How Crawl Space Problems Can Ruin Your HVAC System This Fall
When the weather cools down in Southeastern Virginia, most people think about their thermostat, their furnace, or maybe swapping out filters. But one area that gets overlooked almost every time? The crawl space.
Ignoring it can cost you comfort, air quality, and even your HVAC system.
This past week, we went to a home where the family noticed the air inside always felt humid — even when the AC was running. At first, they thought the system itself was failing. But once we crawled underneath, the problem was obvious: no moisture barrier in the crawl space.
Down here in Southeastern Virginia, humidity is a year-round battle. Without a vapor barrier, the crawl space acted like a sponge, pulling moisture up into the home. That extra dampness didn’t just make the living space uncomfortable — it started attacking the house itself.
Mold, Joists, and Ductwork Trouble
Moisture in the crawl space is a perfect breeding ground for mold. In this case, mold had already begun growing across the wooden joists, spreading like a stain. Even worse, it started creeping onto the ductwork.
When rodents or mice chew through the insulation around ducts, they expose bare surfaces. That’s exactly where mold loves to grow. Once mold makes it onto your ductwork, it’s only a matter of time before it spreads into the air you breathe indoors.
Why Fall Makes It Worse
In the fall, your HVAC system is working overtime — cooling on warm days, heating on chilly nights. If crawl space moisture is already stressing the ducts, your system runs harder, uses more energy, and risks breakdowns just when you need it most.
How Keystone Solves It
At Keystone HVAC & Climate Systems, we don’t just look at the unit in your attic or outside your home — we check the crawl space, too. That means making sure moisture barriers are in place, insulation is intact, and ductwork isn’t at risk.
A crawl space inspection now can prevent thousands in damage and keep your HVAC system running strong all winter long.
Crawl spaces aren’t glamorous, but ignoring them can destroy your comfort and your HVAC investment. Moisture, mold, and rodents all work together against your system if left unchecked — and fall is the season when those problems start showing up.
👉 If you’ve noticed your home feels damp or your crawl space hasn’t been inspected in years, call 757-344-4010 or contact us.
