To enclose the space in a thermal envelope.
How to insulate floor with small crawl space.
It is probably the most well known type of insulation.
There are two types of crawl spaces ventilated and unventilated and each requires its own form of insulation.
They are small about 6 or 8 inches long and you will find them near the top of the crawl space.
This type of crawl space also allows insulation with an r value of 19 installed in the floor joist if the crawl space and has a permanently installed dehumidifier.
That s especially true when heating ducts or pipes pass through the space.
However the insulation needs to be treated with a fire retardant.
A temperate lower area that will keep upper floors warm while your home s foundation remains in sound condition.
Department of energy recommends r 11 3 insulation under floors in warm climates and an r 25 6 to 8 in cold climates.
If your space has them avoid adding insulation to the crawl space walls.
Insulation also helps to preserve the air quality and reduce energy costs.
If as you say the floor is only dirt covered with a vapor barrier then there would be heat loss there.
That way plumbing pipes and hvac ducts are protected from freezing temps helping to conserve energy.
To take the chill out of a crawl space it s usually best to insulate the exterior masonry walls rather than the underside of the floor above.
The goal however is the same.
Be sure to.
In a cold climate the most efficient technique is to insulate the walls of your crawl space and close it off from the elements by sealing all air leaks.
This type of insulation allows for conditioned air to be introduced into the crawl space.
How to insulate your crawl space.
Fiberglass insulation batts or rolls are the most economical and easiest diy choice for insulating between the floor joist in a crawl space.
Unless there are excessive moisture problems in the crawl space use unfaced fiberglass batts to insulate the walls.
These are rolled sections meant to fit between studs in walls or in the case of a crawl space the joists supporting the floor of the house.
That doesn t mean it s a problem but it isn t needed.
Vents present in some crawl spaces are intended to provide air circulation that removes odors and moisture.
Insulation is to keep heat from moving from one place to another so if the crawl space is heated then the insulation is not needed.