Have you ever had frozen pipes? You can probably imagine that pipes can freeze in winter months, so to prevent that from happening, you need to know how to keep them warm. A crawl space heater may be just what you need. The best heaters for crawl spaces will keep temperatures at a place so that your pipes won’t freeze.
Here’s a rundown on crawl space heaters. For more information and to schedule an installation regarding heaters for crawl spaces, call Insulation Co of Lynwood WA.
Can You Install a Heater in Your Crawl Space?
While you technically can install a heater in your crawl space, it is worth considering whether you should. Many risks come along with installing a heater for crawl space, such as:
- Fire- If your crawl space is old or damaged, it will be more susceptible to catching fire.
- Energy costs– The prolonged use of a heater in crawl space will cause your utility expenses to rise.
- Unstable distribution of heat– While the pipes nearest to the heater will not freeze, the same cannot be said for the rest of the piping in the home.
How Can You Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing in the Crawl Space?
There are plenty of other ways to reduce the effects of cold weather on your home’s inner workings. Aside from using a crawl space heater to keep pipes from freezing, you can:
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Switch off the Sprinkler System
Leaking or trapped moisture in your sprinkler system can cause a freeze during off-months. Turn your sprinkler system off entirely after the first frost to avoid any issues.
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Insulate Pipes
Insulating your pipes acts as an excellent heater in crawl space. Duct tape or insulation foam wraps around hot and cold water piping nicely.
If you have a hot water heater in the crawl space, it may need insulation for colder temperatures. Otherwise, it may freeze. Protect your water heater in a crawl space with insulation.
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Filter your Faucet
By filtering hot and cold water faucets, you lower water pressure in your pipes. So, if they do freeze, they’re less likely to burst. Be sure to check every pipe on your property.
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Heat the Pipes
Heated tape can help keep your pipes warm in winter and keep them from freezing. Remember, though, to use tape with a built-in thermostat to prevent overheating.
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Make Sure there are no Leaks
Lastly, scrutinize your home for any potential leaks. Double-check areas with regular water presence, such as refrigerators, icemakers, washers, and dishwashers. It is best to do this at the end of the summer to ensure ample time for repairs.
FAQs About Crawl Space Heaters
A heater for crawl space use is not uncommon but may warrant questions. Consider these FAQs concerning location and temperature:
- Can you put a heater in the crawl space?
You can place a heater in your crawl space, as long as you are aware of its surroundings. Remember to monitor it, as it’s easy to forget the crawl space and miss indicators that something’s wrong.
- How do I keep my crawl space warm?
Proper insulation will keep your crawl space warm. Seal gaps in your crawl space and inspect the area for exposed areas. For more options, consider what you’ve learned here about the best heater for crawl space use.
- What temperature should a crawl space be in winter?
Aim to keep your crawl space between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit, or 18 to 21 degrees Celsius. Ideally, your crawl space should be around the same temperature as the occupied areas of the home.
Final Thoughts
In a pinch, a crawl space heater is a great way to ensure that your home’s inner workings do not freeze. To insulate your home in Washington state, Insulation Co is the optimal choice.
For more on using a heater in crawl space, contact Insulation Co of Lynwood, WA, at (425) 903-6453 today for a free estimate.