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This summer I will start the process of finishing my basement and I am looking into my heating options. I live in a newly renovated, small Cape Code style house. I have a 95% efficient forced hot air furnace that runs off natural gas.

When I had the new furnace installed I made sure they sized the furnace to handle heating my basement too. However, I didn't realize how difficult it would be to keep the temperature even between the main floor and the top floor when everything is on one zone. Through much trial and error I have been able to find a good balance. However, I am worried that if I add the basement onto this same zone it will throw everything out of whack.

The unfinished basement is 35'x25'. I will add walls to make a small pantry and a small utility room. The basement will be properly insulated when finished. I know electric baseboard in an option but I hear it is expensive to run. In-floor heating would require a separate boiler and I'm not really a fan of that. My father-in-law suggests that I use one or two space heaters, the ones that have the fake flame you can see from the front and use very little electricity. I've also read that some people install a direct vent natural gas fireplace with a blower, but I'm not sure if that will heat the entire space or if it is just good for supplemental heat.

Any suggestions? Thanks.