• Proper insulation is paramount to ensuring that a house is warm in the winter, cool in the summer and energy efficient. One of the easiest ways to reduce energy costs is to insulate walls. A properly insulated house helps to control moisture and reduce the chance of mold growing inside. A quarter of all energy loss is through the crawlspace, according to the Johns Mansville Co., which insulates houses.
  
  

Unventilated Crawlspaces

• Traditionally during construction, builders made crawlspaces ventilated to keep the air circulating and prevent moisture buildup, which caused mold. It is more effective to seal the floor and insulate the walls, which creates an unventilated crawlspace that is more energy efficient. It is cheaper to create an unventilated crawlspace because fewer insulating products are used to achieve this. Homes are warmer during winter and cooler during summer because there is less airflow from inside the crawlspace escaping outside. Piping and ductwork near the crawlspace is insulated from outside elements, reducing the risk of freezing.
  
  

Contact Building Officials

• Contact building officials and pest control officers to ensure that the proposed insulation is up to local building codes. There needs to be a plan of action relating to how the insulation process is going to be carried out and whether fire codes are being followed. This helps to reduce the risk that building officials will inspect the work and force it to be redone if it is not up to specifications on safety. It also ensures a safe environment for families.
  
  

Sealing Insulation

• After insulation is installed, homeowners need to properly seal the work either through a vapor barrier or a house wrap. Some insulation products can succumb to mold if they sit in moist or damp areas. Sealing the insulation product in the crawlspace walls helps to maintain the integrity of the product and ensure that it lasts for years. The vapor barrier or house wrap acts as a second layer for the insulation, preventing airflow from penetrating and providing further insulating properties.
  
  

Proper Installation

• Make sure that the insulation materials are installed properly. Either hire a professional or research insulation methods before attempting to install the products on your own. A critical error that happens when installing insulation is that it is not put close enough together, leaving gaps for hot and cold air to escape through. Put the insulation materials snugly together and make sure that the material covers the entire span of the space being insulated.