Households with laminate or wood floors issued warning over energy bills - here's what experts say
If you have wood or laminate flooring in your property, there is an easy way to prevent heat loss and keep you warm
by Alex Evans, Sonia Sharma · ChronicleLivePeople who have laminate or wood floors in their homes are being warned they may be causing higher energy bills.
According to experts, hard wood or laminate flooring can account for more than 10% of your house’s total heat loss, adding money to your energy bills as heat escapes through the floor. Hudson Flooring said: “Did you know that your floors can account for over 10 per cent of heat loss around the home?
“Those with wooden floors may notice that their home struggles to retain heat and that it gets a little cold under foot in the mornings. So if you know that your home is prone to losing heat, seriously consider using area rugs around your house. Although they are now primarily considered as a design feature, people can forget that area rugs were originally invented to keep you warm and stop heat loss through wooden floors.”
The flooring experts recommend wool as the best material to prevent heat escaping, but it is also the most expensive, reports the Express. Even a synthetic rug will do more to protect from heat loss than nothing at all.
They added: "It is important to remember that different materials will offer different levels of insulation. Wool is a great option as it is durable and soft underfoot, as well as providing the best insulation.
"However, in comparison to the other rugs on the market, it can be quite costly to purchase and maintain. If you are looking for a cheaper option then you should definitely not rule out cotton, acrylic or nylon. They will all do the same basic task of insulating your wooden floor. At the end of the day, it comes down to the amount that you are willing to spend on your rug."
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