flooring. Hot water runs through the pipes and heats up the floor as the heat naturally rises.
Electric underfloor heating heats your floor using wires. Similar to the hydronic pipe system, wires run through your flooring. They use electricity to spread heat throughout the flooring.
If you’re interested in a flooring solution that works well with radiant underfloor heating while keeping your room slip-free and durable, get in touch with Epoxy Colorado to see what your options are!
Curtains can do more than just keep the heat out during summer. They can also keep warmth in during the winter! This is a reasonably affordable, quick solution to keep your basement just a bit warmer.
Heavy curtains do a good job of keeping the heat in. They can reduce the amount of air infiltration and heat loss by creating what is called ‘dead air space’ between the window and the room. The heavier the curtain, the tighter this “seal” will be. Thermal insulated curtains are one of the best variations out there when it comes to keeping the heat in or out.
If you’re not a fan of the heavy curtains look there is a minimalistic option just for you. Cellular shades are another option to look into. They block light and heat even more efficiently than heavy curtains do. They can reduce up to 80% of unwanted heat transfer and lock in all that warmth during chilly winter days.
Drafty windows and doors aren’t going to do you any favors when the temperatures start to drop. It’s especially important to be mindful of possible air leaks in your basement. Since hot air rises, your basement is already predisposed to be the coldest space in your house.
Check along the seams of your window and doors in the basement. Do you feel a breeze slipping through? If so, it’s time to seal up those leaks. There are plenty of DIY methods to fix a drafty door or window. Adding weather stripping, foam tape, or new caulking are just a handful of options for sealing leaks.
Be sure to check your floors, walls, and ceilings for possible leaks as well. Existing sealants in these areas crack and degrade over time and need regular maintenance to remain effective.
Sometimes the best course of action in the quest to heat a chilly basement is to get yourself a space heater. There are a variety of high-quality space heaters perfect for adding extra warmth to a chilly room.
Space heaters can be cost-effective when used sparingly. Run it while you’re spending in your basement and don’t leave it on unattended. Not only can this waste a lot of energy, but it can also be a potential fire hazard.
If you’re willing to put some money behind a high-quality solution, it might be a good idea to look into updating your heating system.
There are a few different options to choose from when it comes to additional heating. If you’re looking to heat a large space, you’ll want to install a heating vent. If you only need to heat a small space, look into baseboard heaters. This option is similar to a space heater and doesn’t need to attach to your central air system.
All-in-all, if we left you with anything, it’s that you need to choose a heating solution that’s right for you.
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