In searching for home heating and cooling efficiency as well as interior comfort, homeowners often overlook the crawl space. Of course, we are accustomed to sealing up these spaces in winter to keep the cold at bay, but what about the boiling summer months?
Surprisingly, closing crawl space vents in the summer is just as crucial for maintaining a comfortable home environment and ensuring energy efficiency as in the winter.
And the best news? Crawl space summer vent covers can help you.
Let’s look at why this neglected practice deserves our attention year-round:
Does the Crawl Space Warm Up in Summer?
Yes, the crawl space does warm up in the summer when you leave your crawl space vents open. What happens next is that the hot air in the crawl space contributes to increased temperatures inside your home indirectly. Experts say that about 50-60% of the air in your home comes from your crawl space… it’s called “The Stack Effect”.
When it is 80-90 degrees outside and your crawl space vents are left open then it is 80-90 degrees in your crawl space… and heat rises. This leads to elevated temperatures in your home living space and increased utility bills from your air conditioner running so hard. If you don’t have air conditioning then your home is just plain hotter and more uncomfortable than it needs to be. Simply install crawl space vent covers in the summer and your home will be much cooler.
Top Reasons to Close Vents in the Summer
1. Humidity Control
One of the main reasons to close crawl space vents in summer is to maintain humidity within your home.
When you leave the vents open, warm and humid air from outside infiltrates the crawl space, creating increased moisture levels.
The problem? Excessive moisture builds mold and mildew and is a breeding ground for pests, such as termites and cockroaches. That’s a significant issue for any homeowner.
However, you can prevent humid air from entering by installing foundation vent covers, thus maintaining optimal humidity levels and safeguarding your home against moisture-related issues.
2. Energy Efficiency
Contrary to popular belief, open crawl space vents during the summer do compromise your home’s energy efficiency.
When warm air enters the crawl space—it heats the air ducts and flooring above. That causes your air conditioning system to work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. This results in increased energy consumption and higher utility bills.
But you can create a barrier that prevents heat transfer from the outside, reducing the load on your cooling system and saving you money in the long run if you close your crawl space vents in the hottest summer months. It’s ok to let your home breathe in the moderate temperature months of the year but be smart and close them in the hot summer months.
3. Improved Indoor Air Quality
The conditions in your crawl space directly impact the air quality inside your home, which is hugely important to keep yourself and your family healthy.
When vents are left open… pollutants like dust, pollen, and allergens can easily find their way into your living space, this triggers respiratory issues and allergies. As mentioned above, about 50-60% of the air in your home comes from your crawl space.
Additionally, mold spores thriving in a humid crawl space can be circulated throughout your home via the HVAC system, posing a health risk to you and your family.
The good news? You can create a cleaner, healthier indoor environment by preventing the ingress of outdoor pollutants and contaminants by installing covers on your foundation crawl space vents.
4. Enhanced Structural Integrity
Excess moisture in the crawl space can wreak havoc on the structural integrity of your home.
For instance, wooden support beams and floor joists are susceptible to moisture damage—leading to rot, decay, and even structural failure over time. Alarming news.
That said, you can protect your home’s foundation, prolong its lifespan, and save yourself from costly repairs if you close your foundation vents and implement proper moisture control measures. These include using military grade, waterproof insulation blocks to seal your crawl space vents.
5. Prevention of Odors
An often overlooked consequence of leaving crawl space vents open in the summer is the potential for unpleasant odors to enter your home.
As moisture accumulates in the crawl space via open crawl space vents, it creates the perfect environment for the growth of bacteria and fungi—which can produce musty, foul odors that permeate throughout your living space.
Moreover, decomposing organic matter, such as leaves and debris that may enter your open vents, can contribute to unpleasant smells emanating from the crawl space.
Still, you can prevent the buildup of odor-causing microorganisms and keep your home smelling fresh and clean year-round if you close those vents.
6. Protection of Electrical and Plumbing Systems
In a humid crawl space environment in the summer, electrical wiring and plumbing pipes are at risk of corrosion and deterioration. This may create potential malfunctions and costly repairs.
In addition, moisture can corrode metal components, compromise insulation, and create conditions conducive to electrical shorts and leaks.
By closing your foundation vents with vent covers and/or insulation blocks and implementing moisture control measures—such as installing vapor barriers – you can protect your electrical and plumbing systems from damage.
7. Prevention of Allergies and Respiratory Issues
Exposure to mold, dust mites, and other indoor allergens can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma and allergies; this causes discomfort and health complications for you and your family.
When crawl space vents are left open, these allergens can easily infiltrate your home and trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues.
If you close off your vents and maintain a dry crawl space environment in the summer, you can minimize the presence of allergens and create a healthier living environment. Crawl space vent covers for summer are your best friend.
8. Protection of Property Value
A well-maintained crawl space contributes to the overall value and marketability of your home.
Potential buyers are often wary of homes with moisture issues or structural damage, as these problems can be costly to remediate and may deter prospective buyers.
By investing in Vanity Vents crawl space vent covers and Insulation Blocks, you not only protect your home from potential damage but also enhance its appeal to potential buyers; this ensures a higher resale value and a smoother sales process in the future.
Ultimately, closing crawl space vents in the summer is not just about immediate comfort and energy savings—it’s an investment in the long-term health, integrity, and increasing the value of your home.
Final Thoughts
Closing crawl space vents is not just a winter strategy; it is a summer and sometimes year-round necessity for maintaining a comfortable, energy-efficient, and healthy home.
You can control humidity levels, improve indoor air quality, enhance energy efficiency, and safeguard your home against structural damage if you use Vanity Vents crawl space vent covers in the summer and winter.
So, the next time summer rolls around, do not forget to close your crawl space vents and reap the benefits of a well-protected and efficient home.
If you are looking for crawl space vent covers for summer—Vanity Vents is your best friend. Contact us to find out more at vanityvents.com or info@vanityvents.com
