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 home, there are various ways to go about it. You can install a multi-zone thermostat or get another thermostat to provide this area independent control. Or maybe a ductless mini-split would be easier for your purposes.

Several Typical Challenges When it Comes Down To Cooling a Basement

While you can install HVAC in the basement, there are some challenges to consider when it comes to basement cooling. A few of the most typical obstacles to remember are:

Dampness/humidity. Basements are frequently dampish, due to the fact that they are underground. Keeping out excess humidity is a consistent battle.
Windows (or lack thereof). Some basements do not have windows entirely. Others have extremely small windows that are frequently located up high at ground level. This can result in poor air quality, which can lead to mold growth and health problems.
Extra square footage (when finished later). When a basement is finished after the rest of the house it adds additional space that needs to be cooled beyond what was originally there when the present air conditioning unit was installed. The size of a house’s HVAC system is determined based on the number of square feet to be cooled.

Cooling Solutions for Your Basement HVAC Installation

Fortunately is that there are lots of cooling solutions that can make your basement more comfortable. These options include:

Dehumidifier. Air conditioners naturally deal with humidity levels in any space that is being cooled. Nevertheless, it may still be a good idea to use a separate dehumidifier to remove a lot more excess moisture from the air. This makes sure that humidity is properly handled and that your air conditioner can run more efficiently. The natural dampness of basements can result in mold and mildew growth if moisture is not kept in check.
Ductless mini-split system. Window systems are either difficult or impossible to use in basements. Ductless mini-split cooling systems are ideal for cooling a single room and only require a really little hole in the wall for a pipe to connect to an outside system. They are mounted directly onto the wall and quietly and efficiently cool the room.
Add on to your current central air conditioning system. One choice is to simply extend your current HVAC system to cool the basement as well. However, this will only work if your present system can handle the additional square footage that your basement will add. If you are not sure about this, the contractor can determine whether or not your existing unit can sufficiently cool the additional area. If not, you may think about replacing your system with a bigger one (this may be a wise choice if your existing system is already over 8 years old). However, if it is relatively new and does not require replacing, but can not handle the additional load, the ductless mini-split system is still an option.

Other Choices for Effective Basement Cooling

A split system is generally the very best option for efficient basement cooling. A ductless split system uses two separate components– an outside condenser unit and an indoor evaporator coil– that work together to provide both heating and cooling power. The condenser unit sits outside your house and is connected to the evaporator through a line that goes through your attic. This setup keeps your a/c expenses 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 due to the fact that it doesn’t use ductwork or fans to disperse cool air throughout your home like central systems do. This means that you will not have hot spots in areas where there’s not enough circulation because the ductless unit will heat or cool only the space where you need it most.

Basement HVAC Installation by North Star Heating & Air Conditioning Lehi UT

When your finished basement is cool and comfortable, you’ll unquestionably appreciate the additional living space it offers. Let North Star Heating & Air Conditioning Lehi UT help with your basement HVAC installation so that it looks as good as it feels. Whether you choose to add onto your existing system or install new equipment, North Star Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Call today at (385) 455-0010 for a complimentary estimate.