We are all aware that we are in the middle of an energy crisis, so without turning off all the heating, is carpet really going to help make a home warmer?
Although hardwood flooring can feel nice and cool in the summer, when it comes to winter, carpeting is hard to beat for making a home feel cosy and warm.
Insulation is the keyI’m sure you’re aware of the value of roof insulation, but you might be surprised that up to 20% of a home’s heat loss is accounted for by un-insulated floors. And, as good carpeting is made of fibres that have a low conductivity rate, it makes for great insulation. So, although carpet may not create warmth, it definitely helps retain heat.
In addition to its insulation qualities the surface pile of carpet, with its millions of tiny fibres, traps air and further increases its thermal insulation. Carpeting also provide a physical barrier between the floor structure and the heat in a home. In fact, research by
Wools of New Zealand found that carpet provides around 10 times more insulation than hard floor coverings.
