Ways To Heat A Basement Without An Electric Space Heater (And The Pros & Cons To Consider)

Warm air rises, so it makes sense that the basement is often one of the coldest areas in the house. If you want to be able to use this space in your home during the winter months, then finding a way to heat it is essential. Beyond comfort, Max Veggeberg, the CEO and founder of Tetra, tells House Digest in an exclusive interview, "Keeping a basement warm is crucial to prevent moisture buildup, mold growth, and structural issues while also protecting against frozen pipes that can cause costly damage. Additionally, a warm basement improves home energy efficiency by reducing heat loss through floors and walls, helping maintain a stable indoor temperature."

Many choose to use space heaters in their basements. However, there are several mistakes to avoid when using a space heater — and if operated incorrectly, these devices may start a fire. Moreover, according to Nick Barber, the co-founder at Utilities Now, space heaters also aren't the optimal choice for home efficiency. "While space heaters are the short-term solution to heat, they're not the best or most cost-effective solution in the long run," he shares with House Digest during an exclusive interview. We consulted Barber, Veggeberg, and other heating and cooling experts to learn about some alternative options for basement heating besides space heaters.

Several of the heating and cooling experts we spoke with highlighted extending the home's existing ductwork by adding supply registers in the basement. Barber explains that this option is best suited for homes that have an existing heat pump or furnace with a large enough capacity to support heating the additional square footage of the basement, while continuing to keep the rest of the home comfortable. He says, "You're using an efficient, centralized system that's warming the entire house." Since you already have the equipment, this may end up saving you money in the long run.

However, while extending existing ductwork by adding supply registers to the lowest level of the home may be a good choice for some, it won't be the ideal solution for others. Our experts point out some potential drawbacks and important things to consider before jumping into this project. First, depending on the layout and needs of your home, this might not be a very budget-friendly project. During an exclusive interview, Ryan Meagher, the pre-construction Manager at BVM Contracting, tells House Digest, "You may have to end up redoing a lot of the ductwork to properly set up the forced air system in the basement." He recommends consulting with an HVAC professional to learn more about what would be necessary in your home to decide if this is a worthwhile project for you.

Ben Baca, the implementation manager and HVAC subject matter expert at SmartAC.com, points out one other important thing to consider. During an exclusive interview with House Digest, he says, "The thermostat will remain located on the upper level, so keep in mind the basement may never reach the same temperature as the rest of the home. Director at AB Electrical & Communications, Adam Bushell agrees, and proposes one potential workaround for this problem. He exclusively tells House Digest during an interview, "The temperature becomes easier to monitor by installing dampers and separate thermostats." However, this will increase the total costs of your project, so you'll definitely want to reach out to an HVAC professional for an estimate and to learn more about your specific situation.

Hydronic heating sends hot water through piping in a home. The pipes connect with a baseboard unit that radiates the heat into the space. If your home is already equipped with a hydronic baseboard heating system, Barber explains that you could consider expanding the system to reach the basement. "It's quiet, heats evenly, and doesn't circulate air through the room like a forced-air system." If anyone in the home suffers from allergies, you might want to closely consider Barber's last point. If air isn't circulating through a room, it also means that fewer allergens (such as dust and pet dander) will be moving through the air.

There are a few things to consider before installing baseboard heaters. Barber explains that these systems take longer to heat a room than many other methods. They might not be the ideal choice if you're looking to only turn on the heat in the basement when you need the space, as it could remain cool for a while before warming up. However, once hot, they can continue to keep the space warm, even after the thermostat is turned off and the boiler shuts off. Additionally, if you do not already have hydronic baseboard heating through the rest of your home, Barber warns that getting it installed for just your basement can be expensive. In addition to setting up the boiler and installing the baseboard units, pipes will need to be run through the space to move the hot water.

If your basement is not connected to the home's main HVAC system, Barber highlights a ductless mini-split system as something you should consider for heating the space. "Mini-splits provide both heat and cooling, and they're extremely energy-efficient because they don't lose heat to ducts. They also enable you to heat or cool separately from the rest of your house, so you're only using power when you want to," he says. Another benefit of a mini-split system is that it can help keep humidity levels under control. Many top-rated mini-split brands also offer an air filtration system. This combination of features can make them an exceptionally good fit for basements where humidity — and thus mold and mildew — can be an issue. Moreover, a ductless mini-split may also be a more affordable and realistic alternative to extending the existing ductwork in your home. This is particularly true if your current HVAC system doesn't have the capacity to heat the additional square footage that would be added by connecting it to the basement.

While there are several benefits associated with installing a ductless mini-split to heat your basement, there are also a few downsides that you'll need to weigh up before making a decision for your space. According to Barber, you'll have to prepare for a higher initial expense. A single-zone ductless mini-split can cost between $500 and $5,000 to install. However, Barber explains that, despite the initial cost, it could still be a wise investment, saying, "If you're using your basement on a regular basis, the long-term energy savings are well worth it."

If you're looking for a solution that you might be able to DIY, then you could consider using electric wall heaters in your basement. During an exclusive interview, Joel Worthington, the president of Mr. Electric, a Neighborly company, tells House Digest, "Electric wall heaters are mounted units that provide targeted heating and don't take up floor space." Beyond their space-saving design, these units are relatively inexpensive — you can find options that cost less than $200. They also don't require any ductwork, which makes them easier to install and suitable for many DIYers.

