Crawlspace Encapsulation Saves you Money on AC

Skyrocketing AC Costs?

When your home has an air leak, air from your AC unit can escape, skyrocketing your electric bill. However, a crack in your wall or lack of insulation is not the only culprit. Accumulating moisture in your basement or crawlspace can wreak havoc on insulation and lead to AC overuse. Crawlspace encapsulation saves you money on your AC.

Crawlspace Encapsulation Saves You Money

Your AC bill can rise for a variety of reasons. Contact your AC unit specialist to rule out issues with your compressor or the unit. If your AC specialist confirms the machine is operating correctly, the culprit lies in outside factors. One primary reason is that cracks in your wall or foundation can allow air to leak into your home. Moisture in your crawlspace can also lead to a rise in AC bills. Hot, humid water under the house takes a toll on the AC. Once you examine these factors, contact a Foundation repair specialist to ensure your walls, foundation, or crawlspace are not the culprit.

What does crawlspace encapsulation do?

Crawlspace encapsulation seals moisture out of the crawlspace or basement, insulating the home from the climate. A dehumidifier will quickly eliminate the problem if water collects in the crawlspace. The encapsulation keeps moisture from seeping into other parts of the house and helps lower the AC bill by sealing air leaks from the crawlspace or basement areas.

Other Benefits Encapsulation offers

Along with lowering your AC bill, encapsulation protects your home from wood rot, festering mold, insulation such as fiberglass that is toxic to breathing, and radon, which leads to cancer. Fresh, breathing air and a safe environment are well worth the cost.

The Minor Downsides to Encapsulation

The gift of encapsulation costs $1,500, rising to $30,000, with an average price of $15,750. Storage is limited because tools with sharp metal edges may tear into the vapor barrier. It’s not wise to store lawn tools or tools with sharp pieces in your encapsulated crawlspace. On the upside, you can store paperwork depending on how much moisture enters the crawlspace because the vapor barrier seals any moisture originating from the ground up.

The materials used in Crawlspace encapsulation

Heavy-duty polyethylene makes up the crawlspace encapsulation vapor barrier. This material outweighs the benefits of other plastic barriers. Double-sided construction tape, vapor barrier seam tape, mechanical fasteners or termination bars, rigid foam, and concrete screws make up the secondary materials used in encapsulation. The best way to ensure proper encapsulation is by selecting the right Foundation repair company.

How to Find a Reliable Encapsulation Company

Look for an experienced encapsulation company that uses the polyethylene vapor barrier or a patented barrier. Usually, Foundation companies offer crawlspace encapsulation to prevent foundational damage or wood rot. Read reviews on Angi’s List to see the company’s reliability. Making a mark on Angi’s List, companies like Atlantic Foundation and Repair offer reliable encapsulation that protects your crawlspace, foundation, and wood flooring. Give us a call today for a free homeowner’s consultation.

FAQ

1. What are other ways AC escapes?
   However, window leaks, small spaces between the door and frame, or your crawlspace can also allow air to leak. Attic leaks are a potential problem as well. Once you have ruled out an unruly AC, check your roof, windows, and door to cover all possible trouble areas.
2. What if my AC bill is still high after encapsulation?
   Consider a home inspection, or call your AC repair specialist to determine the problem.
   

Sources-

https://www.justanswer.com/hvac/l09jk-high-electricity-bill-so-called-hvac-guy.html

https://www.eppconcrete.com/are-there-any-negatives-to-crawl-space-encapsulation/

https://www.stegoindustries.com/blog/step-by-step-guide-for-diy-crawl-space-encapsulation

https://www.leecompany.com/resources/crawl-space-encapsulation/

https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/foundation/crawl-space-encapsulation-cost/