Cold Crawlspaces

If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you know winter isn’t just “a little chilly.” It’s damp, windy, and unpredictable — and homes without proper crawlspace insulation feel the impact the most.
What many homeowners don’t realize is that a cold crawlspace doesn’t just make your floors uncomfortable… it can significantly increase your heating bill.

Below, we break down why this happens, how much money you may be losing, and what you can do to fix it before winter hits full force.

Why Crawlspace Temperature Matters More Than You Think

Your crawlspace acts as the “foundation environment” for your home. When that space drops in temperature, the cold radiates upward through:

• Floors
• Ductwork
• Plumbing
• The framing of your home

This forces your heating system to work harder and longer — meaning higher energy use and higher monthly bills.
For more on whole-home energy efficiency, the U.S. Department of Energy has helpful guidelines:
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/home-energy-efficiency

The PNW Twist: Why This Region Is Especially Affected

Unlike other regions, the PNW winters are defined by moisture. Cold + damp air moves easily through uninsulated crawlspaces, saturating materials and making them lose even more heat.
If your crawlspace also shows signs of moisture concerns, the EPA’s moisture control guide offers insight:
https://www.epa.gov/mold/moisture-control-guidance

A Realistic Example of Energy Loss

Imagine a 1,500 sq ft home with an uninsulated crawlspace. According to national energy data, floors over unconditioned spaces can account for up to 10–20% of total heat loss.

If your winter heating bill averages $250 per month in the PNW, a poorly insulated crawlspace could be wasting:

$25–$50 per month
or $150–$300 over the winter season.

And that’s conservative.

Quick Crawlspace Heat-Loss Calculator

Use this simple estimate to get a ballpark idea of your heat loss:

1. Find your average winter power bill
   Example: $200 per month
2. Multiply by 0.10–0.20 (typical heat loss range)
   $200 × 0.15 (average) = $30 lost per month
3. Multiply by 6 winter months
   $30 × 6 = $180/year lost

If your bills spike more than most PNW homeowners — you may be losing even more.

Signs Your Crawlspace Is Making Your Heating Bill Climb

Look for these common clues:

• Floors feel cold even when heat is running
• Musty smells or moisture under the home
• Higher winter energy bills compared to previous years
• Drafts or noticeable temperature differences between rooms
• Condensation on ductwork

If you’re noticing these signs, your insulation may be missing, damaged, or saturated.

The Real Fix: Upgrade Your Crawlspace Insulation

The good news? Proper crawlspace insulation can drastically cut heat loss and immediately improve comfort.

If you want to understand what restoration work typically includes, check out our Crawlspace Services.

A professional crawlspace evaluation will check:

✔ Insulation condition
✔ Vapor barrier coverage
✔ Ductwork air leaks
✔ Moisture sources
✔ Pest or rodent damage
✔ Airflow and foundational gaps

A well-insulated crawlspace means warmer floors, lower heating bills, and a healthier home overall.

Ready to Save on Heating Costs This Winter?

The first step is knowing what’s happening under your home.
A quick evaluation can reveal insulation gaps, cold air leaks, and moisture problems that may be silently draining your wallet.

Schedule a crawlspace insulation evaluation today to stay warm without overpaying on your energy bill.