10 Ways to Warm Up a Cold Basement

Warming up a cold basement can be tricky. Basements are naturally colder than the rest of the home because they’re surrounded by cool earth and built on heat-absorbing concrete. Plus, they really get the short end of the stick with the whole 'warm air rises' thing. If your existing heating system isn’t keeping up, you may need to try something new.

To help you out, we’ve explained 10 ways to warm a cold basement and offered tips to improve your comfort without significantly increasing your utility bill.

Improve Air Circulation

One of the quickest ways to warm up a cold basement is to improve the air circulation. Basements are the coldest spot in most homes because they are the lowest level in the home. Even if you heat the basement, that heat will naturally rise to the rest of the home, leaving cool air to settle in its place.

One of the most effective ways to do this is to add a return line if none exists. No matter how many air vents your basement has, a return line will allow the air in your basement to recirculate through the system, ensuring warm air circulates adequately throughout the space. Keep in mind, while incredibly effective, adding a return line is also a potentially intensive project that almost always requires a contractor.

Pro Tip: If you have ceiling fans in your basement, reversing them will improve warm-air circulation by pulling cool air upward and forcing warm air back down the walls.

Run a Dehumidifier

Basements aren’t just cold, they’re also damp. This higher moisture level could make some basements feel 10 to 15 degrees cooler than they actually are. The solution? Run a dehumidifier. Removing the excess moisture can make the basement more comfortable without any additional heat.

Space Heaters

If your basement is cold because your furnace simply can’t deliver enough warm air, it may be time to bring in a space heater or two. When choosing space heaters for a basement, always opt for units with automatic shut-off and avoid unvented fuel heaters, as they may introduce moisture and carbon monoxide.

Add Insulation

If you find that, no matter how much you heat your basement, it still feels cold, your problem may lie in insufficient insulation. Adding insulation to uninsulated exterior walls and around rim joists (if unfinished) will significantly improve the space’s ability to retain heat.

Seal Drafts and Air Leaks

Basements are notoriously drafty, and a drafty basement is a cold basement. There are plenty of spots for heat to escape in a basement, with gaps commonly found along sill plates, windows, utility penetrations and more. Filling these gaps with spray foam or caulk will tighten things up and keep your precious heat where it belongs.

Install Carpet or Area Rugs

Nothing amplifies the discomfort of a cold basement quite like hard concrete floors. Even finished basements with hardwood, laminate, tile or vinyl can be freezing underfoot. Carpet can make all the difference in the world in the comfort level of a basement, without even cranking up the furnace.

Radiant Floor Heat

If you are anti-carpet or you simply don’t like the idea of carpet in a basement, you can still warm up your floors without it. Radiant floor heat can be installed between the concrete and your hard flooring of choice, increasing comfort while keeping the space easy to clean and carpet-free.

Use Low-Heat Baseboard Heaters

Not everyone is looking to bring their basement up to a livable temperature. For those that are solely interested in warming their basement enough to protect plumbing, furniture and other items, low-heat options like baseboard heaters can be all it takes.

Install an Electric Fireplace

Of the many ways to heat a basement, few options are as safe and aesthetically pleasing as an electric fireplace. They're ideal for those who want to heat their basement while also enhancing its cozy aesthetic.

Note: Always use electric fireplaces in basements rather than unvented gas options, as they can introduce carbon monoxide and excess moisture into the space.

Replace Your Furnace Filter

That’s right, your cold basement could be a result of a severely clogged furnace filter. Without ample airflow, your furnace can’t efficiently deliver heat to your basement. Swap the filter, and you’ll be shocked at the difference it makes.

Basement Comfort Tips

To keep your basement as comfy-cozy as possible, give these tips a try:

• Don’t block vents. Whether for supply lines or returns, ensure vents aren’t covered by furniture, storage boxes, or other items to promote ample airflow.
• Fully open vents. Make sure each vent is fully open to encourage more airflow and maintain the health of your HVAC system.
• Maintain humidity levels. Use a hygrometer to measure your basement humidity levels and utilize a dehumidifier if necessary to achieve levels of 30% to 50%.
• Close the upstairs door. If you’re losing heat to an upper level, keep the door closed to trap the heat downstairs.