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mackstann · 06-10-14, 11:42 AM

I think you're fine not insulating the floor. The energy savings is pretty small compared to insulating the walls. Most of the energy loss in a basement is to the outdoor air and the upper surface of the ground. Deep underground, the energy loss (in both summer and winter) is fairly minimal because the ground is only about 20 degrees away from the typical indoor temp. The top part of the wall is the most important to insulate. As you move down, it's less beneficial. Once you get to the floor, it becomes hard to justify economically -- although it can help keep your feet comfortable (if cold feet bother you). Logically, it would reduce your free cooling in the summertime.

06-10-14, 11:42 AM	#3
mackstann Lurking Renovator Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 21 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	I think you're fine not insulating the floor. The energy savings is pretty small compared to insulating the walls. Most of the energy loss in a basement is to the outdoor air and the upper surface of the ground. Deep underground, the energy loss (in both summer and winter) is fairly minimal because the ground is only about 20 degrees away from the typical indoor temp. The top part of the wall is the most important to insulate. As you move down, it's less beneficial. Once you get to the floor, it becomes hard to justify economically -- although it can help keep your feet comfortable (if cold feet bother you). Logically, it would reduce your free cooling in the summertime.