BGE Home Energy Audit Finds - Crawl Space Issues

A common find at a BGE energy audit is problems with the thermal and pressure boundary in an open crawl space.  We often times find uninsulated HVAC ducts in crawl spaces with open vents to the outside.  

When insulation is missing in a crawl space, efficiency inside of a home goes way down.  Further adding to the problems, if the conditions are right, a crawl space that is open could also draw in too much humidity causing floors to slowly fall apart requiring bigger ticket projects due to neglect.

A BGE energy auditor inspects the crawl space as it a very important component to comfort, efficiency and good indoor air quality.  There are good rebates for sealing and insulating ducts that are outside of the envelope which includes ducts in crawsl spaces and attics.

This is a classic example of a crawl space in disarray.  Falling insulation is a sign of too much moisture (summer)
getting trapped in the space. The moisture saturates the insulation and over time gravity pulls it down making
it much easier for uncontrolled air infiltration into the living space above.