[Greenbuilding] CONDITIONED crawlspace ventilation

[Dan Johnson]

Just to clarify,
Building Science Corp (http://www.buildingscience.com) has advocated
that crawlspaces be moisture-sealed, perimeter-insulated, and
mechanically ventilated as part of the conditioned space of the
building. (See their site for more information.) This results in
better moisture control and energy savings. Conventional practice was
to insulate the floor with batts between joists and vent the
crawlspace passively with screened holes. I've read that codes allow
a conditioned crawlspace if it is mechanically ventilated from the
conditioned space above.

I was asking about an addition to a house right on the ocean in
Sonoma County, California.  I think I'll have energy savings if I
condition the crawlspace below the addition, but I need to link the
air volumes somehow, and since I have no forced air in the addition,
how do I do this? (The addition will have hydronic tubes in a wood
floor.)

Thanks again,
--Dan 

--- Michael McHugh <mmchugh at vernerjohnson.com> wrote:

> Dan,
> 
> You don't indicate what climate you are in or what code you are 
> designing to meet. Could you insulate the addition floor and leave 
> the crawlspace unheated with screened vents only?  Is there
> plumbing 
> and/or ductwork in the crawlspace?
> 
> Mike
> 
> >I am designing an addition to be built on a crawlspace foundation.
> >I'd like to seal and insulate the crawlspace for energy
> conservation,
> >but I think codes require some kind of mechanical ventilation of
> the
> >crawlspace.  Since my addition has no mechanical ventilation, I
> don't
> >want to add a fan just for the crawlspace. Is there any way to
> ensure
> >an air change by passive means?
> >
> >If we put a heat recovery ventilator on the house, can I just link
> >the crawlspace using air transfer grilles?
> >
> >Thanks,
> >Dan Johnson
> 
> -- 
> *****************************************************************
> Michael McHugh AIA, LEED AP
> LEED Program Director
> E. Verner Johnson and Associates
> Museum Architects and Planners
> 222 Berkeley Street,  Suite 1350
> Boston, MA 02116
> tel:   617-437-6262
> fax:  617-437-1272
> http://www.vernerjohnson.com
> 



 
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