The basement of an old cape style house was heated with electric years ago. The post and beam floor joists, after being repaired, were insulated with fiberglass supported with chicken wire. The insulation has been in place since the 60’s and appears to be quite dusty and ratty in places. A forced hot air system located in the basement has replaced the electric heat source. The basement is unoccupied and for utility only (200 year old foundation, dirt floor, rubble walls). Should the insulation be removed and the joist spaces be cleaned to allow upper room air to freely circulate?
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Duh !..What upper room air?
If the basement is not used, why heat it? Seems like a waste to me. Keep the insulation you have, and fix it as needed. Keep that valuable heat in the living space above.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA