unheated/unfinished basement - will heating it help?

paspar2

I live in a 100+ year old foursquare. Its pretty well insulated

(Walls, attic) and have new windows etc. The 2nd floor is typically warm

and the 3rd floor is always warm and we never turn on the heat up

there. The problem is the 1st floor, the thermostat is set to 71-73 and

even though it “senses” the require temp and shuts the heat, it never

actually feels warm. The basement is unfinished with a slab (more like

patchwork of slabs) for a floor and bare brick wall. the ceiling is

insulated with r30 but is not finished with sheetrock or anything. The

floors are very cold on the 1st floor and there is always this chill in the air.



I am thinking I need to heat the basement in order for the 1st floor

to be more comfortable, especially when it dips down to less than 15f..



my question: how can I heat my basement using gas and without using

my chimney in the most efficient and safe way? I dont have plans on

finishing the space. The current heating system in the house is a

hydro-air type system.



thanks