Is Your Crawlspace Driving Up Your Energy Bill?

Living in Florida means year-round heat, high humidity, and heavy rains—all of which affect not just the exterior of your home, but what’s underneath it. If you’re a homeowner with a crawlspace, that area could be silently raising your energy bills each month. Let’s explore how and why crawlspaces impact energy efficiency, and why hiring a licensed contractor, like LRE Foundation Repair, for professional encapsulation could save you serious money long-term.

The Hidden Energy Drain Beneath Your Home

Crawlspaces are often out of sight and out of mind, but they play a significant role in how your home manages heat, humidity, and airflow. In Florida, crawlspaces are especially vulnerable to moisture, temperature fluctuations, and air leakage. Here’s how they can drive up your energy bills:

1. Uncontrolled Humidity and Airflow

Crawlspaces in older homes were often designed to “breathe,” meaning outside air freely enters through vents or gaps. In Florida, that means hot, humid air flows directly under your home. As moisture builds up, it infiltrates your floors and living space, forcing your air conditioner to work harder to remove excess humidity.

2. Poor or Missing Insulation

Many crawlspaces lack proper insulation or have insulation that’s degraded by moisture and pests. Without a thermal barrier, like LRE's Silverglo, heat from the ground and outside seeps into your home during summer—and heat escapes in cooler months. This temperature imbalance makes your HVAC system run longer and more frequently.

3. Air Leaks and Drafts

If your crawlspace is not sealed, conditioned air from your home can escape through gaps in the subfloor, plumbing penetrations, or ductwork running through the crawlspace. The result? Your HVAC system runs overtime trying to maintain your set temperature, burning more energy—and money.

4. Inefficient Ductwork

In many Florida homes, HVAC ducts run through crawlspaces. If the crawlspace is not sealed or conditioned, hot, humid air can cause condensation on ducts, reducing their efficiency and increasing strain on your system. Leaky ducts in an unconditioned space can account for up to 30% energy loss alone.

What This Means for Your Energy Bills

All of the above issues contribute to one thing: your HVAC system working harder than it should. In Florida, where cooling costs dominate your electric bill, even small inefficiencies under your home can lead to hundreds of dollars in added costs each year.

Encapsulation and insulation upgrades in your crawlspace can reduce your home’s energy consumption by 15% or more, depending on the condition of your current crawlspace. Over time, that translates into significant utility savings—not to mention improved comfort inside your home.

How a Licensed Contractor Can Help

Fixing crawlspace issues isn’t a DIY job—especially in Florida’s unique climate. A licensed crawlspace contractor brings expertise, tools, and materials to do the job right the first time. At LRE, this is what we do best, and here's what LRE can do for you:

• Inspect for leaks, humidity levels, and insulation gaps -- LRE offers free home and crawl space inspections!
• Seal air leaks and install proper vapor barriers
• Add or replace insulation tailored for Florida’s humid climate
• Install dehumidifiers or controlled ventilation systems
• Encapsulate the crawlspace using our Cleanspace Encapsulation System to keep moisture and outside air out
• At LRE, we are also familiar with local building codes and can ensure your system meets Florida's energy efficiency standards. Most importantly, we offer warranties and ongoing maintenance options, protecting your investment long after the work is done.

Long-Term Benefits Beyond Lower Bills

Sealing and insulating your crawlspace isn’t just about saving money on energy—it’s also about:

• Improving indoor air quality
• Preventing mold and moisture damage
• Reducing pest activity
• Increasing your home’s resale value
• Protecting your HVAC system from premature wear

If you’ve noticed higher-than-usual energy bills, musty odors, uneven indoor temperatures, or sagging insulation beneath your home, your crawlspace could be to blame. Florida homeowners can save money, improve comfort, and protect their homes by investing in professional crawlspace encapsulation. Call LRE today to evaluate your space and recommend a solution tailored to your home—and your energy goals.