![]() ![]() Go to this link to read all about Basement Supplemental Heating by John Browning. I call these other methods as supplemental heating if needing to get the basement heated well without spending big bucks. If you don’t meet up to your demands in BTU’s there are other ways to achieve your goals. ![]() I believe the above chart is based on an average 8 foot high ceiling and vaulted or higher ceiling’s is another formula. If you have all your square footage, here’s a quick reference chart below: I suggest using a web site calculator such as the one found at this link BTU Calculator and this following link explains all this much more How to Calculate BTU Per Square Foot In my opinion and using this basement finishing 102 knowledge, if the BTU’s are enough for cooling then it’s more than adequate for heating since conditioned air blows slower than heated air in most systems. ![]() This is provided that the existing unit has had a good life with enough payback because if not, the old unit can be sold on Craigslist or maybe eBay to help with the cost of the newer unit. There are a few ways to calculate BTU’s depending on the type of heating system you have and the type of fuel that is being burned not to mention other factors such as windows, temperature needs and so on. Note that in replacing an older furnace that is only 80% efficient with a HR (high recovery) unit which is also wise in that it can slowly pay for itself over time as well. If not, there are options before you go and replace the furnace or add a 2nd furnace. Here’s some simple math you can do and this is provided your furnace has enough BTU’s (British Thermo Units) for output per hour to not only heat the other floors of the home but the basement as well. So before any walls are built in the basement, you want to make sure your system is fully efficient since you won’t have a chance to remedy this thereafter. In two story homes requiring heat or more so air conditioning to the 2nd floor, almost always have an issue cooling the 2nd floor and not as much of an issue with heat since heat rises and cold air falls. I’m not an HVAC expert but common sense will indicate that what goes in must come out. If it’s not sealed like this, make note that forced air furnaces build up a low amount of air pressure also known as static pressure. If your basement has a forced air furnace and you have a main supply line, look at all the sheet metal connections and if they are not sealed up as you see in the following image, you may want to take care of these leaking spots first Sealed Air Duct So first let’s take a walk around the basement and you might want a step ladder and flash light handy. Hopefully you did read my blog how to finish a basement 101 and now know how valuable this first step making a perfect plan is in the entire construction process of basement finishing. ![]()
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