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Evan Riter
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Making crawlspaces conditioned space
37 Replies
I am working, doing audits, with a contractor who tends to make basements, crawlspaces into conditioned space. Especially when all or most of the duct work is in the crawlspace. He does this by…Continue
Started this discussion. Last reply by Curt Kinder Jan 3.
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Trish Holder replied to Evan Riter's discussion Making crawlspaces conditioned space"I have a conditioned crawl space. I think it is well worthwhile. You can read more about why I like it here: http://www.greenspirationhome.com/?p=1033"
Carlos Espinoza replied to Evan Riter's discussion Making crawlspaces conditioned space"TWO-PART WEBINAR SERIES: California Crawl Spaces: Integrated Solutions for Healthy Homes & Deep Energy Reductions: http://thousandhomechallenge.com/thc-webinars-retrofitting-ca-crawl-spaces
Great and surprising information."
Craig A. Lawson replied to Evan Riter's discussion Making crawlspaces conditioned space"Should have qualified our location. Climate Zone 2, Santa Rosa where we had 1580 HDD in 2011 and have 1453 HDD to date.
So given "our mild climate zone," does anyone have data that supports the additional expense for a…"
Pat Dundon replied to Evan Riter's discussion Making crawlspaces conditioned space"In crawl spaces I have encountered upstate NY
6800 HDD and generally wet
walls are stone or block & stand 2ft or more above the exterior grade
Interior grade is less than 2 ft below exterior grade
Limited access to space, no storage
Ducts and…"
Sean Lintow Sr replied to Evan Riter's discussion Making crawlspaces conditioned space"To my knowledge no, though I do have to laugh at "mild climate" & California as that state falls under 7 diffrent climate zones & recall dealing with roads closed due to snow in June.
Like almost everything it depends on where…"
Sean Lintow Sr replied to Evan Riter's discussion Making crawlspaces conditioned space"Actually the one study I know of pulled the plug on a house in Flagstaff due to Radon levels increasing because it lost the dillution ability of a vented crawl. With that said depending on your area it still can be worth doing & just making…"
Evan Riter's discussion was featuredMaking crawlspaces conditioned space
I am working, doing audits, with a contractor who tends to make basements, crawlspaces into conditioned space. Especially when all or most of the duct work is in the crawlspace. He does this by covering the floor, side walls and piers with heavy plastic. He then uses rigid foam insulation on the walls, foams the joints and above and seals the vents and access hatches. Then we duct seal and re-insulate.Has anyone been doing this for a while? Any unentended consquences?See More
dale conner replied to Evan Riter's discussion Making crawlspaces conditioned space"sounds awesome! probably helps keep down radon as well"
Craig A. Lawson replied to Evan Riter's discussion Making crawlspaces conditioned space"I'm curious if anyone has data on conditioned crawlspaces in mild climate zones, like California. It seems all of the responses listed are from areas with more temperature/humidity extremes."
Jerry Nelson replied to Evan Riter's discussion Making crawlspaces conditioned space"In cold climates using the HVAC system to condition the crawl space is in most cases the best way to provide the comfort factor the homeowners expect from a new system. Leaving the crawl space unconditioned leaves the floors cold that can lead to…"
CrawlSpaceMoisture replied to Evan Riter's discussion Making crawlspaces conditioned space"As always, check your state code. If you're using HVAC air, you may be required to insulate the walls of your crawl space. That could lead to higher initial costs than just getting the dehumidifier.
While insulated and conditioned…"
Rob Orchard replied to Evan Riter's discussion Making crawlspaces conditioned space"Most of the experts (EPA, DOE, Advanced Energy) recommend conditioning an encapsulated crawlspace using 1CFM from existing ductwork if available. We find that is more cost effective than buying and running a dehumidifer. Of course, sometimes…"
Jerry Nelson replied to Evan Riter's discussion Making crawlspaces conditioned space"Hi Derin
We would normally seal the duct to make sure we are getting the most efficient, and cost effective return for our customer. Normally return air is not taken from sealed crawl, so any air that would enter the supply air system could…"
CrawlSpaceMoisture replied to Evan Riter's discussion Making crawlspaces conditioned space"Well, there are so many factors to review with your local code enforcement:
1. 3" gap at top of insulation from foundation wall
2. insulation offset from ground
3. appropriateness of foam board insulation in crawlspace (Thermax, for example,…"
Derin Williams replied to Evan Riter's discussion Making crawlspaces conditioned space"Jerry,
Why duct seal when the ducts are brought into conditioned space? Maybe to improve air flow to the registers?
Thanks"
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Comment Wall (1 comment)
- At 1:43pm on January 17, 2012,
Diane Chojnowski said… Hi Evan,
Welcome to Home Energy Pros! Feel free to join the conversation in the Forum and Groups. And share your energy efficiency photos, videos and upcoming events. If you're blogging about home performance, this is the place for you!
Don't forget to upload your profile photo. And add your location on our Member Map!
Thanks!
Diane, HEP Moderator
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