June 16, 2025

Things You May Not Know About Carpet

  • Carpet provides insulation and can help lower energy bills
  • Wool, nylon, and polyester all offer unique benefits
  • Modern carpet can improve indoor air quality
  • Low-VOC carpets are safer for your home
  • Carpet absorbs sound, making rooms quieter
  • Eco-friendly carpets are available using recycled materials
When you think about carpet, you probably imagine warmth, comfort, and style. But beyond the plush underfoot feel and interior design appeal, carpet has some surprising features that most people don’t know. Whether you’re renovating, building, or just carpet-curious, here are a few lesser-known facts about this household essential that might change the way you see it.
1. Carpet Can Help with Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Carpet isn’t just soft, it’s smart. It acts as an extra layer of insulation, helping retain warmth during winter and reduce heating bills. Paired with high-quality underlay, carpet can contribute to a more energy-efficient home, especially in cooler parts of New Zealand.
2. Not All Carpet Fibres Are Created Equal

From wool to solution-dyed nylon, each fibre type brings its own unique benefits:

Wool is natural, renewable, flame-resistant, and helps regulate humidity.
Solution-Dyed Nylon (SDN) offers exceptional stain resistance, colourfastness, and durability, ideal for busy households.
Polyester is budget-friendly and fade-resistant but slightly less durable under heavy foot traffic.

At John Jarvis Carpets, we help match fibre types to lifestyle needs for long-lasting performance.

3. Carpet Can Improve Indoor Air Quality
It might sound counterintuitive, but carpet can actually help trap airborne dust, pollen, and allergens, preventing them from circulating in the air. Regular vacuuming with a HEPA-filter vacuum removes these particles, making carpet a good option for families with allergy sensitivities.
4. New Carpet Emits Lower VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) Than You Think
Modern carpet manufacturing has come a long way. Many carpets now carry low-VOC certifications, meaning they emit minimal volatile organic compounds. This makes them safe for families and better for indoor air quality.
5. Carpet Can Help with Acoustics
Carpet is one of the most effective floor coverings for sound absorption. It reduces echo and dampens noise transfer between floors, a huge plus in multi-storey homes or apartments.
6. There’s a Right Carpet for Every Room
Not all carpet is suited for every space. High-pile or plush carpets feel luxurious in bedrooms and lounges but may not perform well in entryways or stairs where durability is key. Low-pile and loop carpets are perfect for high-traffic areas.
7. Carpet Is Easier to Clean Than You Think
Thanks to innovations in fibre technology, many modern carpets are stain-resistant and easy to clean. Solution-dyed nylon, for example, has colour locked into the fibre, making it resistant to fading and spills.
8. Eco-Friendly Carpet Options Are Growing
Looking to tread more lightly on the planet? There’s a growing range of sustainable carpets made from recycled materials or natural fibres like wool and jute. Even the backing materials are getting greener, using renewable and recyclable components.
Carpet Advice You Can Count On

At John Jarvis Carpets & Flooring, we pride ourselves on giving honest, expert advice to help you choose the right flooring for your lifestyle and budget. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or refreshing a family home, we make it easy to get flooring that looks good, performs well, and feels great underfoot.

Ready to explore your options? Come visit our showroom or browse online today.