Almost done framing the basement now I am wondering if it will pay to insulate. Its 8″ block walls, mostly below grade and I have framed 2X4 walls and have allowed at least 1.5″ and up to 4″ airspace (since the foundation was not square) between the framing and block and plan on using 1/2″ drywall has the finish. I will have to install baseboard heat since the hvac contractor tells me that the heat pump was not sized to heat the basement. So will it pay to insulate and is so what r factor should I use. The basement will be used as a tv room and storage along with the existing laundry. I am located in central pa. By the way the floor above has been insulated.
Thanks
Dan
Replies
Short and simple....yes! Rigid foam board, fiber glass, blown in cellulose, etc. all of it will make difference in the amount of heat loss through the walls. One of the largest single heat loss areas in most basements are the masonary walls wheather concrete or concrete block. Right after water is stone, rock, or concrete, for heat transfer. Figure your wall temps. to be around the same temp. as the earth at four or five foot depth.....55 degrees F. Great for cooling, but a constant 15 degrees below a comfortable 70 degree heating set point. Heat flows toward the cold wall constantly. By insulating you are slowing down the rate at which it flows, and subsequently reducing the amount of time your baseboard heaters need to run to make up the difference.