# Crawlspaces Can Help Or Hinder Energy Consumption, Depending On These Factors

> An inefficient crawlspace can be likened to a hole in the bottom of a boat. Even if you plug up all the leaks in the sides of boat, it's still going to take on water. Crawlspaces can be big energy was...

An inefficient crawlspace can be likened to a hole in the bottom of a boat. Even if you plug up all the leaks in the sides of boat, it's still going to take on water.

Crawlspaces can be big energy wasters or savers, depending on several factors.

- **Air leaks -** Once upon a time, it was believed that vents would pull air into and back out of a crawlspace. Theoretically, this kept air circulating, and many crawlspaces were constructed on this model. However, this is all wrong. The air isn’t pulled into one vent and out the other, but directly up through your house, much the way it moves up through a chimney. It’s called the stack effect, and it can waste energy and lead to serious moisture problems in your home. Seal the vents with vent covers, and plug all possible leaks.

- **Moisture -** If your crawlspace has a dirt floor, or vents, it draws in moisture from the earth. A moist crawlspace is a perfect environment for mold, microorganisms, insects and rodents. Thanks to the stack effect, this unhealthy, humid air will be drawn straight up into your home. Humid air is more difficult than dry air to heat and cool, and the temperature in the crawlspace will transfer to the floor above, meaning your HVAC system has to work that much harder. A strong vapor barrier prevents moisture trouble.

- **Insulation -** Sealing air leaks and creating a barrier against moisture are important aspects of [insulating crawlspaces](http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11480). If moisture gets in, it can ruin insulation, and moisture can get in through air leaks. Dirt crawlspaces are especially troublesome. If there is any exposed earth in your crawlspace, install metal flashing, and cover it up with your vapor barrier before installing insulation. Don't forget to insulate around ductwork and pipes.

Complete encapsulation is the best way to maximize the efficiency of crawlspaces. The idea is to close up all air and moisture leaks as tightly as possible. If you have more questions, [contact Rodenhiser](http://www.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html). We’ll be happy to help you improve the performance of your crawlspace.

***Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about maximizing the efficiency of crawlspaces* ***and other HVAC topics, download our free [Home Comfort Solutions Guide](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/download-the-home-comfort-solutions-guide.html).*****

***Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning* *serves the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts.* *[Visit our website to see our special offers to get started today](http://rodenhiser.com/)!***

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