The basement is one of the coldest places in your home during the winter. It’s also the most isolated side of your home, with no other rooms above it to trap heat from above. It makes keeping your basement warm in the winter a challenge. If you have a finished basement with its trance, it may even be unusable for most of the year due to its cold temperature. Luckily, their various types of gas heaters are perfect for use in a basement.
You can install basement heaters almost anywhere you need them and provide warmth to any room without producing any excess noise or light on top floors, just like cooling systems. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best gas heaters for basements and what features they should have to optimize their performance in that particular room.
Basement Heater
There are many different types of basement heaters available on the market today. Some of the most popular include electric, gas, and oil-fired models. Each type has pros and cons that you should consider before making a purchase.
Electric models are affordable, but they can be loud. Gas-fired models are more expensive, but they are quiet. Oil-fired models are the most efficient and have the longest lifespan.
When choosing a basement heater, it is essential to consider the sizes of the spaces that need to be heated. Smaller heaters are typically more affordable but may not be powerful enough to heat an ample space. Larger heaters will have a high price, but they can heat a larger area. It is also essential to consider the climate in which you will use the basement heater. If the basement is in a cold climate, it is necessary to choose a model designed for that climate.
Some models are not meant to be used in cold climates and may not work as well. After considering the size and temperature, compare the different features of each type of basement heater. Some features that may be important include the warranty, the level of customer service, and the return policy. When choosing a basement heater, it is essential to read the reviews of other customers. Customer reviews can be beneficial in determining which model is the best for your needs.
It is also important to contact the manufacturer of the basement heater you are interested in to ask any questions you may have. The customer service representatives should be able to answer any questions and help you make the best decision for your needs.
Choosing the Right Basement Heaters
Basements tend to be colder than other rooms in the house because they are underground and not as well-ventilated as other rooms. You will need to install a heating system if you want your basement to feel like a cozy place instead of a cold storage room. Let’s explore some of fact about heating system options and help you determine which one is best for your home and budget.
Is Your Basement Insulated?
If your basement is insulated, you will want to choose a heater specifically designed for basements. Some brand of heaters usually distribute heat throughout the space evenly, but these are more potent and distribute heat more evenly. Additionally, insulated basements typically have a lower risk of condensation and other moisture-related problem, so you won’t have to worry about your heater causing any damage to your basement.
Size of Your Basement
The basement area might not be heated adequately with a space heater if it is large. You may need to consider other heating alternatives if you have a big basement. For example, you’ll need a 1000-watt space heater for a 100-square-foot basement. Take a look at our air conditioner sizing guide for more information.
Power Ratings
You should ensure your household’s basement is sufficiently heated, whether you opt for a natural gas heater or a portable electric heater. You may want to investigate the wattage of a particular model or compare its square footage rating to other models. Many residential electric heaters can function with a standard wall outlet or a 240-volt plug. In contrast, wattage for electric space heaters that aren’t hardwired usually maxes out at 1,500 watts. This heater category is ideal for spots between 150 and 800 square feet.
You can find additional information about gas and propane heaters here. BTUs, which stands for British Thermal Units, are used to measure power.
Noise Levels
The noise level is essential if you’re looking for a basement heater. You don’t want a heater that’s so loud it will disturb your sleep or make it difficult to concentrate. Look for a basement heater designed to be very quiet if the noise level concerns you.
Bathroom Friendly or Not?
If you’re looking for a space heater with ALCI plugs for protection against electric shocks when you step out of the shower in the winter, look for one designed for damp environments and labeled as such. A bathroom-friendly heater specially designed for damp areas doesn’t require ventilation. With this basement heater guide, you’ll be able to make the right choice for your heating needs. However, once you’ve assessed your needs, don’t forget to do your research.
Types of Heaters
The last thing you want is to be cold when you’re in a cold environment. This is why heaters are beneficial in these situations. There are many different types of heaters, and they all have advantages and disadvantages. Some heaters use electricity while others use alternative fuels like wood or gas.
Convection: A convection heater is suitable for heating large areas, as opposed to a radiant heater, which heats objects rather than air. Convection heaters that utilize this technology are known as Blue Flame heaters. Cold spots may occur if a convection heater is used extensively in an insulated area that holds heat well. However, an open door will result in a lot of heat exiting.
