If as you say the floor is only dirt covered with a vapor barrier then there would be heat loss there.
How to insulate floor with small crawl space.
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.
Fiberglass insulation batts or rolls are the most economical and easiest diy choice for insulating between the floor joist in a crawl space.
That way plumbing pipes and hvac ducts are protected from freezing temps helping to conserve energy.
However the insulation needs to be treated with a fire retardant.
The goal however is the same.
Department of energy recommends r 11 3 insulation under floors in warm climates and an r 25 6 to 8 in cold climates.
They are small about 6 or 8 inches long and you will find them near the top of the crawl space.
Be sure to.
Unless there are excessive moisture problems in the crawl space use unfaced fiberglass batts to insulate the walls.
A temperate lower area that will keep upper floors warm while your home s foundation remains in sound condition.
If your space has them avoid adding insulation to the crawl space 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.
Insulation also helps to preserve the air quality and reduce energy costs.
This is also known as fiberglass insulation.
How to insulate your crawl space.
Proper crawl space insulation also can prevent your crawl space from becoming a moist environment that grows and harbors mold and mildew controlling crawl space temperature and moisture is a dual process that works toward a common goal.
To enclose the space in a thermal envelope.
Without insulation heat and cool air are easily lost through the floor.
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.
That doesn t mean it s a problem but it isn t needed.
That s especially true when heating ducts or pipes pass through the space.
Vents present in some crawl spaces are intended to provide air circulation that removes odors and moisture.
There are two types of crawl spaces ventilated and unventilated and each requires its own form of insulation.