Adding a home addition is exciting: You’re gaining more space for your family to spread out and enjoy. But one of the most missed questions when making this decision is how to keep that new space warm through Michigan’s long winters.
At Custom Built, we’ve spent decades helping Michigan families design and build home additions that aren’t just beautiful but also functional year-round. We know firsthand that heating and cooling a new space requires careful planning, and the right choice can make the difference between a drafty room and a comfortable retreat.
In this article, we’ll walk you through six heating options for home additions, explain how to choose the one that fits your home, and help you avoid costly mistakes that could affect your comfort and energy bills:
- Extending Your Existing HVAC System
- Ductless Mini-Split System
- Radiant Floor Heating
- Electric Baseboard Heaters
- Fireplace or Wood Stove
- Dedicated Furnace/AC System for the Addition
1. Extending Your Existing HVAC System
If your furnace and ductwork have enough capacity, extending your current system into the new space is often the simplest option.
Pros:
- Keeps your whole home on one system.
- If capacity is calculated correctly and your room is insulated, you will maintain consistent heating from room to room.
- No extra maintenance schedule.
Cons:
- Requires your current system to be properly sized.
- Adding square footage can strain an undersized furnace.
- It will involve ductwork modifications.
This option works best if your furnace is fairly new and has the capacity to handle the additional load.
2. Ductless Mini-Split System
PC: HomeGuide
A ductless mini-split is a wall-mounted unit that heats and cools the space independently of your main system.
Pros:
- Provides both heating and cooling.
- High energy efficiency.
- Doesn’t require ductwork.
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost compared to duct extensions.
- A visible unit in the room.
Mini-splits are a strong option for homeowners who want precise control of the temperature in their new addition.
3. Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant heating involves coils or hot-water tubes installed beneath your flooring, warming the space from the ground up. While this is not sufficient on its own, radiant floor heating can make a big difference in how a space feels.
Pros:
- Even, comfortable heat with no drafts.
- Silent and hidden system.
- Works especially well in bathrooms or sunrooms.
Cons:
- Higher installation cost.
- Best installed during construction, not afterward.
- Not a sufficient heating solution on its own.
For families who want cozy comfort underfoot in the winter, radiant floor heat is hard to beat.
4. Electric Baseboard Heaters
PC: The Spruce
A traditional but still-used option is electric baseboard heating, which runs along the bottom of the walls.
Pros:
- Low installation cost.
- Simple to operate.
Cons:
- Higher energy bills in the long run.
- Takes up wall space.
- Less efficient compared to modern alternatives.
Baseboards can be a short-term solution, but most families choose more efficient heating options.
5. Fireplace or Wood Stove
In some additions, like sunrooms or cozy sitting areas, a gas fireplace or wood stove can serve as both a focal point and a heat source.
Pros:
- Creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- Can supplement another system.
- Adds design character.
Cons:
- Usually not enough to heat the space on its own.
- Requires venting or chimney installation.
This is a good option if your family enjoys the ambiance of a fire alongside practical heat.
6. Dedicated Furnace/AC System for the Addition
Installing a separate furnace and AC unit designed specifically for your home addition gives the space its own heating and cooling source.
Pros:
- Independent control of the addition’s temperature.
- No risk of overloading your existing system.
- Ideal for large additions or year-round use.
Cons:
- Higher upfront installation cost.
- Requires its own maintenance schedule.
- Takes up additional space for equipment.
This option works best if your current furnace is already near capacity or if you want your addition to have a fully independent system for long-term comfort.
How to Know Which Heating Option Is Right for Your Home Addition
Choosing the best heating method isn’t about picking the fanciest system or the cheapest one; it’s about matching the right solution to your home, your lifestyle, and your long-term plans. Here are the main factors every Michigan homeowner should weigh:
1. Current HVAC Capacity
If your furnace and ductwork already run near maximum, extending your existing system may not be enough. Undersized systems can struggle to heat both your original home and the addition efficiently, increasing energy costs and wear.
Options like a ductless mini-split or a dedicated furnace/AC system can provide independent control without overloading your current setup.
2. Size and Purpose of the Addition
How you plan to use the space matters.
Radiant floor heating works well in sunrooms for cozy underfoot warmth, while a large family room addition may benefit from extending your main HVAC system or installing a dedicated unit for consistent comfort.
Fireplace or wood stove options work best as supplemental heat for casual or secondary spaces.
3. Budget Considerations
Electric baseboard heaters have a lower upfront cost but can raise long-term energy bills. Radiant floors, ductless mini-splits, and dedicated systems cost more initially but often provide energy savings, comfort, and durability that pay off over time.
4. Design and Aesthetic Goals
Do you want your heating hidden or as part of the room’s character? Radiant floors are invisible and silent, while fireplaces or wood stoves double as functional design features. A mini-split can be efficient, but it will be visible on a wall.
5. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Michigan winters demand efficiency. Mini-splits, radiant floors, and modern insulated systems reduce energy costs and improve year-round comfort. If lowering your carbon footprint matters, these options are worth considering.
6. Long-Term Plans for the Home
If you plan to stay long-term, investing in durable, high-efficiency heating makes sense. If resale is on your horizon, an addition with a reliable, well-integrated system can improve comfort appeal and home value.
7. Building Codes and Comfort Standards
Any system must comply with Michigan building codes and properly heat the new space. Working with a licensed contractor ensures your addition meets safety and comfort standards, whether you extend your existing system, install a mini-split, or go with a dedicated unit.
Next Steps to Building Your Home Addition
Heating a home addition in Michigan isn’t just about picking the first option that comes to mind; it’s about creating a space that stays comfortable, efficient, and tailored to your family’s needs.
Now you know the most common heating solutions, how they compare, and what factors matter most when deciding.
At Custom Built, we’ve helped families across Michigan design and build additions that feel like a true part of their home, not an afterthought.
Ready to start planning your addition? Talk with our team about your goals, and we’ll walk you through the heating options that make the most sense for your home and your family.
Now that you know more about how to heat a home addition in Michigan, let’s explore how to build an addition for aging-in-place, how much your project will cost, and how to upgrade your home addition:
- How To Build a Home Addition for Aging Parents in Michigan - Discover how to build a home addition that is comfortable and exciting for your golden years.
- How Much Does a Home Addition Cost at Custom Built? - Explore the costs behind the home additions you just learned about, complete with essential factors influencing the price.
- 5 Top Ways to Upscale Your Home Addition in Lansing, MI - From heated flooring to skylights, this article explores how to elevate your home addition and create an elegant living space for years.
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