Crawl Space Heaters: Why You May Need One Posted on October 8, 2024 It’s a frigid winter morning. With the thermostat on high, the house feels warm and cozy. And yet, the floor is icy cold. This forces the heater to work harder to counteract the cold surface of the floor, driving up the heating bill and creating discomfort on an otherwise perfect winter day. Crawl spaces are commonly overlooked when it comes to heating. Yet, they can have a significant impact, causing cold uncomfortable floors and potential damage to the house structure due to frozen pipes or moisture buildup. The installation of a crawl space heater can make a difference in ensuring the longevity of your home’s foundation and reducing heating costs. In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about crawl space heaters, why you may need one, and how to choose the right one for your home. Why A Crawl Space Heater Can Be Essential Crawl space heaters can be an essential need for homes in regions that experience freezing temperatures. ✔ Prevents Frozen Pipes One of the primary risks in cold weather is the freezing and bursting of pipes. A crawl space heater helps keep pipes from freezing, greatly reducing the risk of frozen or burst pipes, one of the common household issues in winter. ✔ Minimize Moisture Build-Up Crawl spaces are prone to moisture accumulation, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. A heater can help to lower humidity levels by increasing temperature and promoting air circulation. One study found that an unheated crawl space has a 10% higher relative humidity compared to a heated one, increasing the risk of moisture retention and mold formation. ✔ Increased Energy Efficiency Heating a crawl space can reduce the load on your home’s main heating system, as less cold air from beneath the house enters the living space. According to the Department of Energy, sealing and insulating crawl spaces can reduce energy costs by 10-15% on average, and a strategically placed heater can further improve this efficiency. ✔ Enhanced Comfort Cold floors are one of the main indoor discomforts in winter. Besides being uncomfortable, it contributes to uneven heating within the home. A crawl space heater ensures that the floor above the crawl space is warmer, providing a more comfortable living environment. The Different Types of Crawl Space Heaters There are various crawl space heater types, each with its own advantages depending on the size of the space and the fuel or power source available. Electric Heater These heaters use electrical resistance to generate heat. They are simple, easy to install, and often come with built-in thermostats. Best for: Small to medium-sized crawl spaces. Pros: Low cost Compact Cons: Limited coverage Less efficient than other heater types Propane Heater These use propane as fuel to generate heat. They are more powerful than electric heaters and are typically used for larger spaces. Best for: Remote or off-grid homes where electricity may not be feasible. Pros: Powerful Does not rely on electricity Cons: Requires ventilation to prevent gas buildup Refueling required Natural Gas Heater These burn natural gas to provide heat. They are often used in homes already equipped with natural gas lines. Best for: Larger crawl spaces or homes with existing gas connections. Pros: Cost-effective Powerful Cons: Needs existing gas line Requires professional installation Proper ventilation is essential Infrared Heater This type of heater uses infrared radiation to heat objects rather than air. This method directly heats the crawl space floors and walls. Best for: Situations where gentle, consistent heat is needed. Pros: Quiet Energy-efficient Cons: Works best in smaller areas. Convection Heater Convection type heaters heat the air in the crawl space, which then rises and warms the surrounding areas. Best for: Insulated crawl spaces. Pros: Even heat distribution Efficient in well-insulated spaces Cons: Slow to heat larger spaces Works best in tightly sealed and insulated crawl spaces Micathermic Heater Also known as mica panels, they produce both convection heat and radiant heat. Their thin panel design makes them highly compact compared to other types of heaters. Best for: Crawl spaces with low clearance. Pros: Excellent heat distribution Can fit in tight crawl spaces Cons: More expensive Limited coverage area What Look for in a Crawl Space Heater Because crawl space heaters come in different heating types, fuel source, and capacity, it’s important to consider what you need to look for so that it matches your crawl space. 1. Size and Power Output The size of your heater should match the size of your crawl space. A heater that’s too small will struggle to keep the space warm, while an oversized heater leads to wasted energy. Look for units with the appropriate wattage or BTU rating for your crawl space’s dimensions. 