Do carpets insulate very much?

Question

In comparison to Wooden floors

(both of which do not have underfloor heating)

do they like keep in the heat much?

Answer 1

I live in an RV.  A couple of years ago, I replaced all the tile and thin auto type carpeting with a thick pile carpet. It has cut my heating bill in half.

Answer 2

Carpet definitely does help.

A good carpet pad provides a good barrier then the carpet strands (longer the better) do like animal fur and trap air.

Since cold air likes to stay low while warm air rises a hardwood floor because of its density (wood) will tend to trap and hold cold and contribute very much to a cold  room...so yes carpet good, hardwood bad.

A side note though, stocking feet and hardwood floors can't be beat for sliding around though!

Take a peek at rivergirls carpet study link....good info!

Answer 3

Yes, carpet insulates quite a bit.   Residential cut pile carpet can have as much insulating value as insulation (although, since it doesn't cover all the walls, floor and ceiling, it won't be as effective as actually insulating your house.)

In addition to insulating the floor, it will also FEEL warmer than wood against your feet.

I've attached a link to a study that discusses the insulating value of carpet.

Answer 4

Yes, carpets themselves do provide a little insulation, however when combined with some type of carpet pad/cushion can insulate up to 45% more depending on the type of carpet pad you choose.  You want to make sure you know the "R" value of the material you plan to use under your carpet.  R value = the measure of heat lose for a given material.  Make sure you ask which will be the best in a residential home, since the best materials available go to commercial business'.