If you’re trying to finish your basement and wondering if basement HVAC installation is possible, the answer is yes! You can have cooling installed in your basement. Depending on what kind of HVAC you currently have in your house, there are various ways to go about it. You can install a multi-zone thermostat or get another thermostat to give this area independent control. Or maybe a ductless mini-split would be simpler for your purposes.
Several Common Challenges When it Comes to Cooling a Basement
While you can install HVAC in the basement, there are some obstacles to consider when it comes to basement cooling. Some of the most typical obstacles to bear in mind include:
- Dampness/humidity. Basements are frequently damp, since they are underground. Keeping out excess humidity is a consistent battle.
- Windows (or lack thereof). Some basements lack windows entirely. Others have very small windows that are frequently situated up high at ground level. This can cause inadequate air quality, which can result in mold growth and health complications.
- Extra square footage (when finished later on). When a basement is finished after the rest of the house it adds extra space that needs to be cooled beyond what was originally there. The size of a house’s HVAC system is determined based upon the number of square feet to be cooled.
Cooling Solutions for Your Basement HVAC Installation
The bright side is that there are a lot of cooling solutions that can make your basement more comfy. These options include:
- Dehumidifier. Air conditioners naturally deal with humidity levels in any area that is being cooled. Nevertheless, it may still be smart to use a separate dehumidifier to get rid of even more excess moisture from the air. This ensures that humidity is correctly managed and that your air conditioner can run more effectively. The natural dampness of basements can result in mold and mildew growth if moisture is not kept in check.
- Ductless mini-split system. Window units are either difficult or impossible to use in basements. Ductless mini-split air conditioning systems are perfect for cooling a single space and only require an extremely small hole in the wall for a pipe to connect to an outside unit. They are mounted directly onto the wall and quietly and effectively cool the area.
- Add on to your current central air system. One option is to simply extend your present HVAC system to cool the basement as well. However, this will only work if your current system can handle the extra square footage that your basement will add. Your technician can determine whether or not your existing system can sufficiently cool the extra space. If not, you might think about replacing your system with a bigger one. This might be a wise choice if your existing system is already over 8 years old. However, if it is relatively new and does not need replacing, but can not handle the additional load, the ductless mini-split system is still an option.
Other Options for Effective Basement Cooling
A split system is normally the very best option for effective basement cooling. A ductless split system uses 2 separate elements– an outside condenser unit and an indoor evaporator coil– that work together to supply both heating and cooling power. The condenser unit sits outside your home and is connected to the evaporator through a line that goes through your attic. This setup keeps your a/c costs lower than they would be if you had an entire central system in your basement because only part of it needs to run at any given time.
A ductless split system is additionally more energy-efficient than central systems because it doesn’t use ductwork or fans to disperse cool air throughout your house like central systems do. This means that you won’t have hot spots in areas where there’s not enough circulation because the ductless system will heat or cool only the space where you need to have it most.
Basement HVAC Installation by North Star Heating & Air Conditioning
When your finished basement is cool and comfy, you’ll unquestionably appreciate the extra living space it offers. Let North Star Heating & Air Conditioning in West Jordan, Utah, help with your basement HVAC installation so that it looks as good as it feels. Whether you decide to add onto your existing system or install new equipment, North Star Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Call today at (801) 285-9022 for a free estimate on a new unit.
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