Conditioned Crawlspaces

The extreme cold weather we experienced this winter has brought an assortment of mountain home problems to the forefront. One problem that we have seen frequently is that the extremity of temperature and conditions in crawlspaces can cause frozen plumbing pipes, frozen condensation lines, and make heating the floor area above a real burden on the HVAC system. We went on a an emergency call this winter to help thaw the condensation line for a client to get their heat back on and the outdoor air temperature was 7 degrees. When we went into the crawlspace area the temperature inside there was 11 degrees. There was no way that line could emit water and keep the furnace operable. It was like having your living space sit on a huge block of ice.

Traditional construction methods have been for builders to install foundation vents allowing air to flow into the crawlspace area and circulate. The idea is for the vents to be open in the summer or warm months and closed in the winter. Many homes have ‘automatic’ foundation vents that somehow open and close in the correct season. However, there always seems to be a couple that don’t cooperate. Cool air under the home in the summertime is mixed with hot humid air from the exterior through the open vents. Prefect conditions to create moisture and all the unwanted consequences of moisture under the home.   As that hot humid air cools it reaches a dew point.

Modern building science has evolved to see the flaws in the traditional practices. By eliminating the moisture and controlling the temperature in the crawlspace the home becomes much healthier and energy efficient.   Recently North Carolina adopted changes to the building code that allows builders to utilize these new ideas in new homes.

Some benefits of conditioned crawlspaces include:

Energy efficiency –

1. A lot of homes have HVAC duct work in the crawlspace. Imagine how hard the system has to work to push warm air through an 11 degree crawlspace to different areas of the home.
2. Even a well built house is going to have some type of penetrations that allow the crawlspace air to enter the lower level of the home.

Mold/ Mildew prevention –

1. Stopping the moisture can prevent mold and fungus growth that contributes to allergies and other health problems.
2. Controlling moisture will also protect your investment.  Homes are typically dependent on wood structural members that can become damaged or destroyed over time when exposed to prolonged moisture.

Plumbing protection –

1. Conditioning the crawlspace eliminates the practical issue of frozen pipes which can be very destructive to a home.

Going green in your crawlspace can have some immediate effects on the home and your energy bills. For more information call or email and I’ll be happy to help with suggestions or pricing.

Brian Sineath