As you prepare to finish your basement, consider upgrading your HVAC system. Not only will it improve your overall comfort and efficiency, but it will also increase the value of your home. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some finished basement HVAC upgrades that you should consider as you complete this project.
If you’re planning on finishing your basement, it’s important to consider how it will affect your existing HVAC system. Your current heating and cooling system may not have the capacity needed to handle the additional square footage and run efficiently, especially if your basement becomes a living space.
When you finish your basement, you’re adding significant square footage to your home. This means that your existing HVAC system may not be powerful enough to heat or cool the additional space effectively, causing reduced comfort across the home. A new HVAC system upgrade will provide the extra heating and cooling capacity you need to ensure that the basement is comfortable year-round, without overtaxing your current system.
Depending on the age of your home, your existing HVAC system may not be designed to provide heating and cooling to a finished basement. With previously unfinished basements, you may need to run ductwork in the area to ensure that the space is properly heated and cooled.
This might include adding additional vents as well as supply and return ducts to your finished basement living space. It’s important to have a professional HVAC technician assess your current system and make recommendations for modifications that will ensure your finished basement has adequate heating and air.
One upgrade to consider for your newly finished basement is installing ductless mini splits. This is an especially attractive option for many homeowners if your current HVAC system will require upgrades and ductwork modifications to provide heating and cooling in your basement space.
Ductless mini split systems offer many benefits compared to traditional HVAC systems for finished basements. First and foremost, they provide greater flexibility in terms of where you can install them.
Unlike centralized heating and cooling systems that require ducts to be installed throughout the home, ductless mini split systems only require an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units connected by a conduit. This means they can be installed virtually anywhere, providing zoned heating and cooling capabilities to various areas of your basement.
In addition to their flexibility, ductless mini split systems are also highly energy efficient. They use inverter technology to adjust the output of the compressor based on demand, which means they use only the exact amount of energy required to heat or cool the space. This translates to lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions.
Additionally, you can set different temperature preferences for different areas of your basement space. This level of temperature control can help reduce energy waste since you won’t be heating or cooling the entire space unnecessarily.
A zone control system is a great way to regulate the temperature in each individual room of your finished basement. Instead of having a central thermostat that controls the temperature for the entire basement, a zone control system allows you to adjust the temperature in each room separately with your existing system.
This means that you can customize the temperature for each space according to its use and occupant preferences, using your home’s HVAC unit. This is particularly important if your finished basement has multiple rooms used for different purposes, such as a home theater, utility room, or a gym.
Basements tend to be damp, which makes them more prone to moisture problems as well as mold growth and mildew, especially if you live in a humid climate. A dehumidifier will help to reduce the moisture in the air of the new space, which will not only help prevent mold and mildew growth, but it will also improve the overall comfort of your basement. With effective humidity control, your new living space will feel cooler and more comfortable, even on those hot and muggy days.
If you or someone in your family suffers from allergies or respiratory issues, an air purifier is a must-have when finishing your basement. An air purifier helps to remove allergens and pollutants from the air, such as dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold spores. This means that the air in your finished basement will be cleaner and healthier, which is particularly important if you spend a lot of time down there.
One of the most important additions you should consider during basement finishing is a ventilation system. There are several benefits to making sure your finished basement is properly ventilated.
First and foremost, it can help improve the air quality in your home. Basements can often become damp and musty, especially if they are underground or have little to no natural light or airflow. This can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can have serious health implications for you and your family. Exhaust fans are another important addition to spaces such as utility rooms.
A ventilation system can help to circulate air throughout your basement, reducing moisture levels and preventing mold growth. Additionally, it can help to eliminate any unpleasant odors that may be present in your basement. This can be especially important if you plan on using your basement as a living space or entertaining area.
Another benefit of a ventilation system is that it can help regulate the temperature in your basement. Basements can often be colder than the rest of your home, due to their location and lack of insulation. A ventilation system can help to distribute warm air to your basement, making it more comfortable for you and your family to spend time in.
After finishing a home renovation project, the last thing on your mind may be cleaning the ducts in your home. However, it is essential to consider duct cleaning as a necessary post-renovation task. This is particularly true if you have recently finished your basement, as this can significantly impact the airflow and quality of air throughout your entire home.
During the renovation process, dust, debris, and other contaminants can accumulate in your ducts. Even if the construction team has taken measures to minimize the dust and debris, it is still likely that these particles have made their way into your HVAC system. Over time, this buildup can significantly impact your indoor air quality, leading to health concerns, particularly for those with respiratory issues.
Duct cleaning can help remove these contaminants, ensuring that the air flowing through your home is free of any harmful debris. It can help prevent mold growth, eliminate unpleasant smells and odors, and improve the overall efficiency of your HVAC system. By doing so, you can also significantly reduce your utility bills over time.
Upgrading your HVAC system when finishing your basement is a smart investment that will pay off in the long run. Not only will it increase your overall comfort and satisfaction with your home, but it will also increase its value. At Thomas & Galbraith, we specialize in HVAC upgrades and modifications. Contact us today to get a free estimate on HVAC installation and learn more about how we can help you optimize your finished basement’s HVAC system.