As anyone who has ever stepped foot on a blistering hot day knows, bare feet on the sizzling pavement is not a pleasant experience. The same can be said for hardwood floors in the summertime. If your home doesn’t have central air conditioning, or if you’re looking to keep your energy bills down, you might be wondering if hardwood floors are a good choice for keeping your home cool.
Heat Reflection
The short answer is yes, hardwood floors can help keep your home cooler in the summertime. But there are a few things to keep in mind before you make the switch from carpet to hardwood.
First, it’s important to understand that hardwood floors are not a substitute for air conditioning. They will not magically cool down your home by themselves. However, they can help to keep your home cooler by reflecting heat and absorbing moisture.
In the summertime, the sun’s rays can heat your carpet, making it feel even warmer inside your home. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, reflect heat, which can help to keep your home cooler.
Moisture Content
Another reason hardwood floors are a good choice for keeping your home cool is that they are better at absorbing moisture than carpet. If you live in an area with high humidity, you know how uncomfortable it can be to walk around your house on bare feet. Carpet can make the problem worse by trapping moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, absorb moisture, helping to keep your home more comfortable in the summertime.
Don’t forget that with the added moisture, you will want to be sure the levels are maintained between 35-55% RH as some areas can get overwhelming. Overall, hardwood floors are a great source for natural and highly sustainable temperature control for your home that will be cool and comfortable during those hot summers for many years.