Crawl space encapsulation is a very good idea if you live in colder climates because it will effectively heat the area and help prevent any damage to belongings that are sitting idle.
Crawl space encapsulation has a lot of benefits. It can help homeowners reduce their monthly energy bills and help them stay comfortable in their homes year-round. Most homeowners have issues with their home being too hot or too cold, especially during the colder winter months.
It is estimated that almost half of all energy used to heat and cool American homes goes towards the heating and cooling of the crawl space. This is due in large part to an un-insulated, unconditioned area under a home where hot or cold air can easily escape into the living areas of the house. Crawl spaces are often dirt floors, with no vapor barrier to prevent moisture from seeping in.
This leads to several problems that can be avoided by having your crawl space encapsulated. These include mildew growth, rot, dampness and odor. When these issues are left untreated they can lead to expensive repairs and health risks. Researchers have found that homes with crawl spaces have a 30% higher risk of having toxic black mold than homes with basements.
Crawl space encapsulation is the process of covering an unconditioned crawl space with a vapor barrier and insulation. It has been estimated that when properly insulated and encapsulated, a home’s energy usage can be reduced by up to 40% when heating and cooling costs are factored in. This can lead to significant savings on utility bills, especially when combined with other energy saving measures such as installing solar panels. An encapsulated crawl space will remain dry, warm in the winter months and cool in the summer, meaning homeowners will spend less time heating or cooling their homes.
