What is the best way to heat my finished basement?

We have a fully underground basement. Walls are poured concrete. Ceilings 8'. Approx 1500 sq feet. 1500 sq feet finished. Elec furnace. Three heat vents open in basement. In the summer it is fab to go down there to escape the heat but in the winter it is chilly enough that the kids won't ever go down. I'd guess the temp with just the heat vents open to be maybe 55-60F. What is a safe and quick way to heat the area? I only want to heat it on occassion to about 70F. I have 2 small electric, portable space heaters but they take forever & don't get the space much warmer. I'm wondering if something like Eden Pure or possibly a ventless fireplace would do the trick. On days like today, when we are totally snowed in, it is so much better for the sanity of the entire family if they are down there playing away! :) Should also add that I am scared to death to handle anything that uses any fuel (propane) so that it is probably not a good option for me. Thanks Much!

Public Comments

1. You could put in a direct vent gas fireplace.
2. It looks to me like you might have to put up with what you have. Previous to finishing the basement you could have put in heating coils in the floor. This type of ambient heating works like magic to heat the floor and keeps the space very comfortable. The problem is that it has to be installed whatever flooring you put in. The good news is that the temperature you describe is totally healthy for your children to play. I would recommend that you put a light jacket on them or a heavy cardigan, hoodie, or such and let them go wild. Kids rarely feel the cold like we do. Just make sure that there are no dangerous hazards for them..unplug and remove the small space heaters..and let them have fun. Hope this helps.
3. You should look at electric baseboard heaters. They are 220V and can be thermostaticly controlled. With any heat in this space you will need to keep the basement door closed so the heat doesn't rise out of the basement.
4. Electric Basebard heat is a good option, but with an already finished basement you may have to run conduit if there is no access behind the walls
5. Some very good suggestions made here but as they say, only good when planning it in before construction. I dont know how much you want to spend (electric bills, etc), but try considering an indoor kerosene heater such as Sun makes. I have one that I use as backup. It is rated for a 1000 foot area, burns very economically and has a fantastic safety device built in that if you bump it, it shuts itself off immediately. If you dont like the idea of having K-1 around, you are limited to after market electric heaters.