Adding carpet warmers under area rugs is ideal for creating a comfortable home. There has been some debate about the main options on the market for this type of product. Remove the confusion as a consumer with a side-by-side comparison of two of the leading choices, Hot Carpet by Woowarmer vs. RugHeat™ by Cozywinters. We take a look at the key differences between the two so any shopper can make an informed decision on which product to choose for under rug heating.
1.GFCI and plug
- Woowarmer: Uses a two prong ungrounded plug attached to a cord and is not GFCI protected making it dangerous and out of electrical code.
- CozyWinters RugHeat: Uses a three prong plug that is GFCI protected and is the only CE listed heating product for under an area rug.
2. Sizing
Woowarmer: Comes in limited size options that do not fit most rugs sold in the U.S.
CozyWinters RugHeat: Offers several sizes based on common rug sizes sold in stores.
- 22″ x 34″ (Fits under a 2′ x 3′ Rug)
- 22″ x 89″ Runner (Fits under a 2′ x 7.5′ Runner)
- 34″ x 58″ (Fits under a 3′ x 5′ Rug)
- 58″ x 81″ (Fits under a 5′ x 7′ Rug. Two units fit under an 8’ x 10’ Rug)
- 63″ x 93″ (Fits under a 5.5′ x 8′ Rug)
Woowarmer: Power density is not within safe range and exceeds the limit of 12 watts/sf set by UL standards.
3. Safe power density
- CozyWinters RugHeat: Stays safely within the range of acceptable watts because it has the necessary amps and voltage required.
4. Temperature
- Woowarmer: The specified operating temperature is 115 Fahrenheit on high or 95 Fahrenheit on medium which exceeds the UL recommended surface temperature for safety reasons. A temperature of 104 Fahrenheit and above may cause issues such as surface skin burns, dehydration, and scorched floors.
- CozyWinters RugHeat: Operates at a safer temperature of 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Cord length
- Woowarmer: Cord length is 6 feet making it too short for the average size of American rooms.
- CozyWinters RugHeat: Cord is 8 feet in length to accommodate the U.S. market.
6. Control unit
- Woowarmer: The control unit is bulky, offers no warning about the dangers of it being covered with thermally insulated material, and may become a trip hazard.
- CozyWinters RugHeat: Encapsulated in flame retardant ABS block and the cord exits the heating panel in the corner.
7. Waterproofing
- Woowarmer: Since there is no GFCI protection, spilling liquid on it can be dangerous. It also isn’t waterproof to start with meaning it can’t be used in wet areas or bathrooms.
- CozyWinters RugHeat: It can be used in wet areas, such as bathrooms since it is waterproof and has GFCI protection.
8. Furniture
- Woowarmer: It can only be placed under legs of furniture and carries restrictions on types of furniture that can be placed on top of it.
- CozyWinters RugHeat: It can be used with all sorts of furniture from kitchen tables to living room chairs, provided you follow the recommended spacing guidelines of the product.
9. Unclear Messages on Usage
- Woowarmer: Claims the product can be used in contradictory ways such as placing it under a bath mat even though it isn’t waterproof and therefore would be unsafe. Woowarmer also suggests you can place the warmer under a dog bed to provide warmth to pets, but it will cause the unit to overheat and shut off. In fact, it is not recommended at all for use with pets because they may damage the product and create a fire hazard, and is too hot for use with pets. They also claim the product is ideal for use with a sleeping bag, but it also carries a warning stating not to use it while sleeping.
- CozyWinters RugHeat: Makes sure to educate customers on the product and how to use it safely with no mixed messages in the product instructions. With a thorough FAQ section on the site to cover how to use the product, it is easy for consumers to learn accurate safety information.
10. Insect Issues
- Woowarmer: The heating element is located inside of a carpet-like material. This material is so prone to harboring ticks, mites, and other pests, the owner’s manual includes tips on getting rid of them.
- CozyWinters RugHeat: The product is free from the carpeted material over the heating element so this issue is removed.
11. Warranty
- Woowarmer: Offers a 1-year warranty.
- CozyWinters RugHeat: Offers a 5-year warranty.
12. Unpleasant Odor
- Woowarmer: The product may have an adhesive smell when you first turn it on, and the smell should gradually dissipate over time.
- CozyWinters RugHeat: The product is odor-free from the start and will not have a smell to it, provided you follow all the guidelines such as not placing foam underneath it.
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Girl on Fire
Photographer at Loudmouth Photography
Brandy is the wife to a carpenter/musician and the mother of 3 amazingly awesome homeschool/unschooled girls. Brandy is a Photographer as well as a Coach for the Weebellion as part of Rolling Rebellion Jr. Roller Derby. Brandy is passionate about many things and suffers from a very painful and degenerative neurological disease called CRPS/RSD.
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