The Impact of Flooring on Home Energy Efficiency
Oh, those energy bills. Are they on the rise again this year?
Reports are coming in about the rise in electricity. A price tracker shows that the cost of electricity has risen more than 28.5 percent in the last five years. The average American is now paying almost $300 a month in utility bills!
There’s got to be ways to bring those bills down every month. It might start with adding new flooring. Flooring can have an impact on home energy efficiency, and can help you feel more comfortable too.
Paying Attention To Home Energy Efficiency
Why do you care about home energy efficiency? Everyone has their starting point.
Maybe it’s for the cost savings. By using less energy for heating, cooling, and powering appliances, you can save money in the long run.
Maybe it’s for increased comfort. An energy-efficient home maintains a more consistent temperature, reducing drafts and hot or cold spots. This means a more comfortable living environment.
How about for the environmental impact? Reducing energy consumption helps lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduces a home’s carbon footprint.
Thinking of selling in the future? Energy-efficient homes are often more attractive to potential buyers, as they promise lower energy bills and better overall performance. This can increase the property’s resale value.
Or maybe it’s about health and safety. Energy-efficient homes often have better ventilation and reduced exposure to outdoor pollutants. That means improved indoor air quality and better health.
Why Some Flooring Choices Feel Colder Than Others
What do you consider to be a warm floor? Carpet feels warm to the touch, especially as you stumble out of bed on a cold winter morning. Tile feels cool to the touch on a scorching summer day. There are reasons for that. This sensation isn’t just in your mind.
Different R-Values In Different Flooring
The R-value of a material measures its resistance to heat flow. Flooring materials with higher R-values provide better insulation against cold temperatures, while those with lower R-values tend to feel colder underfoot.
Carpet typically has a higher R-value compared to tile or stone, which is why it feels warmer. Materials like ceramic or porcelain tiles have low R-values, meaning they don’t retain heat well and can feel much colder, especially in colder climates or seasons.
R-value is a good place to start, but there are other determinants that help with energy efficiency.
Insulation
Let’s talk insulation. Even flooring with a lower R-value can feel warmer if it is installed over well-insulated surfaces. That’s why installing underlayment beneath hardwood or laminate flooring can add an extra layer of insulation, preventing cold from seeping through from the ground below.
It’s also why hiring an installer who knows what he’s doing matters. Proper subfloor insulation can significantly reduce the amount of cold air that reaches the flooring surface, making rooms more comfortable overall. Creating a moisture barrier also controls dampness, reducing the uncomfortable feeling that comes with a poorly regulated house. While you might be tempted to focus only on the flooring, be sure to ask about quality underlayment as it does make a difference.
Other Energy Efficiency House Items
The energy efficiency of other components in your home can also impact how flooring feels. Drafty windows, poor wall insulation, or inefficient heating systems can cause rooms to feel colder, which in turn affects how your flooring feels.
If your home lacks adequate insulation in the walls or has old, single-pane windows, cold air can seep in, making both the room and the flooring feel chillier. If you’re remodeling an older home and upgrading a room or section to be more energy efficient, it’s worth improving the core systems. Proper insulation, energy-efficient windows, and well-sealed doors can contribute to warmer floors and a more comfortable living space.
Differences In Flooring Choices
Each type of flooring has unique characteristics that affect its warmth. Hardwood flooring can provide moderate warmth, especially if it’s over an insulated subfloor. Vinyl and laminate flooring, depending on their thickness and the materials used, can offer varying degrees of warmth.
Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) often have a more substantial backing that provides some insulation, while basic vinyl may feel colder. Stone and tile are known for their ability to stay cool, which can be beneficial in hot climates but less desirable in colder ones. Yet stone and tile are perfect choices for laying over radiant heating.
In today’s world, flooring manufacturers understand what homeowners want, and have responded with great ways to appeal to your style and functionality needs. If you have a strong desire for a particular type of flooring, there are ways to get everything you want.
How To Find The Right Flooring For More Energy Efficiency
Are you more confused than ever? Don’t be. Flooring is a personal choice. If you have a preference, go with your gut. There are many ways to love the flooring materials you choose and create an energy efficient environment at the same time. Here’s what we recommend.
Balance Aesthetics with Functionality
While energy efficiency is important, you also want flooring that fits the aesthetic of your home. The right flooring will complement your interior design while contributing to energy savings. Whether you prefer the natural look of wood, the sleek appearance of tile, or the cozy feel of carpet, there are energy-efficient options available in nearly every style. Just ask us; we can show you many examples we know you’re going to love.
Consider the Climate
Climate matters. Here in Colorado, you’ll be setting records for the most days in the 90s in the summer, and watching the temperatures fall well below zero in the winter. That will happen, and your home will have to adjust.
In colder climates like ours, flooring with higher insulation properties, such as carpet, can help retain warmth and reduce heating costs. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have options. With so many great choices, there is a way to have everything you’re looking for.
Assess Room Usage and Foot Traffic
Different rooms have different needs based on their use and the amount of foot traffic they receive and what you’ll be doing in every room. It might make sense to put carpet in bedrooms, but in the kitchen, this is where aesthetics can rule. What do you want?
A heavily trafficked area like the kitchen might benefit from durable, easy-to-clean flooring like tile or vinyl. Bedrooms might be better suited for carpeting, which provides warmth and comfort. Choose flooring that aligns with how you use each room, ensuring energy efficiency doesn’t come at the cost of practicality or comfort.
Evaluate the Subfloor and Underlayment
We’ve hinted at it here, and we’ll hint again. The subfloor and underlayment can significantly impact the energy efficiency of your flooring. Adding an insulated underlayment can enhance the thermal resistance of your flooring, preventing heat loss in the winter and keeping floors cool in the summer. Spend time learning more about underlayment and how your subfloor contributes to a warmer home. This time is well spent and will contribute to the overall energy efficiency of your home.
Think About Flooring Maintenance and Longevity
What good is flooring if it’s only purchased for energy efficiency? You’ll be living with it for years to come. Efficiency is also about choosing flooring that requires minimal maintenance and has a long lifespan.
Durable flooring materials that don’t need frequent replacement or intensive cleaning save resources and reduce waste over time. Options like high-quality tile, engineered wood, and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) can last for decades with proper care, making them cost-effective and sustainable choices.
See, you really can have it all!
How Can We Help You?
Are you ready for new flooring? Want to create a more energy efficient living space? We can help you get started in selecting new energy efficient flooring.
Start by browsing through our selections. Choose a few and bring them home. Live with them. Select one that calls to your sense of style and the way you live. You’ll love the results.