How to keep a basement warm – 4 pro tips to transform your subterranean space, including smart decor choices and draft-proofing

Basements have a reputation for being dark, cold, and generally unpleasant to be in unless it is fully converted. But how can you keep a basement warm to make it more functional, be it a storage spot, utility room, or secret den?

From insulation to kitting it out with the right furnishings, there are several ways you can trap heat to make this underground space a little more habitable.

There is more to it than investing in the best way to heat a basement, however. Here’s what the experts suggest to keep it toasty.

How to keep a basement warm

If you are rarely in your basement, you might not see much point in keeping it warm. However, Nick Barber, LLC manager at Utilities Now, points out that it could damage your home. ‘Keeping a basement warm is a matter of both comfort and protection. A cold basement can lead to moisture accumulation, which invites mold and mildew to grow, presenting health risks and structural damage. A warm basement, on the other hand, reduces the overall demand for energy in your house by reducing heat loss from the upper floors. It is an investment in both your home's longevity and your daily comfort.’

With that in mind, here’s how to keep the heat in without sending your bills sky-high.

1. Add a source of heat

It should go without saying that to keep a space warm, you need something to heat it. For basements, there are a few home heating options depending on how you use the space, continues Nick Barber.

He explains, ‘The most appropriate way to heat a basement depends on its size and the purposes the basement is put to.

‘Space heaters [such as the top-rated Skonyon portable oscillating space heater, from Target] for small areas are the go-to solution for the sake of speed and saving money, but extending the central HVAC system or using radiant floor heating, particularly for long-term fixation, is advisable. Otherwise, electric baseboard heaters or ductless mini-split systems would also be fine in terms of efficiency, performance, and controllable heat.

‘If the basement is frequently used, the installment of radiant flooring (one of the best basement floors) assures unwavering warmth and comfort.’

2. Add thick soft furnishings

Heating will certainly help to keep your basement warm, but that heat will quickly dissipate if it is soaking into cold brick and concrete.

Brad Roberson, president at Aire Serv, a Neighborly company, suggests using cozy decorating ideas to kit out a basement with thick soft furnishings to add an extra layer of comfort that will keep heat in – ‘They can also use carpets to help insulate the floor. Investing in thermal curtains [available in several lengths and colors at Walmart] is a great curtain hack for a warmer home, and can also help keep the temperature comfortable.’

3. Insulate and seal drafts

As with any other area of the home, basement insulation ideas and draft-proofing will help to stop air transfer to keep warm air in and cold air out.

Nick Barber says, ‘Insulating an uninsulated basement is a great way to retain warmth. Start by sealing gaps and cracks in the foundation walls with caulk or expanding spray foam. Install rigid foam insulation boards directly onto the walls or spray foam to create a thermal barrier. For the floors, add an insulated subfloor or area rugs to reduce cold transfer.

‘Besides, insulating pipes and ducts can also stop the loss of heat from your space and keep your entire space more comfortable during a harsh winter. In the process, it'll make the basement cozier, plus it improves overall energy efficiency to cut energy bills for your home.’

4. Check door and window seals

If your basement has external access points, Max Veggeberg, HVAC expert and CEO at Tetra recommends checking them over and fixing drafty doors or sealing window gaps to stop air leaks. ‘Ensuring all exterior doors and windows are properly sealed and insulated will further enhance warmth and make heating more efficient in the basement,’ he explains.

Basements are one of the best spots to insulate in a home to keep it warm all winter. To truly eliminate hot and cold spots in your basement, consider using a thermal camera, from Amazon, to locate cold points in the space, and focus your efforts on insulating these areas. A professional contractor will be able to do this for you and advise on the best type of insulation for your space, too, to keep a poorly insulated home warm.