Why is My Floor Cold?
Cold floors are symptomatic of uneven temperature variances throughout a home. Probably the most common complaint is about a hot upstairs and a cold downstairs. For some, it’s not much more than an inconvenience, but for others (especially those living in old homes) it may be more serious - a result of poor airflow, inadequate insulation, or just overall energy inefficiency.
The bigger issue is what to do - because pumping up the furnace and/or air conditioner is going to result in wasted energy and higher utility bills. The key is to get to the root of the problem. For the experts at Great Northern Insulation, unusually cold floors pose a number of questions. Is it about the existing insulation? Is it about air movement? Or is it about indoor air circulation?
Floors can be cold in different parts of the home, and for different reasons. That’s why it pays to get an expert opinion. For example, a cold basement floor is different than a cold first floor. In a similar way, a crawlspace that isn’t insulated can easily allow cold air to creep around. And in the basement, poorly insulated foundation walls can cause coldness in more than just the floor.
In many homes, uncontrolled air movement and airflow can contribute to uneven temperatures. The natural dynamics of air (rising warm air and sinking cool air) have a definitive effect on floor temperature. And when a home is poorly sealed, air infiltration will invariably make things worse - cold air creeping into the house in winter, and warm air infiltrating throughout summer.
For the team at Great Northern Insulation, finding solutions is about addressing air sealing, thermal insulation, and appropriate ventilation. This is particularly true when a homeowner is experiencing uneven heating and cooling throughout the house. And for GNI, solutions include improving overall energy efficiency, and creating an indoor environment that is comfortable.
