Heating Up: Best HVAC Solutions for Your Basement Suite
If you have plans to build out your basement into a legal secondary suite, choosing a mechanical solution for your space is a critical decision that will have trickle down impacts to the rest of your projects construction, as well as the operation of your suite for years to come.
First let’s discuss our options. An independent heating and ventilation system, that includes independent ductwork is required for a legal secondary suite. Key word, independent. If your home has an existing furnace that serves the entire home the ductwork that is servicing the new secondary suite will need to be capped/removed, or if you are lucky, you may be able to make some modifications and tie the branches into a new duct header from the new furnace.
1. Furnace: A forced air furnace is the most typical heating system used across Canadian Homes. It is a tried and true method of heating/ventilating a home that most commonly utilizes natural gas.
2. Baseboard Heating & HRV: An HRV (heat recovery ventilator) can be installed in lieu of a furnace to meet the air change requirements. If this option is selected, electric or hydronic baseboard heating must be installed. HRV’s are becoming commonplace in new construction homes as means to increase a homes’ energy efficiency.
3. Radiant Heating & HRV: Radiant heating is a method of installing hydronic or electric lines in the floor to distribute heat throughout the entire area they are installed.
Furnace
o Pros
§ Lower operating costs for the property owner / tenants, as natural gas is a much lower energy cost than electricity (typically up to 50% lower a year).
§ Reliable system that is used in almost every home in Canada.
§ Timing to heat a space is quite quick.
o Cons
§ Sizable footprint required for furnace, ductwork, and branches affecting the mechanical room footprint and size of bulkheads throughout the space. This can be a challenge in basements with lower existing ceiling heights, and if your basement is already finished.
§ Higher upfront purchase cost of equipment.
o Overall
§ If you have ample space in your mechanical room and are planning to finish an unfinished basement, installing a furnace typically offers the best long-term benefits. Despite the higher initial cost, the savings on utilities over time can be substantial. This added value can also help retain tenants, making it a worthwhile investment even if you cover the utility expenses.
§ However, if you're converting an illegal suite to a legal one and prefer not to undertake extensive renovations throughout the home, an HRV and baseboard heating may be more suitable.
Baseboard Heating & HRV
o Pros
§ Baseboard heaters are relatively inexpensive, and can be placed in rooms where best suited.
§ HRV’s have a small footprint, typically installed in the ceiling space of the mechanical room. Small ductwork branches are installed to each space, minimizing bulkhead sizes.
o Cons
§ Requires an additional heating source such as electric or radiant baseboard heaters. Although this equipment is cheap, they require additional electrical circuits and/or hydronics from a boiler / hot water heater.
§ Electricity is a very expensive form of energy to heat your home, costing the property owner or tenants significantly more each year.
o Overall
§ Despite their initial affordability, they typically lead to greater long-term expenses. It's common to underestimate the importance of ensuring proper airflow within the suite when installing them. If your suite isn't nearing completion, we recommend exploring alternative heating options instead.
Radiant Heating & HRV
o Pros
§ Radiant heating is a much more comfortable type of heating as it does not rely on air. Radiant heat ‘radiates’ across the space, creating a much more balanced heating rather than forced air, where hot air is diffused out of certain locations.
§ Very cost-effective source of heating. Radiant heating costs on average a third of forced air heating.
§ HRV’s have a small footprint, typically installed in the ceiling space of the mechanical room. Small ductwork branches to each space, minimizing bulkhead sizes.
o Cons
§ Large upfront costs (ranging from $7 to $16 a sqft), a radiant heating system requires significant foresight as it must be installed in-slab. To remove the existing slab to install the piping / electric coils and than re-pour the concrete is a significant project cost which makes it unfeasible.
· There are small electrical systems that can be installed that are typically seen in bathrooms under tile, but this would be very costly to complete across an entire basement from an installation and operation perspective.
§ This system will require additional mechanical system such as separate boiler, or dual boiler / water heater.
§ Like baseboard heaters, this system will still require an HRV to exchange the air in the space.
o Overall
§ Radiant heating offers significant long-term energy efficiency and cost savings for your suite. However, the initial installation cost can be substantial, which may deter some individuals.
In conclusion, selecting the right mechanical solution for your basement secondary suite is crucial, as it impacts not only the construction phase but also the long-term operation of your space. Whether you choose a forced air furnace, baseboard heating with an HRV, or radiant heating with an HRV, each option has its unique benefits and challenges.
Carefully consider your current setup, budget, and long-term goals when making your decision. Investing the time and resources into the right system now will pay off in comfort, efficiency, and cost savings for years to come.
