Insulation

Calculating the energy conservation benefit

Carpet provides an added measure of warmth and insulation that guards against extreme heat or cold, an important benefit in our energy-conscious world.  It's warmer to sit or work on, providing more stable temperatures for foot and leg comfort near the floor.

When the insulation value is important, the carpet’s label may offer an “R-value,” and a cushion label may offer one, as well.  When the carpet R-value is not available, CRI suggests multiplying the total carpet thickness measured in inches by a factor of 2.6 to approximate the carpet’s R-value.  The R-values are additive for any combination of materials.  For example, a combination of carpet with an R-value of 1.3 and a prime polyurethane cushion with an R-value of 1.6 will yield an overall R-value of 2.9.  
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