While carpet is not a heat source, itself, it does have the ability to retain heat. What does that mean?

Poor Conductor: When you consider materials like concrete, tile, or marble, they feel cold when you step on them with your bare feet. This is because they conduct heat away from your body. In fact, uninsulated floors can account for between 10–20% of heat loss in the home.

Good Insulator: Carpet, on the other hand, allows the heat to remain in your body, helping you feel warmer. The main reason for this is the carpet’s ability to trap air within the dense structure formed by the fibers. These then act as a barrier against the cold subfloor below and keep that warmth from escaping.

Energy Efficiency: Since this warmth remains in the carpet for longer, it will help to create a more stable room temperature. This means you won’t need to use as much heating or cooling, leading to lower electric bills.

Extra Insulation: These insulation properties can be enhanced when you use additional padding or underlay beneath your carpet. Not only will these materials add more cushioning to the flooring, but they also create an extra layer of insulation which helps to increase energy efficiency.

Absorbs Sound: Not only does carpet insulate against the cold, but it also absorbs impact, which in turn reduces noise, creating a quieter environment. For this reason, carpet is often installed in hallways outside of bedrooms and on stairs.