Are there carpet options that protect the environment?

Yes! Before exploring ‘green’ carpeting, there is the out-right benefit of all carpets that they are natural insulators, providing us with extra warmth in the colder months and lowering energy usage. There is also a wide range of carpeting available that is made with recycled or sustainable materials such as recycled nylon, recycled polyester, or wool.

• The use of carpet in a wall-to-wall application actually increases the R-value, or insulation level, of the carpet area, potentially saving homeowners like you utility costs while reducing energy use. The R-value (thermal resistance) measures how much a material resists the movement of heat through a ceiling, wall, or floor in a building. The higher the number, the more effective the insulation.
• Recently, tests carried out at the Johns Manville Technical Center Thermal Labs, one of the most sophisticated laboratories of its kind in the world, confirm carpet and pad significantly increase R-value compared to other flooring materials. Results varied according to the carpet’s construction, with heavier products generally providing higher R-value. Carpets were tested with and without cushion, and the combination maximized the R-value. Carpet really is warmer.
• Test results from the different carpet constructions were compared to three hard surface products – ceramic tile, laminate, and engineered hardwood – and the differences were dramatic.