We all remember that sinking feeling on a winter’s morning, sitting in the bath or standing in the shower, dreading having to climb out due to an unwelcomed chill in the air. Wouldn’t it be easier, if when we eventually took the plunge and jumped out of the shower or bath, there was a nice warm towel just waiting for us.
Why not turn that dream into a reality and invest in a heated towel rail? There are a number of many benefits of buying one and they come in a number of sizes and shapes to suit any bathroom. A stainless steel towel rail is always recommended because of its non-corrosive nature. The reason being that it will not rust but also that it is very hard wearing and durable and is likely to last for many years to come. Stainless steel is also so simple to keep clean and lends itself to a luxurious and modern look to the bathroom.
Electric towel warmers are easy to install and the majority of suppliers will include a step by step installation guide to help with this. It must be remembered though that the actual electrical connection should be done by an accredited electrician for safety reasons.
Depending on where in the world you reside and the infrastructure of your home there are a number of different types of towel rails to choose from. In the United Kingdom and the EU the majority of homes run on a central-heating-system (CHS) that pumps warm water throughout the home onto which a radiator can be attached. These radiators that run on the re-circulation of hot water are referred to as hydronic heated towel rails.
In other places like Australia and South Africa where central-heating-systems are not found, electric-only towel rails are definitely the most appropriate choice. This type of rail will have an electrical element inserted into it and be filled with a fluid which provides an all-round distribution of heat throughout the radiator.
Dual-fuel radiators are a third option. These can be used where a solar or CHS is in place but left off during the summer. A duel fuel kit enables both an electric element and hydronic valve to be inserted into the radiator and the element heats the fluid in the rail when the central heating is switched off.
A number of people may be concerned that the cost of running a bathroom towel heater may outweigh the benefits of running one but this is not the case at all. Hydronic radiators may marginally increase the costs of heating however they are attached to an already functioning heating system and as a result the major cost will be buying the unit itself.
Electric towel rails are built to run continuously for optimal efficiency and consumption. A built-in thermostat enables them to be run 24 hours a day cyclical heating) using little more energy than the average light fitting.
Many people ask if a towel warmer can also be used as bathroom heater. Although this is not their primary purpose, a larger 300 watt unit can certainly take the chill away from a smaller to medium-sized bathroom.
