Learn About Basement HVAC Installation

If you’re looking 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 you currently have in your home, there are different 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.

Most Common Challenges When it Comes to Cooling a Basement

While you can install HVAC in the basement, there are some challenges to think about. Here are a few of the most typical challenges to keep in mind:

• Dampness/humidity. Basements are frequently damp, due to the fact that they are underground. Keeping out excess humidity is a constant battle.
• Windows (or lack thereof). Some basements lack windows entirely. Others have extremely small windows that are often situated up high at ground level. This can result in poor air quality, which can lead to mold growth and health problems.
• Additional square footage (when finished later on). When a basement is finished after the rest of the home it adds additional space that needs to be cooled beyond what was initially there when the current ac system was installed. The size of a home’s HVAC system is determined based on the number of square feet to be cooled.

Cooling Solutions for Your Basement HVAC Installation

The bright side is that there are a lot of cooling solutions 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 might still be smart to use a separate dehumidifier to remove much more excess moisture from the air. This guarantees that humidity is correctly handled and that your AC 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 units are either difficult or impossible to use in basements. Ductless mini-splits are ideal for cooling a single room. They only require a very little hole in the wall for a pipe to hook up to an outside system. They are mounted directly onto the wall and quietly and effectively cool the room.
• Add on to your present central air system. One option is to merely extend your existing HVAC system to cool the basement as well. However, this will only work if your current system can handle the additional square footage that your basement will add. Your HVAC technician can determine whether or not your existing unit can adequately cool the extra area. If not, you may consider replacing your system with a larger one. This might be a wise choice if your existing system is already over 8 years old. However, if it is relatively new but can not handle the additional load, the ductless mini-split system is still an option.

Other Alternatives for Effective Basement Cooling

A split system is usually the best option for effective basement cooling. A ductless split system uses 2 separate components. An outside condenser unit, and an indoor evaporator coil. These components 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 goes through your attic. This setup keeps your ac costs lower than if you had an entire central system in your basement. Since only part of it needs to run at any given time.

A ductless split system is also more energy-efficient than central systems. This is due to the fact that it does not use ductwork or fans to disperse cool air throughout your house like central systems do. This means that you will not have hot spots in areas where there’s insufficient circulation because the ductless system will heat or cool only the area where you need it most.

Basement HVAC Installation by Air Now Heating and Air Conditioning

When your finished basement is cool and comfy, you’ll unquestionably appreciate the extra living space it offers. Let Air Now Heating and Air Conditioning help with your basement HVAC installation so that it looks as good as it feels. Whether you decide to add onto your existing system or install new equipment, Air Now technicians can help. Call today at (801) 784-6343 for a free assessment.