Right now there is a drop ceiling and the thin paneling on the walls. It gets a bit chilly in the winter and we want to start using it as our family room.
If we rip out the paneling but keep the framing, then insulate and drywall, will we notice a significant change? Our house has radiator heating. I was also thinking about adding a radiator to go in the basement. What do you think?
If we rip out the paneling, we would also like to put in a new ceiling. Should I try to insulate under the new ceiling as well? There is quite a bit of wiring and pipes. If some of the pipes are too low for the ceiling (which the radiator pipes probably will be), we will just pain them white to blend in.
Thanks!How much will insulating the basement walls help keep it warmer?Insulating the walls will help but not as much as insulating the ceiling. When air heats it rises so if you are in the basement the normal flow will be to bring the cooler air down to the basement and the heat to the upstairs. By adding insulation in the ceiling it will help trap the air in the lower part of the house and making it much more comfortable. Good luck
