Suggestions for heating/air flow in crawlspace

[101mph]

I'm in the process of insulating and sealing up (encapsulation) the crawlspace in my cottage.

I'm trying to figure out the best way to get some air movement or heat into it once I seal up the vents. The cottage has electric heat only and there is nothing in the crawl to provide ventilation or heat once I seal everything up (there are no vents in the floor above either).

I'm also considering a dehumidifier to put down there to handle any moisture issues, but from what I've been reading I still need some sort of way to get air flow down there.

Any suggestions on what I should do?

 

[rsa]

Any suggestions on what I should do?

Take a look at the building code. GBA explains the code more plainly:

The code lists two options for conditioning unvented crawl spaces; both options require the installation of a duct or transfer grille connecting the crawl space with the conditioned space upstairs. Option 1 requires “continuously operated mechanical exhaust ventilation at a rate equal to 1 cfm for each 50 square feet of crawl space floor area.” In other words, install an exhaust fan blowing through a hole in the rim joist or an exterior wall; make sure that the fan isn't too powerful. (The makeup air entering the crawl space is conditioned air from the house upstairs; since this conditioned air is drier than outdoor air, it doesn't lead to condensation problems.)

Option 2 requires that the crawl space have a forced-air register delivering 1 cfm of supply air from the furnace or air handler for each 50 square feet of crawl space area. (Assuming the house has air conditioning, this introduction of cool, dry air into the crawl space during the summer keeps the crawl space dry.)

The GBA link has more details. The comments are valuable too.

 

[Highbeam]

With moisture issues, is bringing your crawlspace into the conditioned envelope a good idea? I still have a vented crawlspace with floor insulation above and I woulnd't want that air in the home.

 

[101mph]

With moisture issues, is bringing your crawlspace into the conditioned envelope a good idea? I still have a vented crawlspace with floor insulation above and I woulnd't want that air in the home.

Yes you're right.

I've done a little more research and I'm not going to put any vents from the upper floor into/out of the crawl.

I've decided that I'm just going to seal up the crawlspace and put a dehumidifier down there.

 

[burleyfarm]

Yes you're right.

I've done a little more research and I'm not going to put any vents from the upper floor into/out of the crawl.

I've decided that I'm just going to seal up the crawlspace and put a dehumidifier down there.

My dehumidifier says not to use it in a crawl space. I'd like to but it has filters on the intake side. How are you going to access it?

 

[101mph]

I purchased a dehumidifier that is specifically designed to go into the crawlspace.

http://www.crawlspacedepot.com/products/MEGA-DRY-CS70-Dehumidifier.html

 

[rsa]

GBA posted a new blog entry today, Five Way to Deal with Crawl Space Air.

 

[101mph]

Nice article rsa. Thanks!