What Temperature To Close Crawl Space Vents

Dampness can break into a house through several ways. Broken gutters, bad roofing, and structural problems are the root causes behind the access. But crawl space vents can serve as another key to the humidity entrance and present a harmful risk for mold formation and pest outbreaks. 

This is the reason various homeowners now question, What temperature to close crawl space vents? The brief answer is that it relies on the weather. This post will discuss when to open or close crawl space vents, the importance of the right timing, and how modern equipment, such as crawl space dehumidifiers and a crawl space ventilation fan, can save your house throughout the year. 

Why Crawl Space Vents Exist in the First Place?

The true purpose of crawl space vents was to let clean air pass over the space under your house. Constructors thought this air circulation could maintain dampness levels way down and help avoid mold or wood decay. For several years, residents were advised to set out crawl space vents open or closed based on the season. 

Nevertheless, unlocked vents permit outdoor air, and with it, cold, moisture, or warm air into the crawl space. In damp summers, this introduces the humidity. During chill winters, it results in greater heating prices and frozen pipes. 

That being said, leaving crawl space vents open or closed at inappropriate times can bring about more damage compared to benefit. 

At present, builders suggest a regulated ventilation setup. Rather than depending on external weather, invest in machines such as a crawlspace ventilation fan or crawl space dehumidifiers. These control air circulation and dampness without the possibility that arises from open vents. 

So, What Temperature To Close Crawl Space Vents?

The common rule is straightforward. Close crawl space vents in winter while outside temperatures dip below 40°F (4°C). Chill air penetrating via open vents can harden water pipes, increase heating prices, and generate condensation on chill surfaces. 

The occupants mostly question: should crawl space vents be open or closed during the winter? The answer is obvious: they must be shut. Locking the vents assists in catching heat, lowering air circulation, and saving your plumbing setup. 

Besides, in damp or rainy climates, you might have to close crawl space vents in summer. Humid air from outdoors can move humidity levels up in your house. Consequently, it supports mold development, wood decay, and damp smells. 

For those wondering when to open crawl space vents, the answer rests on your location’s climate and how thoroughly the crawl space is sealed. 

Also, several people invest in vent covers that lock mechanically depending on the temperature. The rest install a crawlspace ventilation fan with a thermostat to regulate airflow automatically. 

These devices clear away the assumptions from determining when to open crawl space vents or shut them. 

Problems Caused by Leaving Vents Open in the Wrong Season

Making crawl space vents open at a bad time can lead to big issues. This is because your crawl space links to your remaining home. Dampness, air, and temperature variations underneath can influence protection, ease, and energy prices above. 

Winter Problems

• Cold Floors: Unlock vents allow cold air to go up in the living areas.

• Frozen Pipes: Chill air getting into the crawl space hardens water lines. 

• Heat Loss: The HVAC setup functions more to maintain the home warm. 

This is the reason it’s significant to close crawl space vents in winter. Securing vents helps avoid freezing and keeps heat inside. 

Summer Problems in Humid Areas

• Moisture increase: Damp, hot air increases humidity levels under the house. 

• Mold Formation: Wet insulation and wood turn into hotbeds for mold. 

• Musty Smells: Humid air in the crawl space results in odors inside the home. 

When you stay in damp weather, don’t think vents must always remain open in summer. In various scenarios, it’s recommended to close crawl space vents and run a crawl space dehumidifier to extract excessive moisture. 

Signs You Should Keep Vents Closed or Consider an Upgrade

At times, figuring out whether to keep crawl space vents open or closed is not sufficient. You are required to search for symptoms of bad situations. The problems appear when submissive venting is failing and when it’s the moment to utilize good devices such as crawlspace ventilation fan or crawl space dehumidifiers. 

Observe these distressing signals: 

• Damp smells inside: Foul smells mostly arise from too much dampness under the floor. 

• Mold on insulation or structural support: Mold suggests the crawl space is very humid. 

• High moisture readings: When a hygrometer indicates over 60%, the air is too humid. 

• Pest activity: Insects and rodents such as moist, dark crawl spaces. 

• Wood decay or rot on HVAC tools: Signals of humidity harm. 

In that case, when you notice any of the above-mentioned, keeping the vents closed is an intelligent move. However, sealing the vents and running a crawl space ventilation fan or dehumidifier is much better. 

These setups give you complete control over dampness and air, regardless of the external climate. 

Having said that, Abestorm provides strong crawl space dehumidifiers made for limited headroom. The units work silently, drain mechanically, and need less upkeep. Also, they assist residents in preventing humidity issues without continuous inspection.

Best Practices for Managing Crawl Space Year-Round

The effective management of a crawl space is based on dampness, temperature, and your house’s locality. Regarding what temperature to close crawl space vents is an element of a grand scheme to save your house all year long. 

Stick to these easy seasonal suggestions: 

Winter:

• Close crawl space vents in winter to ensure freezing air stays out and pipes are secure. 

• Apply insulation and invest in a crawl space dehumidifier to control indoor dampness. 

Summer (in humid regions):

• Hole vents shut to cut off humid air. 

• Invest in a crawl space dehumidifier or crawlspace ventilation fan for air circulation and humidity management. 

Spring/Fall:

• Keep track of moisture levels using a hygrometer. 

• Regulate dehumidification or ventilation depending on weather patterns. 

A thorough knowledge of when to keep crawl space vents open or closed prevents harm. Joining closed vents with the correct devices provides complete control over dampness and air. 

Conclusion

Looking after your crawl space isn’t just about relief, it’s about avoiding actual issues such as mold, humidity harm, and energy loss. As the weather changes, little changes, for instance, closing up vents or controlling airflow, can be of value in your house’s well-being. Utilizing equipment such as a dehumidifier or a ventilation fan offers you more control, regardless of the season. 

Protect Your Crawl Space with Smart Solutions!

If you’re in need of any kind of dehumidifiers or ventilation fans, look no further. Abestorm brings innovative products made for trustworthy, all-year-round use. Close your vents. Dry your space. Choose Abestorm for enhanced crawl space safety.