A finished basement is a fantastic addition to any home, expanding available living space while raising your home’s value. To make a remodeled basement livable, it’s important to consider how to update or add a reliable air conditioner to it to ensure maximum comfort. Have a look at the guide below to learn more about some of the best HVAC options for your basement.

What Options Are Available?

For air conditioners and heating systems that are less than 10 years old, it may be possible to extend the existing ductwork to cover your finished basement. The viability of this option also depends on the power output of the unit and your usage habits, so it’s best to have your system inspected prior to expansion.

However, ductless mini-split systems are popular alternatives for many homeowners since they won’t require additional ducting or add strain to your existing system. These heat or cool only one room, requiring only a direct connection to the outdoors for ventilation and intake. 

Because basements tend to be cooler than above-ground portions of a home, the mini-split system will be more thermally efficient than a traditional air conditioner. In conjunction with the lower temperatures in most basements, a mini-split unit will require less energy for cooling in the summer, and the natural insulation of the surrounding soil will enable it to use less heat in the winter.

What Are the Factors to Consider?

Finishing a basement can increase the square footage of your home by several hundred feet, which can be a significant burden for a traditional HVAC unit. Before you extend existing ductwork, you should schedule an inspection with an HVAC specialist to determine if your system can handle the additional load. It’s possible that, even if your air conditioner isn’t up to the task, it can be upgraded to handle the extra space.

An upgrade can come with additional costs, as your basement will require extra ducting along with installation costs. Furthermore, if it’s necessary to add another air conditioning unit, the amount of available space in your finished basement can be restricted. 

This is especially true if the space is being kept as a single large area, which will require a more powerful individual unit for effective climate control. On the other hand, if you’re dividing your basement into several smaller areas or rooms, several smaller units will allow you to adjust the temperature in each more efficiently and without reducing available living space.

If you’re looking for the best air conditioner for your finished basement, turn to Ray's Heating, Plumbing, Electric in Salmon, ID. The HVAC specialists at this family-owned and operated company have been serving residents of Lemhi and Custer Counties and the surrounding areas since 1971, establishing a reputation for reliable and efficient services on jobs of all sizes. Visit them online to learn more about their services, or call (208) 756-3649 to schedule an appointment today.