Supplemental Heat for Basement

[Jluke]

Anyone have experience using the infrared electric heaters - fireplace or the wooden box looking units?

They seem very gimmicky since they state they can heat up to 1000 sq ft. Just wondering if anyone has had any success with any of these types.

I keep going back and forth on adding a gas fireplace, electric fireplace, or anything else I might stumble on.

I do have one supply and one return in the finished basement (dry wall, ceiling, carpet) as part of the whole house heating/cooling system. I also have a small ceramic heater for that area but looking for something a little more powerful.

Thanks in advance.

[snafu]

I think it depends on the ratio of how much you want to spend based on how much the space is used. Radiant floors and insulated walls are terrific. Winters are very cold here and pellet stoves are very popular but I don't know the costs, it's so 'use specific.' We use a smallish ceramic heater to heat the basement room in use. It's small, cheap, very portable and cheap to operate. I don't notice an increase in my electric bill.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF1ejiVb5oQ

[greenskeeper]

If you tap into your existing HVAC system to cover the basement it's going to throw off the balance of the system. You won't be as efficient and other areas will likely suffer.

The easiest way to add heat to your basement is with baseboard electric if your electric panel is located in the basement. Just run the proper wire, add a breaker, and enjoy the added heat.

[autoxer]

I would go with electric if it is used infrequently or if it is only a short term solution and choose gas if it will be used a lot. Electric heaters are less efficient, but cheaper upfront.

[Fishindude77]

Anyone have experience using the infrared electric heaters - fireplace or the wooden box looking units? Junk gadgets, no better than any plug in the wall electric heaters, they just have a good sales pitch and look prettier.

I keep going back and forth on adding a gas fireplace, electric fireplace, or anything else I might stumble on. Electric fireplace, same as above. Gas fireplaces put out lots of heat, but I would steer clear of anything un-vented. Un-vented gas heaters / fireplaces put out tons of moisture and carbon monoxide.

I do have one supply and one return in the finished basement as part of the whole house heating/cooling system. Have a good HVAC man look at your existing system and see if it can be adjusted or modified to get you a bit more heat where you want it.

Other ideas would be some basic, electric baseboard heat that any qualified electrician can install, or a wood stove if you have the ability to install a flue.

[bjl584]

If you have duct work and a clear route out and up the exterior wall, you could put in a wood burner. Tons of heat as long as you are willing to do the work to get wood.

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

Anyone have experience using the infrared electric heaters - fireplace or the wooden box looking units?

They seem very gimmicky since they state they can heat up to 1000 sq ft. Just wondering if anyone has had any success with any of these types.

I keep going back and forth on adding a gas fireplace, electric fireplace, or anything else I might stumble on.

I do have one supply and one return in the finished basement (dry wall, ceiling, carpet) as part of the whole house heating/cooling system. I also have a small ceramic heater for that area but looking for something a little more powerful.

Thanks in advance.

I have an unfinished basement that has baseboard heat and it's expensive as hell, especially as it's downstairs and heat rises. Looking into other options at the moment, ideally I'd love a second pellet stove down there.

[Jluke]

Thanks for the replies so far...

I've been exploring a better solution since I finished the basement in 2012.

Recently, I had a quote done for a natural gas fireplace (vented) with full floor to ceiling stone surround, mantle and hearth. total was pushing 9-10k.

A separate company that just cleaned my upstairs gas fireplace suggested a natural gas stove - just not as safe with little kids and would stick out like a sore thumb in my basement.

The electric/infrared fireplaces are just a space heater mounted inside a cabinet. I can't bring myself to purchase one of these.

I had a new HVAC installed last March - had 3 companies out and none suggested the same thing for the basement. Even my relative who is in the industry didn't offer any decent advice. However, one recurring idea was to add a low return near the basement floor so that is always an option.

[JoeP]

I would go with electric if it is used infrequently or if it is only a short term solution and choose gas if it will be used a lot. Electric heaters are less efficient, but cheaper upfront.

Actually, electric heat 100% efficient. The generation of that electricity is around 30% to 40% efficiency, so it is generally more expensive to heat with.

For the room, I would suggest 220V baseboard heaters. You can turn them on prior to using the room, so they can be on demand and save you money.