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 kind of HVAC equipment you already have in your home, there are different ways to go about it. You can install a multi-zone thermostat or get another thermostat to give this area independent control. Or maybe a ductless mini-split would be simpler 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 consider when it comes to basement cooling.

Some of the most common challenges to keep in mind include:

Dampness/humidity. Basements are often damp, because they are underground. Keeping out excess humidity is a constant battle.
Windows (or lack thereof). Some basements lack windows entirely. Others have very small windows that are often located up high at ground level. This can cause poor air quality, which can result in mold growth and health issues.
Extra square footage (when finished later). When a basement is finished after the rest of the home it adds additional space that needs to be cooled beyond what was originally there when the current air conditioner 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 good news is that there are plenty of cooling solutions that can make your basement more comfortable. These options include:

Dehumidifier. Air conditioners naturally manage humidity levels in any space that is being cooled. However, it may still be wise to use a separate dehumidifier to remove even more excess moisture from the air. This ensures that humidity is properly managed and that your AC can run more efficiently. The natural dampness of basements can lead to 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-split air conditioning systems are ideal for cooling a single room and only require a very small hole in the wall for a pipe to connect to an outside unit. They are mounted directly onto the wall and quietly and efficiently cool the room.
Add on to your current central air conditioning system. One option is to simply extend your current 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. If you are unsure about this, the contractor can calculate whether or not your existing unit can sufficiently cool the additional space. If not, you may consider replacing your system with a larger one (this may be a wise choice if your current system is already over eight years old). However, if it is relatively new and does not need replacing, but cannot handle the extra load, the ductless mini-split system is still an option.

Other Options for Efficient Basement Cooling

A split system is typically the best option for efficient basement cooling. A ductless split system uses two separate components – an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor evaporator coil – that work together to provide both heating and cooling power. The condenser unit sits outside your home and is connected to the evaporator through a line that runs through your attic. This setup keeps your air conditioning costs lower than they would be if you had an entire central system in your basement because only part of it needs to run at any given time.

A ductless split system is also more energy-efficient than central systems because it doesn’t use ductwork or fans to distribute cool air throughout your home like central systems do. This means that you won’t have hot spots in areas where there’s not enough airflow because the ductless unit will heat or cool only the space where you need it most.

Basement HVAC Installation by Mullin Heating and Air Conditioning

When your finished basement is cool and comfortable, you’ll truly enjoy the additional living space it offers . Let Mullin 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, Mullin air conditioning contractors can help. Call today at (918) 209-3306 for a free estimate.