As with other heating options, there are both pros and cons to choosing electric wall heaters to heat your basement. Mark Woodruff, a senior product manager at Trane Technologies, points out a few downsides of this heating method. During an exclusive interview with House Digest, he says, "They can create hot and cold spots, may increase electric bills, and are not ideal for large spaces." They also tend to be noisier, so you'll want to consider placement and how you intend to use your basement to decide whether they're a viable option.

If you have a hard floor in your basement, then you already know it can be one of the coldest aspects of the room. One heating option to consider, which can help efficiently warm a basement from the ground up, is radiant floor heating. Barber explains that these systems use either hot water tubes or electrical heat mats to heat the floor. "It's a great choice for basements because it provides steady, uniform heat without drying out the air. And, since heat tends to rise, it's a great way to heat the entire space," he explains.

However, there are a few disadvantages of radiant heat flooring you should know about before you decide to install it in your basement. "The cons of this setup is that they are usually more expensive to set up. You need to buy a boiler system and set up the hydronic plumbing lines under the surface of the basement slab with insulation underneath," says Meagher. Electric underfloor heating can be a little simpler to install (as you won't need a boiler), but have slightly higher low-term running costs. Barber highlights underfloor heating as a good option to consider if you're doing a full basement remodel, as opposed to simply retrofitting the space. "It's an energy-saving investment that's a long-term return and feels great under your feet," he shares.

Another option you might want to consider is adding a wood or gas fireplace to your basement to supply heat. "If you're feeling like something cozy, a wood-burning stove or ventless gas fireplace can bring some serious ambiance and warmth. Gas fireplaces are convenient and efficient, and wood stoves are a low-energy means of getting warm if you have access to wood," shares Barber.

Before installing a wood or gas fireplace in your basement, one of the first things you should do is check local regulations to make sure doing so is allowed. Some building codes, local laws, or HOA regulations prohibit installing a fireplace in a basement. Researching the rules for your area can save you the headache and expense of trying to remove the fireplace after it is set up. Even if you're allowed to install a fireplace in your basement, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind. Barber explains that both gas and wood models "must be safely ventilated and caution taken, and gas fireplaces will cost more out of your energy budget if they're being used extensively." Wood fireplaces may let cold drafts into the space, as well, which can make an already chilly basement feel downright cold. While this is less of an issue with gas models, you'll need to account for the location of your gas line. Depending on where it is situated, your placement options may be limited.

As an easier and less intrusive alternative to gas or wood-burning fireplaces, Mike Swanson, a fireplace design expert at Heat&Glo, recommends considering an electric fireplace. "If you're looking to turn your basement into a cozy, inviting space, an electric fireplace is one of the easiest ways to do it — no gas lines, venting, or major renovations required," he tells House Digest during an exclusive interview. There are many different designs of freestanding fireplaces that can provide warmth in winter, ranging from cute stoves (like this duraflame Electric Stove Heater) to imitation log burners and units you can push against the wall that look just like a traditional built-in fireplace, such as the Ameriwood Home Lamont 69 Inch Electric Fireplace. What's more, electric fireplaces simply need to be plugged into an outlet, and they'll be ready to use.

However, there are downsides to these imitation fireplaces. Unlike a gas or wood-burning option, you won't be able to use an electric fireplace during a power outage. If you live in an area that loses power frequently and are looking for the heating source you choose for your basement to serve as a backup, they might not be the best choice. Also, depending on how much you use an electric fireplace, it could increase your electric bill by a substantial amount. Running the fireplace for two hours per day on average could increase your electric bills by $30 or more each month.

Two of the experts we spoke with recommend infrared heaters — which are also called cove heaters — for those looking for a better alternative to a standard space heater. "Infrared heaters can be an ideal option for basement space as they can be wall or ceiling-mounted, freeing up space. With options such as LED ceiling panels or even picture heaters, they can help bring ambience to the space," George Cornah, the director at Warm4Less, tells House Digest during an exclusive interview. Danny Pen, the president of New Era Plumbing & HVAC, highlighted another benefit of this heating method. "A cove heater warms surfaces and objects rather than just blasting hot air, which helps keep humidity levels in check and prevents mold," he tells House Digest. Another benefit of these heaters is that, like electric fireplaces, many have corded designs, allowing for DIY installation. For instance, this Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater from Amazon simply needs to be mounted to the wall close to a dedicated outlet, and it will be ready to heat your basement. 

However, you'll want to learn more about the potential downsides of infrared heaters before installing one, such as placement concerns and their more limited heating range. If they're not properly directed, radiant heaters won't be effective. They must have a direct line of sight to the area where heat is desired. This is because they heat up objects and surfaces, not the air. For example, if you install a radiant heater in a recessed alcove, it won't be able to effectively distribute warmth to the entire space. You'll also need to consider the cost of these heaters, which can be more expensive than a traditional space heater. Though, Pen doesn't see the cost as a true downside. "Even though cove heaters are twice as expensive as regular space heaters, it's hardly a disadvantage as the lower cost of a space heater is quickly offset by higher electricity bills," he explains.