How Crawl Space Encapsulation Can Help You Save Money on Your Energy Bills
For homes with crawl spaces, moisture issues are an ongoing concern. Along with contributing to mold growth, moisture from the crawl space can rise into the home and increase humidity levels. That, of course, means higher HVAC costs.
Our crew at Align Foundation Repair understands how frustrating high utility bills can be. That’s why we encourage homeowners to consider our crawlspace encapsulation service, which can have a positive impact on utility costs throughout the year.
How Crawl Space Encapsulation Works
Crawl space encapsulation involves the installation of a vapor barrier to protect against moisture damage, as water can leach up through the ground and make its way into the home. This contributes to the growth of mold and mildew and makes your home less comfortable due to increased humidity levels.
Vapor barrier installation often entails the following steps:
- Removing rocks and other debris from the crawl space
- Assessing the area
- Measuring and cutting the vapor barrier
- Installing the vapor barrier in the crawl space
Align Foundation Repair can install a sump pump to remove standing water and add a dehumidifier to deter the build-up of moisture.
How It Saves Homeowners Money on Utility Costs
The Stack Effect is a natural phenomenon that impacts the energy efficiency of your home. As hot air rises, negative air pressure is created, which brings cooler outside air into your home. As a result, your home HVAC system must work twice as hard to make your home comfortable, which causes energy costs to become exorbitant.
Crawl space encapsulation reduces the Stack Effect in winter by sealing the bottom portion of your home, which prevents cold air from flowing in. The service also saves you money during summer, as it prevents moisture from getting into your home.
Moisture intrusion makes for a more humid environment, which means you’ll be more reliant on your AC system. By controlling humidity, you can set your thermostat higher thanks to improved home comfort.
Other Benefits Offered by Encapsulation Service
According to Forbes, a new combination furnace/AC system costs $9,600 on average, but can cost as much as $13,000 depending on the unit. By enhancing energy efficiency via encapsulation service, your HVAC equipment will experience less wear and tear. That means you won’t spend as much on HVAC repairs and replacements, as the system will have an extended lifespan.
Encapsulating a crawl space also deters the growth of mold and mildew within the home. Along with worsening allergy symptoms, mold can damage household fixtures. For instance, mold growth can impact furniture, flooring, and many other items.
While mold remediation is effective, it’s also expensive. Additionally, some fixtures may need to be replaced when mold growth is severe.
While the cost-savings afforded by crawl space encapsulation are significant, the service offers many other benefits:
- Improved air quality
- Decreased allergens and contaminants in the home
- Enhanced home comfort
- Better control of pest and insect invasion
Contact Us Today to Discuss Encapsulation
Reducing home maintenance costs is a concern for most property owners, and crawl space encapsulation helps lower expenses related to utility bills, HVAC maintenance, and other costs.
At Align Foundation Repair, we combine our superior knowledge with a commitment to providing the best possible experience to customers. Please contact us today for more information and to ask about our free estimates.
