How Crawl Space Encapsulation Lowers Your Electric Bill in the Lowcountry

Here in the Lowcountry, we know what it feels like to battle the heat and humidity. From sticky summers to chilly winter mornings, our HVAC systems work overtime to keep our homes comfortable. But what if your crawl space is quietly driving up your power bill every month?

At Lowcountry Foundation and Crawl Space Repair, we see this all the time. An unsealed crawl space doesn’t just invite in moisture and musty odors—it can actually increase your monthly electric bill by making your home harder to heat and cool.

Why Crawl Spaces Matter for Energy Costs

Most homes in Georgia and South Carolina were built with vented crawl spaces. While this design was once thought to help with air circulation, in reality it does the opposite. Open vents allow hot, humid air in during the summer and cold drafts in during the winter.

Your HVAC system has to work harder to balance these extreme temperatures, and that effort shows up on your monthly bill. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, up to 20–30% of a home’s energy loss comes from uncontrolled air movement—and much of that starts in the crawl space.

What Crawl Space Encapsulation Does

Encapsulation involves sealing the crawl space with a thick vapor barrier, closing off vents, adding an airtight door and installing a dehumidifier. Instead of your crawl space working against your home, it becomes a controlled, protected part of your house.

Think of it as putting your crawl space “inside” your home’s thermal envelope. That means:

• No more humid summer air straining your A/C

• No more cold winter drafts chilling your floors

• Less moisture to trigger mold growth and odors

Real Savings for Homeowners

The savings are real, especially in our climate:

• Studies show encapsulated homes use 15% less energy compared to vented crawl space homes.

• Homeowners in hot, humid regions report saving $50–$150 per month on electric bills after encapsulation, depending on their home size and HVAC system.

• Reduced humidity also lowers wear-and-tear on your A/C unit, which means fewer costly repairs.

Beyond the Electric Bill

Encapsulation isn’t just about saving money—it’s about improving your daily life:

• More comfort: No more freezing floors in the winter.

• Better indoor air quality: Since nearly half of the air you breathe comes from your crawl space, sealing it helps ensure it’s clean and healthy.

• Protection for your home: Less moisture means less risk of wood rot, mold, and foundation issues.

Ready to Save?

At Lowcountry Foundation and Crawl Space Repair, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners across the Lowcountry reclaim their crawl spaces and take control of their energy bills. Our encapsulation systems are designed specifically for hot, humid climates like ours—keeping your home drier, healthier, and more efficient year-round.

If you’re tired of high electric bills and uncomfortable floors, it may be time to seal the space beneath your home.

Schedule your free inspection today and find out how much encapsulation could save you.