Is Your Crawl Space Impairing Indoor Air Quality & Energy Efficiency?
Do you notice any of the following unusual sights or smells emanating from your home’s crawl space? (i.e. the narrow, unfinished area that resides under the base of your house)
- A gross, musty odor
- Humid air, discolored walls, or standing water
- Condensation
- Foundation cracks or rotted wood
- Feeling a draft or noticed sagging in the floors
- Pest (ants, spiders, beetles, etc.) or rodent (mice, rats, snakes, etc.) infestation
If you notice any of the above unusual sights or smells, these are all warning signs your crawl space may be compromised.
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As we head into the damp spring season, and as more homes change hands in a fast-moving housing market, James River Air Conditioning, has advice on how to secure your crawl space – whether you’ve been in your home for years, or you have a new-to-you home. Many homeowners likely never think about the crawl space, but it can be a major contributor to poor air quality and overall home energy efficiency. Nearly 50% of the air you breathe in your home originates from your crawl space.
The crawl space is the home’s foundation. It’s where electrical conduit, water lines, and other utilities are housed. Traditional crawl spaces are a leading source of high humidity, and thus, mold, and microbiological growth, which causes poor air quality and can be linked to asthma, allergies, and other health issues. On the energy side, homeowners can reduce energy bills by up to 15% by controlling air leakage in crawl spaces, allowing HVAC systems and ducts to perform more efficiency.
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So what can homeowners do to secure their crawl space?
Protecting, cleaning, and sealing the crawl space, and adding vapor barriers and dehumidifiers are a home’s best defense. The benefits of vapor barriers and dehumidifiers in crawl spaces include:
- Improved air quality
- Eliminates insect and pest infestation
- Increased healthy living conditions
- Prevents mold, mildew and rot issues
- Hinders structural damage
- Increased energy efficiency
Homeowners can schedule a FREE inspection of their homes crawl space with James River Air by calling 1-800-COMFORT or click the link below to set up your free inspection. Visit James River Air’s Blog for more tips for saving energy on your HVAC system!
