What can I do to insulate a basement?

Question:I'm moving in with a friend who is renting a home. And my living room suite will be placed in a corner of the basement. The basement temperature is about 72 degrees F. I live in southwest Ohio and the average summer/winter temp here is about 85-90/10-25 degrees F. My question is, what can I do to insulate that portion of the basement, to keep heat in during the winter? The basement is unfinished and has no insulation. We’re renting, so there is not much I can do far as home improvement goes.

So far, my friend suggested hanging bed sheets from the ceiling around the living area and to put down a rug for insulation. This may be my only option, but I would like more input. I don’t care if it looks tacky, as long as it doesn’t get terribly cold down there.

Also, I know many will suggest that I don’t move in, but I cannot resist the offer given to me. The monthly rent is only $275 mo., plus utilities.

All suggestions are welcomed!

Thanks

Jason

Answers:
The ground around Dayton is about 56F, so it's not like you need a LOT of insulation. If you seal it up too tight, you're going to be unhappy with the moisture problems you create.

There are probably cracks in the walls. Use aerosol foam insulation to fill them.

The windows are probably leakier than hell. Put up storm windows on the outside, and put another sheet of clear plastic on the inside.

Part of the basement is going to be above-ground. You might want to cover that part of the walls with foam sheathing.

Cold floors are miserable. You need to put down not just carpeting, but padding as well.

Good luck!