Help with heating solution in...

[anotherconsumer]

(I read the rules for posting here and as far as I know this is not against them)

We are getting bids and looking for a new split unit for our house because the Ruud one we have is 25 years old and not producing heat. The problem is we have a reverse basement house with 1,700sqft. (the front door enters in the lower level and the back door exits at the upper level) which is on a hill placing the lower lever almost completely underground. My wife has a photography studio in the first floor where she frequently takes portraits of babies and children...we need it warm down there. The unit will not be able to heat the lower level very well and we have electricity and not gas. My question is: What is the best way to heat the downstairs which contains a 12x22 room and a converted one car garage? We have looked at electric fireplaces but the most I can find is a 10,000 BTU with a 220 plug. I was wanting something that could maybe give more heat if it is needed.

Hopefully this is enough information and someone has an idea of an option we could look at. I am just at a loss of the best route to go. Thanks for the ideas and time guys!!!

[coolwhip]

Check out mrslim.com.

[pecmsg]

Originally posted by anotherconsumer
(I read the rules for posting here and as far as I know this is not against them)

At least someone reads the rules.

My wife has a photography studio in the first floor where she frequently takes portraits of babies and children...we need it warm down there.

If she is just taking pictures then no problem. If she is developing then watch out for the chemicals that she uses. The newer equ doesn’t like them.

Look to see if the duct work can be zoned without to much trouble. If not then 2 units or as coolwhip stated Mr Slim. Check there web site at http://www.mrslim.com/

Please do a heat loss. Basements in the summer are damp. You need to dry the air not cool it.

[anotherconsumer]

I checked out the mr. slim and I am sure it would work, but I was trying to find something in a lower price range. Is there a way to get a lot of heat using electric heat?