So, you have an unfinished basement. Perhaps it’s the section of your home where seasonal decorations and exercise equipment go to be forgotten. Or maybe your basement is an empty space you walk through quickly because it’s too cold in the winter and too dank in the summer. If you’ve been thinking about making your basement more efficient and comfortable, you’re probably wondering if insulating your basement ceiling and walls is worth it. The answer is most likely yes, but let’s dig into why that's the case.
The Hidden Cost of an Unfinished Basement
If your basement is unfinished and uninsulated, you’re not just wasting potential additional living space; your home’s overall efficiency is also taking a hit. Uninsulated basements make your heating and cooling system work overtime, increasing your energy costs.
You could think the solution is to close the basement air vents. But if the builder planned ahead, he or she sized the heating and cooling system for the home’s entire square footage, including the basement, so you could finish it one day without changing the HVAC equipment. This means if you close the vents, you’ll throw off the return-supply balance and pressure your furnace or air conditioner to work harder, resulting in the opposite of what you were hoping for.
The best part is that insulating your basement can make your home more comfortable and could even lower your energy bill. It’s a win-win!
The Ins and Outs of Insulating a Basement
A thorough insulation job involves more than simply throwing some insulation on your walls or ceiling and calling it good. Several styles of insulation are available, each with pros and cons to think about. You need to also decide where insulation will be the most beneficial—in the walls or on the ceiling.
Insulating the Basement Walls
The majority of homes benefit from insulated basement walls. It’s like giving your home a cozy blanket to wrap around itself during cold weather, leading to serious energy savings. Insulating your walls also helps soundproof the space if you plan to build a home theater or other noise-generating features in the basement.
Note: If your basement is vulnerable to flooding or moisture, deal with these issues first. “Insulated” doesn’t mean “weatherproofed,” and wet insulation is a waste of money.
Insulating the Basement Ceiling
This determination as to whether to insulate your basement ceiling isn't so easy to make. It's true, insulating the ceiling makes the first floor of your home feel more cozy, but it can also make your basement chillier. If you intend to finish your basement at some point, you might not want to take this road. Rather than do that, you could install ductwork and vents, if not already present, to help balance the temperature. On the other hand, if your basement is only used for storage, go ahead and insulate that ceiling!
Insulating the Basement Floor
You’ve thought about the basement ceiling and walls, but have you considered the floor? If you reside in a cooler area or you plan to spend a lot of time in your new basement space, insulating the floor is a practical move. An insulated subfloor covered with your choice of carpet, wood or composite flooring will make your winter movie nights or game nights much nicer.
Types of Basement Insulation
There are options for insulating your basement. The most frequently used materials include:
- Spray foam: Ideal for walls and ceilings, spray foam fills every nook and cranny and also works as an effective air barrier.
- Foam boards: This versatile option is suitable for basement walls, ceilings and floors.
- Fiberglass batting: This frequently used insulation is optimal for filling the space between joists.
Basement Insulation R-Values
The R-value of an insulation material reflects its heat flow resistance. The greater the R-value, the better the insulation. While local building codes set the minimum R-value recommended for your neighborhood, buy product with an R-value that's higher if you can for the greatest efficiency. Here are some standard guidelines:
- An R-value of R-15 to R-19 is best for basement walls in most climates.
- An R-value of R-30 to R-60 is suggested for basement ceilings if you want to insulate between an unfinished basement and the living space above.
More Tips for a Warm and Enjoyable Basement
In addition to insulating, you can do several other things to keep your home and basement comfortable:
- Install a smart thermostat
- Seal the windows and doors
- Hang insulating curtains
- Lay down area rugs
- Put in radiant floor heating
- Run a dehumidifier
Choose Service Experts for Your Insulation Needs
Whether you want to boost your home’s insulation or install other comfort-enhancing accessories, choose Service Experts to solve your heating and cooling challenges. We offer premium quality, know-how and peace of mind, with 24/7 availability and a Service Experts Guarantee. If you’re eager to take the next step in home comfort in the U.S, contact Service Experts to request the services you need. Call (866) 963-7996 today to learn how we can help!
