Basement HVAC Installation: What to Expect

If you’re trying to finish your basement and wondering if basement HVAC installation is possible, the answer is yes! You can have air conditioning installed in your basement. Depending on what sort of HVAC devices 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 easier for your purposes.

Most Typical Obstacles When it Comes Down To Cooling a Basement

While you can install HVAC in the basement, there are some obstacles to think about when it comes to basement cooling. Some of the most common obstacles to keep in mind include:

• Dampness/humidity. Basements are frequently dampish, because they are underground. Keeping out excess humidity is a constant 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 inadequate air quality, which can result in mold growth and health issues.
• Additional square footage (when finished later on). When a basement is finished after the rest of the house it adds additional space that really needs to be cooled beyond what was originally there when the present air conditioner was installed. The size of a home’s HVAC system is determined based upon the amount of square feet to be cooled.

Cooling Solutions for Your Basement HVAC Installation

The good news is that there are plenty of cooling options that can make your basement more comfy. These options include:

• Dehumidifier. Air conditioners naturally manage humidity levels in any area that is being cooled. However, it may still be smart to use a separate dehumidifier to remove much more excess moisture from the air. This makes sure that humidity is effectively managed and that your air conditioner can run more efficiently. The natural dampness of basements can lead to 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 a/c systems are perfect for cooling a single space and only need an extremely small hole in the wall for a pipe to hook up 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 system. One option is to just extend your present HVAC system to cool the basement as well. However, this will only work if your current system can manage the extra square footage that your basement will add. If you are unsure about this, the general contractor can determine whether or not your existing system can adequately cool the extra space. If not, you might consider replacing your system with a larger one (this might be a smart choice if your existing system is already over eight years old). Nevertheless, if it is relatively new and does not require replacing, but can not handle the extra load, the ductless mini-split system is still an option.

Other Options for Efficient Basement Cooling

A split system is typically the very best option for efficient basement cooling. A ductless split system uses 2 separate elements. An outside condenser system and an indoor evaporator coil– that work together to supply both heating and cooling power. The condenser unit sits outside your house and is connected to the evaporator through a line that runs 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 also more energy-efficient than central systems because it does not use ductwork or fans to distribute 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 airflow 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