Corporate

Closed Crawl Spaces Improve Home Energy Efficiency
Research results offer affordable housing builders option for crawl space construction

Raleigh, N.C. (October 18, 2011) It's no secret that wall-vented crawl spaces can breed mold and moisture – leading to rot, structural damage and unhealthy indoor air. Research results indicate that homes built with properly closed crawl spaces can minimize these problems, providing moisture control and energy savings, as reported by Advanced Energy, a Raleigh, N.C. energy efficiency company. Affordable housing builders now have another option for closed-vent crawl space systems in their affordable housing builds.

For decades, building codes and conventional wisdom have prescribed ventilation with outside air as the primary method of moisture control in crawl spaces. In humid climates, however, ventilation with outside air only makes moisture problems worse.

Advanced Energy recently concluded studies showing that closed-vent crawl spaces deliver performance improvements in various climates, particularly in the southeastern United States. Researchers monitored new modular and stick-framed homes in different climates for 5 to 12 months and found that crawl space systems with no vents to the outside can provide greatly improved moisture control and significant energy savings when properly installed.

"Until recently, affordable home contractors have been using wall-vented crawl spaces in their construction of affordable homes," said Krista Egger, director, Affordable Housing, Advanced Energy. "The primary reason for closing a crawl space is to keep the foundation dry. Our studies' results show that with proper installation, humidity stayed low in all the closed crawl spaces regardless of climate, insulation or duct placement."

Besides moisture control, an added benefit from using closed crawl spaces is that the energy savings may pay for the system well before the owners pay off the mortgage. For instance, Habitat for Humanity affiliates in North Carolina can typically install closed crawl spaces for less than $2 per square foot. Air quality and durability benefits, along with the cost savings, can make this a worthwhile investment.

For more information about the closed-vent crawl space studies and how your affordable home builds can benefit from these crawl space systems, visit www.advancedenergy.org and search crawl spaces or contact us at 919.857.9000.

About Advanced Energy
Advanced Energy is a Raleigh, N.C.-based nonprofit committed to a future in which energy needs are met at reasonable costs and with the least negative consequences. The organization continues to work collaboratively to demonstrate that industry, government and nonprofits can successfully work together to improve the environment and encourage the economy. For 30 years, Advanced Energy has created economic, environmental and societal benefits through innovative and market-based approaches to energy issues.