Fan-Forced: There are three main categories of heaters: fan-forced, forced-air, and convection. In this case, a fan pushes warm air through space. All electric heaters are technically forced-air systems, but you can also find propane and natural gas heaters with blowers in this category.
Radiant: Infrared heaters have been on the market for decades, even if they have recently become cheap enough for consumers to purchase them. Because these heaters heat people and objects in a room, they are very quiet as they operate. Plaque heaters, which operate on propane or natural gas, are electric or gas-powered and generate infrared heat.
Top Reasons to Heat Your Basement
There are plenty of reasons to heat your basement. For one, it can help keep your home warm and comfortable during the colder months. It can also help reduce your energy bills by keeping your basement warm and toasty. Here are some of the top reasons to heat your basement:
1. To keep your home warm and comfortable – Heating your basement can help keep the rest of your home warm and comfortable during the colder months. By keeping your basement warm, you can prevent cold air from seeping into your home and making it uncomfortable.
2. To reduce your energy bills – Heating your basement can help reduce your energy bills. The warmer your basement is, the less your furnace will have to work to keep your home warm. Additionally, if you have a constantly cold basement, you may find that your energy bills are higher than they could be.
3. To prevent mold and mildew – If your basement is constantly damp and cold, it can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew. By keeping your basement warm, you can help prevent these harmful organisms from growing.
4. To make your basement more comfortable – If you spend any time in it, you know that it can be quite uncomfortable if it is not heated. By heating your basement, you can make it a more comfortable place to spend time.
5. To improve the air quality in your home – If your basement is full of mold and mildew, it can negatively impact your home’s air quality. By heating your basement, you can help improve your home’s air quality.
By doing so, you can keep your home warm and comfortable, reduce your energy bills, prevent mold and mildew, and improve the air quality in your home.
Gas Basement Heaters
If you’re considering installing a gas basement heater, you should know how it works and what issues it might cause. That way, you can decide which products are worth it for your home. Here are some gas basement heaters that you may choose:
Mr. Heater Vent-Free Propane Heater F299820
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There are some basic design patterns for propane wall heaters, and Mr. Heater F299820 is no exception. This gas-powered plaque heater is one of the best plaque heaters on the market, although you’d have difficulty picking it out in a lineup. The F299820 heater is 27 inches high, 23.75 inches wide, and roughly 1 inch thicker than the Dyna-Glo BE30DTL-2. It is a plaque heater that provides radiant heat rather than blue flame, although there is no visible branding. This heater has a metal grate to protect its inner elements but is unremarkable.
High altitude is one disadvantage of propane heaters, and this unit will operate up to 4,500 feet above sea level. This unit is slightly more restricted, offering 500 square feet of area, whereas other similar models provide 7000 square feet. You could adjust Mr. Heater F299820 through a thermostat knob on the top. The five-setting thermostat on this heater is the only function aside from ensuring safe oxygen levels via the ODS sensor.
However, you can position it on the ground if you do not want to mount it on the wall in your basement.
Rinnai EX22CT Direct Vent Wall Furnace
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Direct vent heaters are the preferred option for basements, particularly the Rinnai EX22CT, a high-end direct vent heater. The first thing we want to mention about this heater is its design. The controls, which are nestled neatly in the back, are situated on a discreet panel above the unit. The economy mode and filter are also featured. The timer, clock, economy mode, and child lock feature are included. The unit supports remote control and two timers, a filter, a clock, and an economy mode.
The system is simple to use and has energy efficiency. The economy mode saves energy, and the system is in economy mode. The blower control is in a seven-stage modulating gas valve and has an 81% AFUE rating because it’s a direct vent heater. You can adjust this convection heater to 8,200 BTUs, producing 33 to 42dBA of quiet operation. It is suitable for large finished basements and living space since it produces 21,500 BTUs. A self-diagnostic system and an auto-restart function are other excellent features.
