Finishing the basement of your house is a great way to increase home value and add more living space for your family. Before you get started on a floor plan, talk to an HVAC contractor to make sure your current heating and cooling system can handle the extra square footage or if updating your system will need to be factored into the cost of the renovation. 

What Do You Need to Consider?

The size of your basement plays a crucial part in whether or not your current HVAC system will be able to keep the additional space comfortable. You also need to be aware of the location of the existing furnace, water heater, electrical box, and any other HVAC and plumbing components in your basement. When designing your floor plan, you’ll want to block these off for aesthetic purposes but avoid making them inaccessible. A knowledgeable HVAC contractor can help guide you through planning for this room, so these units don’t get tucked away permanently. 

Knowing how big your current HVAC system is will also play a role in determining whether or not you can keep it or if you’ll need to upgrade it. Heating and cooling equipment is sized in tons or British thermal units. Finishing the basement can add on 400 to 600 tons per square feet. An expert HVAC contractor will be able to tell you if your current system is prepared for the added demand or if you should consider other options. 

Should You Upgrade or Add On?

When it comes time to decide how to heat and cool your finished basement, you have two options—add to your existing system or upgrade the unit altogether. Which choice you make depends largely on your budget and the situation. If you upgrade your system, you’ll need to run new ductwork throughout the entire basement to make sure air quality remains high and air keeps flowing. 

If you don't have space for an entirely separate furnace or new ductwork, a ductless mini-split system is probably what your contractor will suggest. These have become a highly preferred option since they can cut remodeling costs by eliminating the additional ductwork and save space, which gives you more room to enjoy with your family. 

If you need to talk to a heating and cooling expert, contact the HVAC contractors at Lenox Heating & Cooling.They have been family-owned and -operated since 1988 and provide fast, honest, and dependable service when it comes to HVAC installations or repairs in Chillicothe, OH. Give them a call today at (740) 702-2665 or visit them online to schedule an appointment for your basement project.