cold and uncomfortable basements

If your basement is cold and uncomfortable but without structural moisture, the solution doesn't lie in drainage, waterproofing or insulation.

In many cases, damp and cold basements demand waterproofing and insulation, or surface drainage in the outdoors... But in other cases, the problem is in the heating system inadequacy, or in air leaks in the upper parts of the house, or in unsealed combustion appliances and duct leaks, or even in insufficient lighting...

Heating and cooling system

In some cases, basement coldness and humidity can be put under control trough a properly sized and energy-efficient cooling and heating system. If your basement is uncomfortable, you should assess your heating and cooling system efficiency and adequacy.

Appliances

Replace or fix problems with unsealed combustion appliances. Sealed combustion furnaces or water heaters will significantly reduce excessive airflow. Pay also attention to atmospherically vented appliances. They may also be a cause of coldness.

Duct leaks and condensation problems in basements

Pay attention to duct leaks. Instead of delivering the airflow to the rest of the house, leaky ducts can unbalance the whole system and make the basement colder.

Leaks

Air in lower parts of the home will escape through any opening (attic, windows and doors leaks…) at the upper parts of the building, which can make the basement colder. In other words: sealing the upper openings of the house may have a very positive impact in basement temperatures.

Lighting the basement

Some basements are clearly unappealing because of insufficient lighting. To avoid it, you should maximize natural lighting (windows, tubular skylights…) and rethink the basement electric system.

See, for more details: Energy efficient lighting ideas for basements

Dehumidifiers

Installing an Energy Star or other qualified dehumidifier doesn't solve structural problems, but may help to solve odors and minor moisture manifestations.

See: Dehumidifiers and Basics on Humidity.