Cold floors can lead to some big problems in the home. Not only is a cold floor unpleasant, but having cold feet can lead to some serious illnesses, such as respiratory issues and cramps. While walking around in socks all day is an easy solution, this might not be the way to go for other members of the household. Children, pets, and even some adults who don’t like things on their feet all day may need you to find an efficient way to heat your floors.
The Health Risks of Cold Floors
Winter weather can lead to sudden cold floors. It isn’t uncommon to get unexpected cold fronts in Texas, even in parts of the state that are typically warm the majority of the year. These colder temperatures can seep into your home and keep your floor cold for days or weeks at a time.
The sudden temperature change can cause several health conditions, including hypothermia. If your home has poor insulation, mold can begin to form in your walls, triggering respiratory issues.
Keeping warm is also crucial if you are already sick. Whether you are dealing with a seasonal illness, allergies, or a chronic condition, keeping your Texas floors at a consistent temperature is a must!
Identify the Cause of the Cold Floors
Before you invest in new flooring, rugs, or insulation, try to identify any issues in your home that could be keeping your floors cold this winter. Some rooms do naturally get colder than others, such as basements. Look for cracks in doors, windows that aren’t properly shut, or even holes in the walls.
The type of flooring you have in your home may also play a role in how warm the room stays. Carpet flooring, for example, tends to stay much warmer than tile flooring. Natural stone and ceramic tiles tend to be the coldest flooring types, so you will need to invest in a good quality heater if your home has these types of floors.
The quality of your flooring can also make a huge difference in how warm it stays throughout the year. For example, luxury vinyl plank flooring on top of insulated foam or cork padding will feel great year-round. In many cases, investing in a new floor can be the easiest way to heat up your space and add insulation.
Ways to Heat Your Home without a New Floor
While getting a new floor may be the easiest solution, it isn’t always the most practical. For example, carpet may not suit your basement floor, especially if it is prone to flooding. If you want to replace your basement floor or add insulation to it efficiently, you may need to talk to a professional. If you can’t get new flooring right away, you can use some of these tips to quickly warm up your room.
1. Add High-Quality Heaters
Floor heaters are a great solution if one room is more prone to cold floors than others. Small portable heaters are also a good choice for people who tend to stay in one room at a time. The problem is that these tiny heaters won’t heat your entire home. The right space heater can warm up a basement or tiled floor fairly quickly, even if the heat won’t spread to your entire home.
Larger heating solutions could also be the answer if you are able to install them. Below-surface heating, for example, can be an effective, permanent solution for tiled flooring. Under-cabinet or cove heaters can also be installed to help you tackle cold air in problem areas of the home.
Installing a fireplace can also be a good solution for large rooms. While this can be a costly endeavor, a large fireplace can add a lot of warmth and comfort to your space. No matter what type of flooring you have, your room should heat up very quickly whenever you have your fire going!
2. Check Your Heating Systems
If your home has a large heating system already, cold floors may be a sign that it needs maintenance or a filter change. First, check the filter and see if it needs to be replaced. Small filters tend to need replacing every couple of months while larger filters can last for up to a year. If you are still dealing with chilly floors, your system may need repairs. Large systems can be very complex, so it is usually better to work with an HVAC professional if you don’t already have some experience. An experienced professional may also be able to look at other areas of your home and offer personalized heating tips.
3. Change the Air Flow
Airflow can greatly affect the temperature of a room. Limiting airflow to a room, such as keeping doors and windows shut, can limit the amount of cold air and moisture entering your space. Utilizing fans to push the cold air away from you can also be an easy way to warm up your room. This is incredibly helpful at night, especially if you don’t want to leave your space heater or fireplace running for a long period of time.
Be sure to check windows and doors regularly for airflow issues throughout the winter. Harsh weather and temperature changes may eat away at some of the sealants, causing drafts. If you have recently replaced the sealant or weather stripping but are still getting a draft, you may need to replace the door or window entirely. Energy-efficient doors and windows are excellent at trapping air in your home, keeping your space warmer for a longer period.
4. Get High Quality Rugs
Carpet flooring is one of the best ways to avoid cold floors this winter. Carpet fibers add a lot of insulation and warmth. The thicker the carpet, the more insulation it tends to provide. If you aren’t ready to invest in new flooring, try adding a few large rugs to your room. While this may not be as effective as a brand-new floor, the extra insulation can go a long way.
5. Add Insulation
Adding insulation underneath the floor can help you maintain temperatures year-round. In addition to adding foam or fiberglass insulation under the floor, you may need to examine other areas of your home. Most modern homes are completely covered with insulation to naturally trap heat inside. If you have questions about your home’s insulation or think there is an issue with the insulation you have, you may want to consider contacting a professional.
There are several ways to warm up a cold floor. While investing in new flooring is often ideal, there are several simple ways you can improve the heating in your home. To learn more about flooring options in Texas, contact us today.