Can a heated towel rail be used to heat your entire bathroom? This is what we found out
You'll find heated towel rails everywhere, whether you read about them on social media or through conversations with friends. You will love the small and easy-to-use units that keep towels warm.
Although bathrooms in the Ƙ0s were not the most stylish, we saw the introduction of the heated towel rail in our first bathroom. These energy-efficient designs gained popularity in the UK as they became more affordable and accessible.
Designer towel rails can transform any bathroom into a spa-like experience. These accessories can be used in many different ways to enhance a bathroom's style and provide warm, cozy towels for any occasion.
What makes towel warmers ideal for bathrooms? They are small and have a high heat output. Many people wonder if they are powerful enough to heat entire bathrooms. A small towel heater could heat the bathroom at the same temperature as a radiator.
Let's dive deeper into how these units work and whether they could be used to heat your bathroom.
What is a towel rail?
These versatile rail devices come in 2 general designs. You have the option of either electric or plumbed towel rails. Both work as heating sources from the inside. There is, however, a significant difference in how they work.
In the sections below, you'll learn how to use each towel rail and which one is best for you.
Plumbed towel rail
A plumbed rail (also known as a hydronic railway) uses hot water as its power source. This towel rail system is powered by your central heating system and the boiler in your home. Your rail device will be filled with hot water from the shower.
You may encounter one problem: the central heating system controls the temperature. The heat must also be on to operate it. You may have trouble getting these rails to work in summer without heating the whole house. Some models may allow you to install a heating element that will enable you to switch between water and electricity, so you can warm your towels even when the central heating is turned off.
These systems are prevalent, but they take longer to heat than electric ones.
Electric towel rail
The electric towel rail is not connected to the heating system. It can be used independently from radiators, which makes it convenient throughout the year.
This heated towel rail connects directly to the mains. An on/off switch allows you to adjust the electric towel warmer by hand. Your unit will warm up as soon as you turn it on.
This towel heater won't work in an outage, which is the downside. This is not a common occurrence, and let's face the truth, it isn't uncommon. If your electricity supply is unreliable, it might not be a good option.
Is it possible to use a heated towel rail instead of bathroom radiators?
Heating elements can emit heat. You might have used, owned, or seen heated rails before. The heated towel rail heating element sends warmth to the towels and the surrounding space. You can also generate heat in your bathroom without the need for a radiator.
But, is there any advantage to heating the shower room with a radiator overusing a heated towel rail? You'll find articles that point out both, but what is the truth?
Heat output
A towel rail can provide a high heat output.
Towel radiators are the best in providing warmth to your bathroom space. Towel radiators are usually larger than average rails, which means that your bathroom will heat up faster.
Heated towel rails can warm up bathrooms despite this. This is possible by knowing the dimensions of your bathroom and the heating power of the rail.
There is no way to predict how efficiently heat will be transferred to a room more significant than a smaller one with towels on top. It is best to rely on the heat output of rail warmers in small bathrooms.
Heated towel rails are a great alternative to radiators for heating towels. They use less energy. Although you won't heat the room as fast, they will use less energy. You won't use as much heat if you have a smaller bathroom.
Why waste your money on high heating bills? Towel warmers can be convenient and increase energy efficiency.
Storage
Towel warmer hangers require less space than a large bathroom radiator. You can also use the rails as a towel rack. People who use an electric towel more generous in their shower room instead of a radiator have another advantage. This gives them more space in their bathrooms.
You'll feel more prominent in your bathroom when you replace a bulky warmer with heated towel rails. A towel rail is a better option than a floor unit.
How to ensure your towel rail heats the bathroom
The BTU of the heated towel rail about the room's BTU requirements is one of the most critical factors determining how warm a heated towelrail can heat your bathroom. The guide includes a BTU for both heated towel rails and radiators. BTU is the British Thermal Unit. It refers to the heat of 1 pound of water at 1degC.
To ensure the best fit for your space, you need to consider your BTU rating. If you have a small bathroom, you could spend too much on a heated towel rail that is not BTU-rated.
Measure the space you have to calculate BTU
To ensure that the heated towel rail is level and even, once you have determined the BTU for it, match it with the BTU in the room. You can avoid using a rail that is too powerful or ineffective. It is easy to do and requires only a tape measure and access the area where you wish to calculate your BTU. Our comprehensive guide will help you calculate your BTU. However, the easiest and fastest way to figure it is this:
Take the length and width of the room in meters. Then multiply this number by l x W x H.
Add the height and width of the window to the room. Then multiply the two by hxw.
To calculate the BTU of your bathroom, multiply the sum from number 1 by the sum from number.
It is important to remember that BTU can vary depending on what materials are placed on the rack. This could make it difficult for heat to be contained. Your unit may be used to heat other clothing items such as gloves and swimsuits. Heating accessories and towels together will take more energy and power, which can affect the temperature of the room.
Conclusion: Can towel bars heat the bathroom?
Towel rails are an excellent option for families or anyone looking for a bathroom heater alternative. There are many styles to choose from, and they can be used for a variety of purposes, including towel warmers, racks, and room-heaters. Although they can't provide more heat than a radiator but have the added benefits of energy efficiency and more significant floor space,
This guide should have helped you decide if a heated towel rail will provide enough heat for your bathroom. It all depends on how much heat you need from your heated towel rail.
Shop heating
No matter which option you choose, there are many heated towel rails or radiators for bathrooms that you can find on the internet. They come in various colors and styles. You can also choose from matt black, or gold brushed versions.
