Why Is My Kitchen So Cold? Reasons and Solutions

This article explores the common reasons why kitchens can feel uncomfortably cold and provides tips to help warm up your chilly cooking space.

Why Is My Kitchen So Cold?

Credit: John Lewis of Hungerford

A cold kitchen is usually caused by inadequate insulation, especially in the exterior walls, as well as tiled floors which do not retain heat well.

Drafts from doors and windows can also let in cold air.

Key Points

• Poor insulation, especially in exterior walls, causes kitchens to be cold
• Tiled floors do not retain heat and make kitchens feel colder
• Drafts from doors and windows let cold air into the kitchen

Our Opinion

In my experience as a home improvement expert, the main culprit for a cold kitchen is insufficient insulation.

Focus on adding insulation to exterior walls and sealing any drafts around doors and windows.

Rugs can also help warm up tiled floors.

Proper insulation is the key to keeping any room in your home warm and comfortable.

Why Your Kitchen Loses Heat

There are a few key reasons why kitchens tend to feel colder than other rooms:

• Doors and windows – The doors and windows in kitchens allow heat to escape, accounting for 10% of heat loss in most homes. Old or poorly insulated doors and windows worsen the problem.
• Ventilation – Kitchens need good ventilation for cooking, but vents above stoves let warm air out. Closed vents when not in use reduce heat loss.
• Cabinets on exterior walls – Cabinets on outside walls have less insulation, allowing cold from outside to seep in. Leaving these cabinets open can help.
• Gaps under cabinets – Cracks or gaps under cabinets let cold air in. Sealing any gaps helps prevent this.
• Tiled floors – Kitchens often have tiled floors, which are notoriously cold. Carpets in other rooms add warmth.

If your kitchen feels much colder than the rest of the house, poor insulation in walls or cold tiled floors may be the reason. Focusing on leaks, gaps, insulation, and managing vents can all help make your kitchen more comfortable.

Faulty Insulation Causing Cold Kitchens

Credit: Cawdor Stone Gallery

Inadequate insulation is a major factor behind uncomfortably cold kitchens. Here are some common insulation issues that allow heat to escape:

• Old or missing insulation in walls – Insulation can become compacted or degrade over time. Walls without adequate insulation let cold seep through.
• Insufficient insulation in attics – Heat rises and escapes through poorly insulated attics. Ensure attic insulation meets recommendations.
• Drafty windows – Old single-pane windows have no insulation. Upgrading to double or triple-pane windows improves insulation.
• Basement or crawl space leaks – Gaps in basement walls or floors allow cold air in. Seal any cracks or openings.
• Outdated exterior doors – Solid wood or metal doors conduct cold. Insulated doors with weatherstripping stop heat loss.

Checking for areas lacking insulation like attics, walls, windows and foundations can reveal problems. Upgrading insulation improves energy efficiency and comfort. Proper insulation makes a big difference in keeping kitchens cosy.

One of the most significant heat loss problems occurs where structural elements create pathways for heat transfer through the building envelope. Effective cold bridging insulation solutions can address these thermal bridges by providing specialised insulation boards that eliminate heat loss pathways, particularly around structural elements, ensuring consistent thermal performance throughout the kitchen space.

Heating System Problems Making Kitchens Cold

Faulty heating systems often leave kitchens feeling chilly. Some common heating issues allow cold air in or fail to properly circulate warm air:

• Old or inefficient furnace – An ageing or low-BTU furnace can’t produce enough heat. Upgrading the furnace improves warmth.
• Clogged vents – Dust and debris block vents, reducing airflow. Regularly clean vents so warm air flows freely.
• Closed interior doors – Closed doors prevent warm air from circulating. Keep doors open to let heat distribute.
• Poor ductwork – Leaky ducts or insufficient runs to the kitchen lose heat. Inspecting ducts and adding runs helps distribute warmth.
• Improper thermostat settings – If the thermostat is set too low or uses an inefficient schedule, the kitchen stays underheated. Adjusting the thermostat can provide comfortable warmth.

Diagnosing heating system issues and improving maintenance ensures adequate warm airflow. Upgrading older equipment increases efficiency. Proper heating is essential to make kitchens cosy and comfortable.

How to Fix Drafts in Cold Kitchens

Drafts let cold air creep into kitchens, causing discomfort. Several fixes can stop drafts and improve warmth:

• Weatherstrip doors and windows – Applying weatherstripping seals gaps around openings that let in drafts.
• Caulk cracks and holes – Caulking seals small openings in walls, floors, ceilings and fixtures.
• Install storm windows – Storm windows create an extra barrier against drafts on windows.
• Add insulation – Insulating walls, attics, and basements prevent outdoor air from infiltrating.
• Repair siding and roof leaks – Fixing exterior damage stops outdoor air from penetrating the structure.
• Adjust HVAC registers – Redirecting or closing vents nearest the draft limits cold airflow.

A comprehensive draft-proofing improves a kitchen’s air-tightness. Performing regular maintenance checks ensures new gaps or leaks are promptly fixed. Stopping drafts promotes a warmer, more comfortable kitchen space.

Solutions for a Cold Kitchen

If you ask “Why is my kitchen so cold?”, several fixes can create a warmer space:

• Insulate walls and ceilings – Adding insulation to cavities traps heat inside.
• Seal all cracks – Caulking and weatherstripping stops drafts carrying cold air.
• Install double-glazed windows – Double-glazing provides better insulation than single panes.
• Change window coverings – Thick curtains or thermal blinds better insulate windows.
• Switch to energy-efficient appliances – Appliances that waste less heat keep more warmth inside.
• Use area rugs – Rugs over floors add an extra insulating layer.

Tackling cold kitchens requires a whole-house approach. Improving insulation, sealing drafts, and upgrading to energy-efficient items pays off through greater comfort and lower bills. A warmer kitchen makes spending time cooking and socialising much more enjoyable.

FAQ

How do you keep a cold kitchen warm?

Insulate exterior walls, seal any drafts from doors/windows, keep cabinet doors open, use rugs or carpets on tiled floors, and ensure heating vents are clean and ductwork is intact.

How can I make my kitchen feel warmer?

Add insulation, seal drafts, use rugs, keep cabinets open, use thermal curtains on windows, only heat the kitchen when needed, and cook more to add warmth.

What does a cold kitchen mean?

A cold kitchen refers to a kitchen that feels significantly cooler than the rest of the house, usually caused by poor insulation, tiled floors, exterior walls, and drafts.

Why is it so cold in my kitchen cabinets?

Kitchen cabinets against exterior walls or containing pipes can get very cold from lack of insulation. Leaving them open can prevent trapped cold air.

Conclusion

In summary, the main reasons for a cold kitchen are poor insulation, tiled floors, exterior walls, and drafts around doors and windows. Checking for and sealing any cracks or gaps, adding insulation, using rugs, and keeping cabinet doors open can all help combat a cold kitchen. Proper insulation and sealing drafts are key to keeping any room warm.