2. Fuel Type Electric heaters require a power source. Propane heaters can be an alternative for crawl spaces without a convenient outlet, while natural gas heaters can be used if there is an existing gas supply line. 3. Ventilation and Airflow Gas and propane heaters require ventilation. Ensure the heater is equipped with proper ventilation systems to prevent gas buildup. Units that incorporate fans can help improve heat circulation. 4. Portability and Installation Flexibility Depending on the layout of your crawl space, portability might be essential. Some electric or propane heaters are lightweight and can be easily moved around. Others may need to be mounted, so consider how much flexibility you need. 5. Low Noise Levels If the crawl space is situated near living areas, a heater with low noise levels ensures it won’t disturb the household. Useful Features to Look for in a Crawl Space Heater ☑ Energy Efficiency Rating If you live in a cold region or plan to run the unit frequently during the winter months, prioritize heaters that come with high energy efficiency ratings to minimize power consumption. ☑ Thermostat Control A built-in thermostat automatically regulates the temperature and prevents the unit from overheating. This helps maintain consistent warmth while improving energy efficiency. ☑ Safety Features Crawl spaces can be tricky environments, so safety features are essential. Look for: Automatic shut-off Tip-over protection Overheat detection These features help prevent fires or other hazards in confined spaces. ☑ Durability and Weather Resistance Since crawl spaces often experience varying humidity levels, it’s important to choose a heater built with corrosion-resistant materials that can handle the damp environment. Our Recommended Crawl Space Heaters Electric crawl space heater King PKB2410-1-P PKB Platinum Industrial Electric 7.5/10 kW Heater The heavy duty portable electric heater is a great option for indoor job sites and warehouses or industrial facilities for year-round comfort. Not only does it provide dry electric heat, it also has an integrated summer fan only mode and thermostat timer modes. It uses 208 / 240V electricity and produces 7.5 / 10 kw; 25.6 / 34.1 BTUs of electric heat. The heavy duty 16 gauge wheel base and convenient handle offer easy portability. Its spiral finned steel elements and 725 CFMs help to ensure even heat distribution with cooler element operation. The spiral fin element is copper brazed and is molded into a coil configuration. This allows for even heat transfer eliminating hot and cold spots. Safety features include a non-mercury tip over switch as well as Patented Smart Limit Protection. The Smart Limit Protection disconnects the elements and motor if normal operating temperatures are exceeded. The overload will remain open and the unit must be manually reset by turning the heater off for 15 minutes. Price: $2,619.00 King PKB2410-1-P PKB Platinum Industrial Electric 7.5/10 kW Heater - 208/240/1/60 The King Platinum Electronic Portable Utility Heater is a great option for indoor job sites and warehouses or industrial facilities for year round comfort. No... View Product Propane / gas crawl space heater Rinnai EX38DT 38400 BTU EnergySaver Direct Vent Wall Furnace This direct-vent wall furnace is 38,400 BTUs and is available in propane or natural gas versions. Direct Vent furnaces can be installed almost anywhere along an outside wall. This model offers several venting installation options. A built-in, programmable thermostat is located on top of the unit of the EX38DT. It has 2 timer settings and can be connected to a WiFi enabled thermostat giving you more control flexibility. In case of a power outage, it will shut off the gas and once power is restored, it will restart automatically. One energy-saving feature is its use of modulating technology to optimize efficiency. It offers just the right amount of heat at any given moment by constantly monitoring the room temperature and detecting temperature fluctuations. Room temperature is monitored 2″ from the floor and detects temperature changes of less then 1°F. If a sudden gush of cold air rushes into the crawl space, it automatically adjusts the fan speed and BTUs to restore the space back to its set temperature quickly. Price: $2,633.00 Rinnai EX38DT 38400 BTU EnergySaver Direct Vent Wall Furnace This Direct Vent Wall Furnace, with 38,400 BTUs, is an excellent source of heat for large rooms across most regions. Direct Vent furnaces can be installed alm... View Product Conclusion Crawl space heaters are an essential investment for homeowners in colder climates. They not only prevent major issues like frozen pipes but also enhance overall comfort and energy efficiency. Unsure what type of crawl space heater to get? Give us a call and we’ll get you sorted to ensure you get a safe and efficient heated crawl space for your home. Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.