Having warm floors can make a home feel cozier and more comfortable, especially during cold weather. There are several effective ways to warm up the floors throughout your house.
Consider Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant floor heating systems circulate heated water through tubes installed under the flooring. The warmth radiates up through the floor, gently warming the room above. Radiant floor heat is efficient, providing even and consistent warmth. It’s also unobtrusive, with no visible vents or radiators.
Radiant floor heating works well with tile, stone, and concrete floors. It can also be installed under wood flooring. The initial installation cost is higher than some other heating options, but it provides great comfort and can help lower energy bills over time.
Use Area Rugs and Runners
Rugs, especially plush area rugs and runners, act as insulators to hold in heat and warm up the floor. Use larger area rugs in seating areas or bedrooms. Runners work well in hallways or high-traffic areas.
Wool and synthetic rugs provide the most insulation. When choosing a rug pad, look for ones made with natural fibers without any rubber or plastic, as these materials block heat transfer. Rugs with high pile and dense weave work best for retaining warmth.
Rotate rugs occasionally to avoid uneven wear. Vacuum rugs frequently to prevent dirt buildup which reduces effectiveness.
Try Electric Mats and Heated Carpet
Electric radiant floor mats or heated carpet and rugs provide targeted floor warming exactly where you want it.
Heated mats available in rolls can be placed under an area rug or fixed to the subfloor under flooring materials like laminate or vinyl. They have thin internal wires that heat up when plugged in. Use a temperature controller to adjust the temperature.
Heated carpet and rugs have internal heating wires sewn into the bottom. They warm from the underside up. Heated rugs come in a range of sizes, shapes, and styles for convenience.
Use Floor Coverings Effectively
Certain flooring materials are warmer than others. Soft, porous choices like carpet and cork absorb heat. Slate, terrazzo, concrete, and ceramic tile do not retain heat as well.
Use area rugs or heated mats in rooms with those colder floors. For overall warmth, consider carpet in bedrooms, living rooms, and dens. Save the tile for spaces like kitchens.
Install insulation beneath floors to prevent heat loss. Make sure to seal any air leaks around baseboards or edges.
Maintain Proper Ventilation
Proper air circulation from heating vents and returns helps keep floors warmer. Make sure vents and returns are clear of obstructions like furniture or rugs.
Close doors to unused rooms so all the warm air is focused on inhabited spaces. Ensure vents blow air down onto the floor by adjusting baffle settings.
Running ceiling fans on low in a clockwise direction pushes warm air back down toward the floor. Keep air filters clean and ducts properly sealed.
Use Portable Heat Sources
Small portable heaters provide a boost of warmth right where you need it. Space heaters, heated fans, and radiators can all be used to heat up specific rooms or spots. Select models with safety features like automatic shut-off.
Place portable heaters out of high-traffic areas and on level, nonflammable surfaces. Never leave portable heaters running unattended.
How to Warm up Tile and Concrete Floors
Tile, slate, and concrete floors absorb the cold and can feel quite chilly underfoot. Try these tips for warming them up:
- Use large area rugs made of dense, plush fabrics like wool.
- Install radiant floor heating under the tiles or concrete.
- Place heated mats or portable heaters directly on the floors when occupied.
- Choose warmer floor finishes like polished concrete over porous tile.
- Add insulation under the floor to prevent heat loss through the foundation.
How to Warm Up Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors like oak and maple feel cooler than surfaces like carpet. Here are some ways to warm them up:
- Use large area rugs, especially in sitting areas.
- Have heating vents blow warm air directly onto hardwood floors.
- Make sure subfloor is insulated so no heat escapes from below.
- Refinish floors with a darker stain to absorb more heat.
- Install radiant heating tubes under the floorboards.
- Use foam weatherstripping to seal any gaps along baseboards.
FAQ About Warming Cold Floors
How can I warm up my tile floors without installing radiant heat?
Use large, dense area rugs to cover as much of the tile as possible. Place portable heaters or heated fans directly on the tile when the room is occupied. Sealing air leaks along baseboards helps retain heat.
What is the fastest way to get warmth into a room with cold floors?
Portable space heaters provide the quickest boost of directed warmth. Place them near seating areas and turn them on about 30 minutes before use. Be sure to follow all safety guidelines.
Should I insulate under hardwood floors to help them stay warm?
Yes, adding insulation between the subfloor and joists is an effective way to reduce heat loss and drafts. This helps hardwood floors retain more warmth from heating systems.
Is in-floor heating worth the cost for warming up floors?
In-floor radiant heating provides consistent, even warmth and can be more efficient overall. The upfront cost is higher, but it enhances comfort and may save on energy bills long-term.
Should I use foam weatherstripping on doors leading to rooms with cold floors?
Yes, sealing the gaps around doorways helps prevent drafts from escaping and retains more warmth in the rooms. Use adhesive foam weatherstripping on the bottom of doors.
Conclusion
Cold, drafty floors can make a home feel chilly. Luckily, there are many great options for warming up floors throughout your house. Using area rugs, radiant heating systems, and proper ventilation will help floors stay toasty. Pay attention to flooring materials and sealing air leaks too. With a few upgrades or accessories, you can banish cold feet and enjoy cozy warm floors this winter.