Why You Should Enclose Your Home's Crawl Space

Most homes have either a crawl space or a basement. Crawlspaces have several advantages to basements. Crawlspaces elevate the home above the ground and are much less expensive than a basement. Crawlspaces also make space for duct work and plumbing to run and are easily accessible for contractors. Crawlspaces are great however, without taking proper precautions they can breed mold and mildew and allow moisture to compromise the structure of your home. Insulating a crawl space is in your best interest for many reasons. Here I have outlined the top reasons to insulate and seal your home's crawlspace.

• Lower Energy Bills: Enclosing your crawl space insulates the walls of the area and conditions the air under your home. You can save 10-20% annual on your power bill by enclosing your crawl space. 
• Increased Home Comfort: Insulating the crawlspace of your home will keep your floors warmer during the winter. This is especially noticeable if you have wood or tile floors. In the summer your home will be less humid because the crawlspace is sealed off from moisture. 
• Minimizes Repairs: Sealing off your crawlspace eliminates moisture under your home. Moisture under your home can cause many problems from insulation damage, mold, and rust.
• Increase air quality: Eliminating moisture from under the home will stop humid unconditioned air from invading your home. Encapsulating the crawlspace will help enable circulation throughout the home. If your air conditioner is under the house, it will not pump mold spores into the home after sealing off the space. 
• Eliminates insect infestations: By sealing off your crawlspace you reduce moisture in the area which is what insects need to survive. A dry environment does not foster bug breeding so you'll see a drop in insects invading your home. 
• Increase the value of your home: Sealing off your crawl space increases the value of your home. Homes with sealed and insulated crawlspaces are easier to sell than those with open crawlspaces. Your home has no moisture issues for home inspectors to find and you have proof of energy efficiency and low energy costs.