Energy Efficient Building: Why Sealed Crawlspaces Are Healthier?

The crawlspaces of today mostly contain the "guts" of the house. It is where the pipes, wiring, and ductwork of your plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are contained. While crawlspaces provide unrestricted access to these systems, the same thing can be said about basements. The problem with basements is if there are issues with pipe leaks, you are required to do excavation works, which are costly and takes a lot of time. For this reason alone, many homeowners and designers prefer housings with crawlspaces -not to mention houses with crawlspaces are cheaper to construct. However, crawlspaces have their issues, such as health hazards and increased utility costs, plus to be sustainable, it must be sealed off completely.

Benefits of a Sealed Crawlspace

Stagnant Air. Assuming that your crawlspace does not have a sufficient ventilation system, the air contained within it will become stagnant. Stagnant air can contain pollutants that are harmful to humans. This stagnant air can seep through the unsealed portion of the crawlspace into the house, and put the health of the occupants at risk.

Mold Spores. Molds have been known for years to be a source of allergies and other health hazards. It thrives in places that are damp and dark like crawlspaces. When the time comes for molds to reproduce, they release spores into the air, which can find its way inside the house. These spores can affect the health of the occupants. If someone has unexplained symptoms of asthma or other unexplained allergies, this is likely the cause of mold spores.

Pests. Pests such as rodents, mice, crickets, and cockroaches thrive in the dark, moist places. They are called pests for a reason because rodents and mice can gnaw electrical wiring, and they can carry diseases. You don't want pests inside your house. An additional hazard is the accumulation of droppings can affect the air quality of the crawlspace, which can enter the house. By having a sealed crawlspace, pests will have no means to enter the house from the crawlspace.

Reduced Utility Costs. A sealed crawlspace can reduce utility costs by preventing the outside air from interfering with your HVAC system. For instance, if the weather is hot, your AC unit will work at lowering the inside temperature. But if the warm air can continuously seep through the unsealed portions of the crawlspace, your AC unit will have to work harder and longer to lower the inside temperature. This strain on the HVAC system results in additional utility costs. This prolonged usage of the AC unit can shorten the lifespan of the equipment.

Keeps Floor Temperature Constant. Not only does a sealed crawlspace reduce utility costs, but it can also maintain the interior floors at a constant temperature year-round. If the crawlspace is not sealed completely, the surge of cold air during the cold months and hot air during summer can enter the house through the flooring. This air affects the temperature of the flooring. Having a sealed crawlspace can keep the floor temperature at a constant and provide comfort for the occupants.

For more information on energy efficient building of a custom home, contact Grayson Homes at 919-578-6222.