Should you vent crawl spaces?

Code in Washington state requires crawl spaces to have ventilation. If vents are not cut into the foundation, or if they are covered up, then mechanical venting must be installed.

Conditioned crawl spaces

Another option is to close off the vents and condition the air in the crawl space as if it was a livable area. This keeps the crawl space at the same temperature and humidity levels as the rest of the house. Of course, you’ll need to properly insulate the crawl space.

Crawl space dehumidifiers

Many homeowners choose to install a dehumidifier in the crawlspace. This is the final step in controlling humidity levels and excess moisture.