A finished basement is a great addition to your home. To be liveable, it must have an electrical system, a level ceiling, and finished walls and floors. It also needs a high-quality HVAC system. This guide will help you to decide what type of system is best for your basement.

What Options are Available?

If you want your existing HVAC system to reach the basement, it can be expanded with additional ductwork. Because ductwork doesn’t usually run to the basement, ductless mini-split systems are a popular choice for this area of a home. This type of unit only heats or cools one room, which means ducts are not required to carry air around a home. 

Another advantage of ductless mini-split systems is that they take care of both heating and cooling. That means that you won’t have to use a space heater in winter and a separate cooling unit in summer. A portable air conditioning unit is another option, but it won’t change the temperature as efficiently and may produce more noise. Keep in mind that portable units require a window for the exhaust hose.

How to Decide

If you want to expand your existing system, ensure it has the capacity to handle the extra heating and cooling in the basement. An HVAC professional will be able to advise you on this after taking into account factors such as the age of the system, how many basement walls are exposed to the elements, and the tonnage of the HVAC.

If it doesn’t have the capacity to heat and cool your basement, you may choose to upgrade the entire system rather than have a separate system just for the basement. 

Building codes require you to have efficient ventilation for some new HVAC installations, particularly a gas furnace installed in the basement. If there are no windows, mechanical ventilation will be needed. Bear in mind that basements tend to have more humidity than other areas, which increases the concentration of pollutants and can lead to mold growth. Have your basement waterproofed, use a dehumidifier, and install an HVAC system that helps to control humidity. 

To get the best possible HVAC system for your finished basement, contact Rochester Heating And Cooling in Rochester, NY. Founded in 1960, this trusted company is known for its reliability and customer service. They offer repairs, maintenance, and installations, as well as 24-hour emergency service. Call (585) 458-3700 to speak to a member of their team, or visit them online for more information.