Crawl Space Conditioning: Creating a Healthier and More Efficient Home
The idea of a crawl space might not be a pleasant idea because the first thing that appears to your mind is a dark, moldy space with pipes and electrical wires. A crawl space might often remind you of the worst things, like pests, small animals, and a musty smell lingering in your home every often. However, the typical idea can change if you condition your crawl space instead, but what is a conditioned crawl space?
For most who do not know, a conditioned crawl is more efficient space than a traditional crawl space. The area is cleaner, and has better air quality, so you are simultaneously making extra room in your home. A conditioned crawl space will reduce most problems faced in a traditional crawl space and helps to keep the base more presentable. To learn more about what is a conditioned crawl space keep reading the article until the end.
What Is The Definition Of A Conditioned Crawl Space?
Though the traditional crawl space is quite normal, a conditioned crawl space is less popular when compared. A conditioned crawl space is similar to a tiny basement or attic, sealed to reduce the weather from affecting the indoor space. The crawl space is; generally below the flooring, occupied by electrical wires, water sewages, and the HVAC system. It is always considered a piece of the waste area with an unpleasant feeling.
However, in contrast, a conditioned crawl space is an efficient space, sealed with vapor barriers using non-porous sheets. The special plastic sheets cover the walls, floor, and joints in the crawl space to condition the area. As a result, it prevents moisture from entering the area.
How Does A Conditioned Crawl Space Differ From A Traditional Crawl Space?
A conditioned crawl space is significantly different from a traditional crawl space and efficiently adds extra space to your home. It can also be used as a storage space, and the area is safe and pleasant for human interaction, unlike a traditional crawl space. A Traditional crawl space, in contrast, has a very unhealthy environment; the ventilated area traps mold and moisture in the space inviting pests, small like rats and snakes, to your home.
A traditional crawl space will also reduce the air quality spreading a musty odor. But, a conditioned crawl space can significantly improve the air quality and be efficient on your electricity bills. The conditioned area will be sealed with non-porous plastic sheets, which eliminate moisture from entering the condition, unlike the ventilated crawl space. As a result, conditioned crawl spaces help your home’s heating and cooling system to work efficiently.
How Does A Conditioned Crawl Space Work?
A conditioned crawl space uses vapor barriers in the walls and floor lined with polyethylene sheets. The area is completely sealed with no escape, preventing moisture, pest, small animals, and snakes from entering your home.
Once the crawl space is sealed, it is lined with insulation to protect the space and to reduce the effect caused by the harsh weather elements. The insulation applied helps to regulate the temperature in the crawl space and works efficiently on the HVAC system installed in your home.
Since a conditioned crawl space prevents moisture in the space, it is much drier it eliminates dampness and mold infestation in your home. You can also expect cleaner and fresh air through the air conditioning system.
What Are The Benefits Of Having A Conditioned Crawl Space?
. A conditioned crawl space comes with many benefits to your home. The quality and the value of your home are increased with extra space. Below are some of the benefits of conditioning the crawl space.
- The area can be a storage room, attic, or basement.
- Prevents mold infestation in your home
- Eliminates pests, small animals, and snakes from living in the crawl space
- Improves the air quality in the HVAC system.
- Cost efficient on your bills because the hot and cool system works efficiently.
Is A Conditioned Crawl Space Better Than A Vented Crawl Space?
In many ways, the conditioned crawl space is better than a vented or traditional crawl space. A conditioned crawl space will improve the air quality in the home, preventing moisture, and is an efficient space adding an extra room to the house. The space is cleaner. Hence it does not invite pests or small animals into your home. However, building a conditioned crawl can be expensive compared to a vented crawl space as it is simpler and does not have any complications.
Does A Conditioned Crawl Space Need Insulation?
Insulation should be applied in your conditioned crawl space to protect the area from weather elements. The insulation will help prevent heat from entering the crawl space and regulate the temperature below. Hence, applying insulation is a vital part of conditioning the crawl space.
Can A Conditioned Crawl Space Improve Indoor Air Quality?
One of the primary reasons for conditioning a crawl space is because it improves the air quality in your home. A conditioned crawl space can significantly improve the indoor air quality in your home by eliminating the musty odor typically released through traditional crawl spaces.
How Does Moisture Control Work In A Conditioned Crawl Space?
The primary factor when designing a conditioned crawl space is to control moisture. The crawl space is first lined with a vapor barrier using durable polyethylene in the walls, floor, and joints. Insulation is then applied to regulate the temperature and prevent the weather from affecting the space. A dehumidifier can also be installed in the conditioned crawl space to reduce moisture, but this is optional.
How Much Does It Cost To Condition A Crawl Space?
Conditioning a Crawl space is quite expensive because it is a complicated design with multiple steps. The average cost to condition starts from $1,500 to $15,000, increasing to a maximum of $30,000. However, the cost to condition a crawl space is determined by the area, materials, and the number of workforce in the project.
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