In many parts of the country, annual heating bills can be quite expensive. Do you dread the bill every month? Improving the efficiency of the duct work in your uninsulated crawlspace just might be the solution to your problems.

The first step to making improvements to your heating system is understanding where it might be costing you money. A quick survey of your insulated crawlspace will give you a sense for just how much energy you might be wasting every winter. Here is a list of things to look for as your examine the duct work in this area.

Walls and floors
First, examine the integrity of the crawlspace itself. Is the area really drafty? Are there a lot of openings to the outdoors? If so, cold winter air is finding its way into the crawlspace and is very likely increasing your heating costs. We'll talk more about these leaks in a minute. Next, take a look at the floor above the crawlspace. Is there insulation between the joists? If not, then valuable heat is seeping out of your heated living areas and into the unheated crawlspace! Before sealing the crawlspace you need to be aware of any Radon or mold issues this might cause. Talk to a professional before doing any work in this area.

The Duct Work
Now take a look that the duct work in the crawlspace. Examine the joints of the ducts for gaps. Seal any gaps with metallic duct tape (not "duct tape" that you might have around the house), which should be available at your local home center. Finish each wrap with the tape facing down; this will prevent gravity pulling the tape off over time. Is the any of the duct work insulated? If not, then the duct work is transmitting a lot of the hot air into the crawlspace. You can buy insulation designed for wrapping duct work at many home improvement stores. It usually comes in R6 or R8 varieties. Buy the highest R value insulation that will do the job.

Other Considerations
Are there uninsulated water pipes in the crawlspace? If so, you have to consider protecting them from freezing once you better insulate your floors and duct work. These improvements could very easily make your crawlspace a lot colder in the winter. You may have to put electric heating tape on your pipes. Insulating the pipes would also be a good idea. Even if you don't do the other projects suggested here, insulate any hot water pipes in the crawlspace at the very least! This is a cheap and easy project that you don't really need to consult a professional about.

If your crawlspace suffers from many of the problems mentioned here, it's probably best to consult a HVAC professional. Even if you have to pay a professional to make the improvements, you will see an good return on your investment in the years to come!

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