Picking the Right Infrared Heater for Your Bathroom
Let’s be honest: there is nothing worse than stepping out of a hot shower into a bathroom that feels like a walk-in freezer. You want that cozy, warm feeling, but you also don’t want your electricity bill to skyrocket or your circuit breaker to pop the second you flip the switch. The secret is all about the wattage. Get it wrong, and you’re either shivering or sweating. Finding the “Sweet Spot” for Your Space If you’re dealing with a tiny powder room—you know, those small spaces under 4m²—keep it simple. A 400W to 600W lamp is usually plenty. If you go too high in a room that small, you’ll end up with these annoying “hot spots” where it feels like you’re standing too close to a campfire. Not exactly the vibe you’re going for. For your main bathroom (somewhere between 6m² and 12m²), you’ll need a bit more punch, likely 800W or 1200W. But here is a pro tip: don’t just slap one massive heater in the middle of the room. It’s much better to spread out a few smaller heat sources. It creates a nice, even blanket of warmth across the whole floor instead of one scorching corner and three cold ones. A Quick Warning on Your Wiring Here is the thing about infrared: it heats you and your towels directly, not the air. That’s why it’s a lifesaver in damp bathrooms. But, if you live in an older home, be careful. A 1200W lamp pulls a decent amount of power. If you’ve got a hair dryer and a heated towel rail running on the same circuit, you might be staring at a tripped breaker. It’s worth double-checking your wiring before you commit. How to Actually Save Money If you want to keep the costs down, think about where you put the heater. Don’t mount it too high, or you’re basically just paying to heat your ceiling. And please, for the love of your wallet, use a timer or a motion sensor. There is no reason to keep the heater humming away when the room is empty. I’ve seen plenty of people try to “brute force” a large room with one giant, high-power lamp. It just doesn’t work. The heat doesn’t travel that way. Go with a zoned approach. Split the wattage up. You’ll keep the room toasty and your energy bill manageable.