Basement Heated Floor Options
The basement is always thought of to be a notoriously dark, damp, and cold space. Whether or not you have a finished basement, this can be true. If you want to spend time in your basement, then you may wonder how you can warm up the space. A great way to do so is to install floor heating system in your basement.
Take a look below for more details on heated basement floors, and some of the great options for basement floor heating that are out on the market today.
Radiant Floor Heating
One of the most common floor heating options, especially for a basement, is radiant heat. This is typically what is recommended. It does not have vents or ductwork, so it is quiet and invisible, too. The warmth and heat is supplied by hot water tubes or electric wires that are buried underneath the floor.
The waves of thermal radiation than rise to heat the floor, which will then radiate that heat into the basement.
There are two different kinds of radiant floor heating, which are known as hydronic radiant floor heating and electric radiant floor heating. We will discuss these in more detail below.
Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating
The first of the two types of radiant floor heating is called hydronic floor heating. This kind of floor heating uses hot water tubes to create heat. The heated water is pumped from a boiler within the home and goes through a loop of flexible tubing that is installed underneath the floor. It can also be embedded in the floor itself.
Not only can it help to warm up your basement and make your space more comfortable, but it can also help you to cut back on your energy and heating bills, too.
One of the things that you should consider when installing hydronic radiant floor heating solutions is installing multiple heating zones so that it is easier to fine-tune the heat that is going to different areas, especially if your basement is rather large or has more than one room in it.
Hydronic radiant floor heating is more expensive than conventional heating, so it is important to keep that in mind. The average for this kind of heating ranges from $6 to $15 per square foot for installation. However, it is certainly worth the investment!
Electric Radiant Floor Heating
The second type of radiant floor heating system is called electric radiant floor heating. Rather than heating a floor with hot water and tubes like hydronic radiant floor heating, this heating option uses electricity and electrical wires to get the job done. For this option, there is a loop of thin electrical wire, which is laid directly underneath the finished basement floor.
In order to have electric floor heating installed, you will need an electrician–it is not something that you are able to DIY! They are needed to connect the wiring to the panel, but the rest of the installation is simple, as all you need to do is cover it back up with tile or other floorings.
Electric floor heating is a more affordable option than hydronic heating, and it is also more straightforward to install, too. However, it can be more expensive in the long run because it can increase your electric bill.
It takes around 6 to 10 watts per square foot to heat the flooring, which can add up if you constantly have the heated flooring running. This is why it is a better option for spot heating or smaller areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are floor heating systems in a basement worth it?
Basements can end up being the coldest room in the house, especially if they are unfinished basements. This is why underfloor heating options, such as radiant heating, can be a great investment for a cold basement.
If your existing basement is cold or unfinished, then adding radiant floor heating systems can be very worthwhile and can also reduce dust circulation, which therefore increases the air quality of the space.
How much does it cost to put heated floors in a basement?
If you are thinking about adding heated floors to your basement space, you are likely wondering how much it will cost you to do so. Of course, the cost is dependent upon a few factors, like square footage and wages in the area in which you live and the work that will be done.
The average, though, is about $3800. It can range from anywhere to $1700 to $6000. There are also lower and higher-end options for heated floors, so you could end up paying outside of this range, too.
This is why it is so important to get a project estimate from your contractor!
How can I make my basement flooring warm?
If you have an unfinished basement, especially, you probably do not have a very warm space. Unfinished basements are often constructed with concrete floors, so the question arises of how to make these basement floors warmer. One of the best and most effective ways to do this is by installing underfloor heating system in the basement.
You can also install carpet to warm up the space and can take preventative measures such as sealing all of the cracks in the walls so that no drafts get into the space to make it colder.
Having your basement well insulated can help, too.
Can you put heated floors under concrete?
If you have cement or concrete floors, you can still install heated floors underneath the existing concrete or subfloor. In fact, heated floor options like radiant heat work very well with cement, because concrete has fantastic heat retention properties, and is able to keep the floor warmer for longer, even when the heat is not running.
Plus, if the radiant heating is concealed under the concrete, it can be “invisible” and you will not have to see it–making the space just a bit more aesthetically pleasing!
Heated flooring options can also be implemented when the concrete is being poured if you are building a new house or basement.
For other basement renovation ideas check out these blogs:
What Flooring is Best For a Basement