Here Are 10 Ways to Control the Climate in Your Basement

Does your basement feel like a giant walk-in freezer during the winter and turn into a muggy sauna in the summer? Climate control in a basement can be tricky, especially when the space isn't finished or connected to your HVAC system.

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Controlling the temperature and humidity levels keeps your basement comfortable and prevents mold growth.

Why Is It So Difficult to Control the Climate in an Unfinished Basement?

Your unfinished basement might house your HVAC unit, but it's often not connected via the ductwork. That means the space doesn't receive the heated and cooled air the rest of the house does.

Basements tend to stay cooler than the rest of the house year-round. That has a lot to do with warm air rising and colder air falling. Since your basement is the lowest level, the coolest air in the house tends to settle there. The underground location of the basement means the ground surrounding the walls acts as insulation, so cooler air tends to stay there longer.

Humidity can also affect how your basement feels. In the winter, high humidity levels tend to make you feel colder, while in the summer, excess moisture in the air can make you feel hotter. Basements sometimes have humidity issues due to water seeping in from the ground, poor ventilation and moisture from activities such as washing clothes in a basement laundry room.

Ways to Cool Down a Hot Basement

While many basements tend to stay cooler than the rest of the house, you might still deal with hot temperatures in the summer if your basement isn't connected to your central air conditioning. Cooling the basement makes it more comfortable if you spend time down there. It also protects items you have stored in the basement that could be susceptible to heat. Here are some ways to cool the space:

• Run a dehumidifier: If your basement is humid, running a dehumidifier removes the excess moisture, which can help it feel cooler when it's hot.

• Install a ductless mini-split: This type of ductless cooling system features an outside unit and an indoor air handler, with no ductwork required.

• Use air conditioners: A portable air conditioner is an option if you have a window or another way to vent it outdoors. If your basement has a window, you can install a window air conditioner as a basement cooling source.

• Improve ventilation: Opening windows on mild days and leaving basement doors open to allow air to circulate can help. Running fans also keeps the air moving to cool the space.

• Connect to ductwork: If your current HVAC system can handle the load, you can run ductwork to the basement to heat and cool it along with the rest of the house.

Ways to Warm Up a Cold Basement

You'll likely spend the winter months figuring out how to warm up a cold basement. Adding a basement heater or other forms of heating makes the space more comfortable. It also protects plumbing pipes from freezing. Consider these basement heating options:

• Add radiant floor heating: Heating the floor makes it more comfortable on your feet. It also radiates heat up into the room, making the entire space feel warmer.

• Use a ductless mini-split or basement heater: Many ductless mini-split systems also offer heating, so they can help with year-round climate control in basement areas. Wall, panel and baseboard heaters are other basement heating options.

• Fix cracks: Cracks in the foundation and gaps around windows can allow outside air to infiltrate your basement and offer a way for moisture to seep in. Sealing the gaps protects your basement from water and helps keep cold air out.

• Install a fireplace: In finished basements, adding a fireplace creates ambiance and provides a heating source. Ensure proper ventilation for the fireplace.

• Connect to the HVAC system: Just like cooling in the summer, heating your basement in the winter is convenient if you connect it to your existing ductwork.

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Do You Need to Install Ductwork in Your Basement for Climate Control?

Installing ductwork offers a convenient option for climate control in basement spaces. Since it's connected to the rest of the home, the HVAC system will automatically heat and cool the space. However, there are other basement heating and cooling options that don't require ductwork, like mini-split systems, space heaters and portable AC units. Humidifiers and dehumidifiers can also work wonders as climate control supplements.

If you're considering adding ductwork, get input from an HVAC pro to ensure your current system can handle the extra load. HVAC equipment is sized for your home, so adding an entire basement space could put excess strain on the system. In that case, you might need a separate basement heater and cooling system.

Although keeping up with the climate of your basement can feel tough, following these suggestions can help you create a comfortable environment.