The Best Heaters for a Basement

Radiant Floor Heat

• Radiant floor heating systems are often installed when the basement floor is poured. The system can be installed on existing floors, but it's costly and should be installed by a professional. The installation involves embedding heating mats into thin-set over your existing concrete slab. The heating system is compatible with most flooring types, including ceramic tile, vinyl, hardwood, laminate and carpet. Radiant floor heating is suitable for small spaces or individual rooms, providing constant, even heat throughout the room. The system is also quiet, a positive feature for some.

Space Heaters

• Heavy-duty electric space heaters are a suitable heating source for large spaces. The heater works by blowing air over heated coils and out into the room. The heaters are easy to use and provide a warm space for small basement areas. You can adjust the heater to blow heat into a specific part of the room. Space heaters are a good option for individual basement rooms.

Ceramic Heaters

• Ceramic heaters are well-suited for small spaces. Heat is created through electricity that heats up metal pieces embedded in ceramic plates. The heat is pushed out by a fan and radiates into the room. Ceramic heaters are cool to the touch, a benefit for families with small children or pets. Ceramic heaters are equipped with a tip-over switch, temperature sensor and automatic overheat protection.

Baseboard Heaters

• Baseboard heaters are easy to install, require no ductwork and don’t take up much space. They operate by pulling down cold air, heating it and pushing it back out into the room. Baseboard heaters heat large spaces using electricity and can service a large basement space. Place baseboard heaters in an open space along a wall, at least an inch off the floor. Keep electrical cords and flammable materials such as curtains at a safe distance from the heater.