Fireplaces, Heating Stoves, Flues and Chimneys - Heating a basement

We have recently finished our basement and looking forward to this winter I am debating how to heat the finished area. I am leaning towards a vent free natural gas stove. My local Lowes has them for around $600 and heats (if I remember correctly) ~1000 sq.ft. My wife mentioned the electric "faux flame" stove and it dosent give off as much heat. We dont need that much to heat the area, a big family room and a play area. The thing I am most worried about is the electric bill to run the electric stove.

I guess I am just looking for pros and cons, one vs. another and so on. Any help would be appreciated!!!

Thanks,
Mike

I would highly discourage going vent free. They have come a long way in safety but there is always the chance that the c/o monitor can fail and fill your living space with deadly gasses. Also they add to the humidity in the home a bunch and that's the last thing you want especially in a basement. Too add they are outlawed in many states and I believe Canada.

Could you not just cut in a couple supplies and a return from your existing HVAC system ?

Is there anythingI can do with my existing? I have hot water base board righ now in my uppper living space.

Thanks for the reply!

Unless it's undersized or at the limit i don't see why you couldn't just add a couple radiators down there. Not a tough job.

Vent free gas fireplaces are legal in 47 states and work quite well and are safe very when properly sized and maintained.