How much can I save on energy bills with crawl space insulation?

Most homeowners in the Raleigh area save 15–25% on heating and cooling costs after proper crawl space insulation. In a typical NC home, that translates to $300–$700+ per year in energy savings, meaning the insulation often pays for itself within 3–7 years.

Crawl Space Insulation Raleigh NC | Energy Savings

Q: Should I insulate crawl space walls or floor joists?

If your crawl space is encapsulated (sealed with a vapor barrier), insulating the walls is more effective and energy-efficient. For vented crawl spaces, insulating the floor joists above is the standard approach. We evaluate your specific setup and recommend the best strategy.

Crawl space insulation installation with spray foam being applied to foundation walls

Lower Energy Bills Start Below Your Feet

An uninsulated or poorly insulated crawl space is one of the biggest energy drains in a North Carolina home. In summer, hot air radiates through your floors. In winter, cold air seeps up from below. The result? Your HVAC system works overtime and your energy bills climb.

Sterling Blue installs crawl space insulation systems designed specifically for the NC climate — controlling temperature, moisture, and air movement to make your home dramatically more comfortable and efficient.

Insulation Types We Install

Closed-Cell Spray Foam

The premium choice. Closed-cell spray foam delivers the highest R-value per inch (R-6.5–7), acts as its own vapor barrier, and creates an airtight seal. Applied directly to crawl space walls in encapsulated systems, it's the most effective insulation available. Best for: encapsulated crawl spaces, maximum energy savings.

Rigid Foam Board (XPS / Polyiso)

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) and polyisocyanurate boards provide excellent insulation (R-5 to R-6.5 per inch) at a lower cost than spray foam. Mechanically fastened to crawl space walls, rigid foam is moisture-resistant and long-lasting. Best for: encapsulated crawl spaces on a budget.

Fiberglass Batt Insulation

The traditional approach — fiberglass batts installed between floor joists. While the most affordable option upfront, batts can sag, absorb moisture, and lose effectiveness over time in humid NC crawl spaces. Best for: vented crawl spaces, tight budgets, or as a temporary solution.

Energy Savings You Can Measure

15–25%

Average reduction in heating and cooling costs after proper crawl space insulation.

$300–$700+

Typical annual energy savings for Raleigh-area homeowners.

3–7 Years

Average payback period — then the savings are pure profit.

10–15°F

Temperature improvement on floors above an insulated crawl space.

Signs Your Crawl Space Needs Insulation

Cold floors in winter — especially over the crawl space
High energy bills — your HVAC runs constantly
Uneven temperatures — some rooms are always hotter or colder
Visible old/sagging insulation — falling fiberglass batts
Frozen pipes — plumbing in the crawl space freezes in winter
Humidity problems — condensation or musty smells from below

Our Insulation Process

Inspection & Assessment — We evaluate your current crawl space conditions, existing insulation, moisture levels, and ventilation.
Recommendation — Based on your crawl space type (vented vs. encapsulated) and budget, we recommend the optimal insulation strategy.
Preparation — Remove old/damaged insulation, address any moisture or structural issues first.
Installation — Professional installation with proper coverage, sealing, and attention to detail.
Final Inspection — We verify R-values, coverage, and air sealing before the job is complete.

Crawl Space Insulation FAQ

Common questions about insulating your crawl space.

What type of insulation is best for a crawl space?

For encapsulated crawl spaces in NC, closed-cell spray foam on the walls is the gold standard — it insulates and acts as a vapor barrier. Rigid foam board is an excellent and more affordable alternative. Traditional fiberglass batts are the least expensive but tend to sag and absorb moisture over time.

How much does crawl space insulation cost?

Crawl space insulation in Raleigh typically costs $1,500–$5,000+ depending on the method and crawl space size. Fiberglass batts are $1–$2/sq ft, rigid foam board runs $1.50–$3/sq ft, and closed-cell spray foam costs $2.50–$5/sq ft.

Should I insulate crawl space walls or floor joists?

If your crawl space is encapsulated (sealed), insulating the walls is more effective and energy-efficient. For vented crawl spaces, insulating the floor joists above is the standard approach. We evaluate your setup and recommend the best strategy.

How much can I save on energy bills?

Most Raleigh-area homeowners save 15–25% on heating and cooling costs after proper crawl space insulation. That's typically $300–$700+ per year, meaning the insulation pays for itself within 3–7 years.

Crawl Space Insulation in Raleigh NC