Does Hardwood flooring make rooms cooler in temperature?
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Does hardwood flooring, covered mostly by an area rug, cause a room to be cooler than wall-to-wall carpet?
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No, hardwood flooring does not cause a rise in temperature in a room any more that causing a temperature decrease in a room.
However, because it is not as soft to touch as carpeting, hardwood flooring may 'feel' cooler on the feet.
A large area rug is similar to wall-to-wall carpeting: Because they are both textured, compared with flat hardwood, they will feel cozier on the feet, and may give the sensation of the room being warmer. Neither will directly affect the air temperature though.
If the carpet is covering a floor that is on top of an unheated basement or crawl space, it may have some insulating abilities.
However, there are many more factors apart from only flooring that contribe to the temperature in a room: type of HVAC system, windows, fans, airflow and circulation in the house, heat generating appliances, type of lighting, and activity level.
Carpet + padding acts as insulation
any drafts that exist are somewhat blocked by carpeting and flooring will allow more flow of air, cold or hot.
Yes, but you can insulate under the floor to help. I'd put up with it for the look, cleanability, plus it's a property value upgrade.