Cooperative Extension Energy Saving ProgramHome Energy Savings
  
 
 
Crawlspaces

Adding a vapor barrier and insulation to your crawlspace not only reduces energy costs they can help protect any water pipes from potentially freezing, and can also reduce allergy-causing molds from entering the home. In addition the living space in your home will feel more comfortable with warmer floors and less updrafts from any cracks in your floors.

What you can do:

  1. First, as with anyplace else in your home, seal up cracks and holes BEFORE you insulate.
  2. You should insulate the floor and walls of the crawlspace OR the ceiling of the crawlspace, not both. Read this document to help you decide which is preferable for your situation.

Savings:

You can expect to save 5-10% of your heating bill if you insulate your crawlspace.

Learn more on our Finding Air Leaks and Sealing Air Leaks pages.



 

How-To Guides

Videos:

How to install interior perimeter foundation insulation
Excellent video on venting and insulating crawlspaces, and insulating water pipes.
(13 minutes, WMV video, 104 MB)

PDFs

How to insulate a crawlspace
Clearly illustrated and detailed instructions on insulating crawl space and water pipes, from CertainTeed Home Institute
(PDF, 175 KB)

Crawlspace insulation
(PDF, 50 KB)