Dyna-Glo Wall or Floor Mount Vent-Free Heater
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Dual-fuel vent-free gas and propane heaters are excellent for basement heating. These heaters have been warming basements for decades, and the Dyna-Glo BE30DTL-2 is a perfect choice if you desire a dual-fuel vent-free blue flame heater. A convection-based heater with a 30,000 BTU rating, the Dyna-Glo BE30DTL-2, can heat a big basement. It is not the most compact wall heater on our list, but it is more than powerful enough to keep you warm and cozy.
The Dyna-Glo BE30DTL-2 has a 24-inch height, a 28-inch width, and a 10.5-inch depth, making it large enough to be mounted on the ground or the wall. You may mount this affordable but worthwhile gas heater on the wall or the ground with optional base legs. The WHF100 comes with a blower fan and a few other handy features.
The real draw of this heater, however, is an inbuilt feature. This heater consists of a switch so that you may choose between propane and natural gas as fuel sources. The hookups in your basement make the switch easy. In winter, the thermostat allows five adjustments so you can adjust to the heat.
Installing a Space Heater
Homeowners often turn to electric heaters in winter, as this is where things get confusing. There is one outlet for each standard 120-volt heater, and you simply plug it in and go. A basement 240-volt outlet is present in most homes, which allows you to install more powerful systems. Electric wall heaters, as well as hardwired systems, are more expensive initially. A homeowner may be able to wire themselves, but a professional is usually required. You must do the same when using a natural gas or propane heater.
Because they are much simpler to install than direct vent heaters, vent-free gas heaters are preferred by homeowners. Some people are reluctant to make a small hole in their wall for a vent because of safety concerns. Professionals are usually better at installing permanent gas and propane heater systems because of the potential for serious injury if installed incorrectly.
Space Heater Safety
Using a space heater safely, whether gas or electric, is critical. Some essential differences between gas heaters and electric systems are worth knowing. Cool-touch housing is one of the more common functions we have discovered on either type of system. You may find it on expensive propane and natural gas heaters and electric units. Tip-over switches are standard on all floor-standing heaters. They will turn off the heater if it topples over, although wall-mounted units don’t have this function for obvious reasons.
Too hot heaters can harm people, so overheating sensors are an essential safety feature. As with any electronic device, an exposed element needs a safety barrier to avoid accidents. In addition, if you have children or pets in your home, you should ensure that any outdoor heater has a good barrier. Gas heaters don’t have as many safety features, but every vent-free system should have an ODS sensor. The oxygen depletion sensor on a vent-free or direct-vent propane heater will deactivate if there is insufficient oxygen in a room.
Using a carbon monoxide detector is also advisable, regardless of whether you intend to operate a vent-free or direct-vent propane heater. As long as your system is installed correctly and maintained, it is extremely unlikely to be dangerous working with a gas heater at home.
Space Heater Warranties
Commercial-grade heaters or those used in garages are an exception to the rule. Some premium gas-powered heaters feature tiered warranties covering different components. Furthermore, natural gas and propane heaters have more replacement parts than their electric counterparts. Warranties for long-lasting heaters are always a good idea. It is always a good idea to take an extended warranty if you’re concerned about the longevity of your heater.
More expensive heaters are good candidates for hardwired or gas-based heaters, but you should also keep the installation process in mind and the fine print.
Conclusion
When it comes to basement gas heaters, there are a few things you should know. For one, they are a great way to keep comfort in your basement. Not only will you benefit from the heat they provide, but you will also be able to use the space to store items that need to be cooled down.
Additionally, you will need to ensure that the basement gas heater you choose has proper venting. Otherwise, you could end up with a dangerous situation on your hands. Finally, there are a few different style of basement gas heaters to choose from. So you can find the perfect one for your needs.
FAQ
What is the most efficient way to heat a basement?
Baseboard heaters are often the most economical and cost-effective method for medium-sized heating basements. While they aren’t the most attractive option, they provide better heating for average-sized basement rooms than space heaters or wood pellet stoves.
Can a fireplace heat a basement?
A fireplace can heat a basement if the basement is open to the main floor of the house. The fireplace heater will provide warmth for the basement, but the basement will not be as warm as the house’s upper floors.
Is it worth heating a basement?
An adequately heated basement provides your heating system with more thermal mass, which improves its performance. As a result, your home requires less fuel-gas, oil, or electricity-to keep it warm.
