No matter who you are or where you live in the DC area, it feels good to make smart investments with your money. You’re probably already familiar with typical investments like stocks and bonds, but have you considered home upgrades that pay for themselves in a short period of time?
Some of the best home upgrades you can invest in are energy efficiency upgrades, and we recommend starting with your crawlspace.
Why Start with the Crawlspace?
You may not realize it, but the condition of your crawlspace has an effect on your entire home — and your wallet!
This shallow (and commonly overlooked) area underneath the first floor of the house often ends up storing lots of your junk, and is dirty, drafty and damp. Excess moisture in the crawlspace breeds mold and mildew, which harm your indoor air quality (IAQ) and exacerbate allergy symptoms as they enter your home. Air leaks lead to indoor drafts, cold floors, and undue stress on your HVAC system, driving your utility bills up.
The Best Upgrades for Your Crawlspace
Crawlspace encapsulation and insulation will not only resolve these issues but also save you money in the long run. You’ll spend less money on home improvements by targeting these issues at the source, and you’ll see lower utility bills thanks to the energy savings that these upgrades offer.
Crawlspace encapsulation for moisture control
Crawlspace encapsulation involves installing and sealing a heavy duty plastic moisture barrier along the floor and walls of the crawlspace. This keeps moisture out, promotes healthier indoor air, and protects the structural integrity of your home.
Crawlspace insulation for added comfort
After encapsulation, installing insulation will provide added control over indoor temperatures. Insulating the joists and walls will create a conditioned crawlspace, while insulating the ceiling will create an unconditioned crawlspace. Whichever approach your home performance expert deems best, you can expect more stable temperatures inside your home and less stress on your heating and cooling systems, giving you lower energy bills.
Invest in Whole-Home Comfort & Energy Savings
According to ENERGY STAR, the crawlspace or basement is the largest opportunity to save energy in your home after the attic. Will you seize the opportunity to make your home in Alexandria, Arlington, or elsewhere in the DC area more efficient, saving you money every month on your energy bills? The money you save each month will quickly offset the cost of your efficiency upgrade, so you can spend that savings on more important things each month. The team at The Fifth Fuel is here to help you discover what crawlspace upgrades can do for your home and wallet!
