Air SealingA category from your Ciel audit report
The room you never enter is shaping the air in every room you do
Up to half of the air on your first floor rises from your crawlspace. If that space is damp, vented to the outdoors, and uninsulated, you are living above a moisture problem: musty odors, cold floors, energy waste, and conditions that invite mold and pests. Encapsulation seals the space and puts it to work for your home instead of against it.
What encapsulation involves
- A heavy duty vapor barrier sealed across the ground and up the foundation walls, stopping ground moisture at the source
- Air sealing of vents, gaps, and penetrations that let outside air and humidity pour in
- Insulation of foundation walls or the floor above, so your first floor stops feeling like it sits on ice
- Moisture management, including drainage correction and dehumidification where conditions call for it
What changes when it's done
Homeowners notice warmer first floor rooms in winter, less humidity in summer, and the disappearance of that persistent musty smell. Your heating and cooling systems also stop conditioning air that leaks straight into a vented pit below the house.
Incentives can help here too
Key components of crawlspace work, including air sealing, insulation, and moisture control measures such as vapor barriers, are eligible within Whole Home Energy Solutions projects, which offer up to $7,500 in cash back incentives and up to $25,000 in 0% financing. Crawlspace vapor barriers can also qualify under the program's health and safety allowance. Your audit report will show exactly which parts of your project qualify.
Recognized crawlspace expertise
Ciel Power's crawlspace work has been featured in Family Handyman, and our building science approach treats the crawlspace as part of the whole house rather than a standalone waterproofing job. We are a BPI GoldStar contractor, a four time ENERGY STAR Contractor of the Year, and a PSE&G Top 10 Contractor.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my crawlspace needs this?
Cold first floor rooms, musty smells, visible moisture or mold on framing, and sagging fiberglass insulation under the floor are the classic signs. The audit includes a full crawlspace inspection.
Should crawlspace vents stay open?
In New Jersey's humid climate, open vents usually make moisture worse by drawing in damp summer air that condenses in the cool space below your home. Sealed and conditioned is the modern standard.
Is encapsulation covered by the utility program?
The eligible components are the air sealing, insulation, and qualifying moisture and health and safety measures within your project. We itemize exactly what qualifies in your proposal, so there are no surprises.
How long does the work take?
Most encapsulations are completed in one to three days depending on the size and condition of the space.
Is the crawlspace checked during the regular energy audit?
Yes. Every $99 home energy audit includes a crawlspace inspection covering moisture, insulation, air leakage, and health and safety conditions. You do not need a separate assessment.
Find out what is happening under your floors
Start with a $99 home energy audit. It includes a full crawlspace inspection, and the fee is credited toward your project if you move forward.