If you're considering purchasing a bathroom heater, you probably wonder, “Are bathroom heaters safe?” You probably also have more questions about benefits, types, sizing, features, and which will work best for your bathroom space.
Safety
Safety is of the utmost importance when selecting a bathroom heater. Not just any portable space heater will be appropriate for your bathroom, but bathroom heaters are designed with safety features and mechanisms that allow them to be used in damp or wet environments and spaces.
Portable Bathroom Space Heaters
Portable space heaters designed with ACLI safety plugs are appropriate for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. According to OSHA, ACLI safety plugs are designed to cut ground faults in as little as 1/40 of a second. ACLI safety plugs do not help prevent electrical shock entirely, so caution should still be exercised when operating in wet areas. Test your ACLI plugs and outlets monthly, and replace outlets and products if they fail. Check out the Portable Heater Safety Tips article for certifications, maintenance, and more information.
Ceiling or Wall-Mounted Bathroom Heaters
If you prefer a safer alternative, consider installing a ceiling, wall-mountable, or in-wall bathroom heater. Mounting the heater to the wall or hardwiring to existing wiring ensures safe usage without the risk of electrical shock. Consider placement, room conditions, and square footage when selecting a portable bathroom space, wall-mounted heater, or in-wall bathroom heater.
NOTE: Always thoroughly read your owner's manual, as it will indicate whether a space heater is intended to be used in the bathroom. Portable bathroom space heaters considered “splash-proof” or “waterproof” can still pose a risk of electrical shock.
Placement
Placement is everything with a bathroom heater, as safety, airflow, and sizing are important factors to consider when selecting the right heater for your bathroom space.
Portable Heater Placement
If you're going with a portable bathroom space heater, decide on a safe spot for your heater, such as a far corner or chair. Portable heaters are great for renters or people who just cannot install wall heaters. Carry them around to other rooms—or the office!
Wall-Mounted or Recessed Heaters
When installing an in-wall or wall-mounted heater, consider manufacturer clearances and install them at the correct distances from the wall and floor. These clearances are not suggestions and should be followed precisely. If you're unfamiliar with electricity, you may want to consult or hire an expert electrician.
General Use
Keep any bathroom heater away from tub edges, sinks, and showers. Never place a bathroom space heater where towels or other objects obstruct airflow. For wall-recessed heaters, never place them inside showers or where water can splash into the appliance. Do not drape clothing or towels on portable bathroom space heaters. A dry, out-of-the-way spot is preferable.
Ensure corners or doors are clear of wall-mounted and recessed heaters, as these obstructions make it difficult to heat a bathroom of any size adequately.
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Unlike bathroom fans that use CFMs against square footage to select an exhaust fan, bathroom heaters should be measured on their wattage output and BTUs. The rule of thumb is 10 watts of power for every square foot. For example, take the total wattage output and divide by 10.
Our popular bathroom space heater is a bathroom radiator. The DeLonghi Safeheat Portable Oil-Filled Radiator Heater has a minimum wattage of 500 and a maximum of 1,200. According to the formula, this space heater is great for spaces between 50 – 120 square feet.
If you can only find the BTUs for a heater, which is commonplace with many heaters, divide the total by 3.41 (1 single watt for 3.41 BTUs). Our popular wall-mounted bathroom heater, Stiebel Eltron CK Wall-Mounted Electric Fan Heater, features 2 BTUs for two different voltages. To properly size the 120-volt heater, do the following:
5,118 / 3.41 = 1,500 watts
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Other Sizing Considerations
Other considerations to bear in mind when sizing and selecting your bathroom heater include:
- Thermostat Placement: If installing an external thermostat for your heater, ensure it's not placed close to it. This type of installation typically works in bigger, spacious bathrooms. Otherwise, the thermostat will fail to gauge the room's temperature correctly.
- Hardwiring or Plug: If you're considering a hardwired heater, select the correct voltage. If you're unsure, consult with a certified electrician. If you have a GFCI outlet, consider a portable bathroom heater with an ACLI safety plug.
Benefits of Bathroom Heaters
Aside from staying warm when you step out of the bath or shower, there are other benefits to adding a bathroom heater:
- Steam Control: Working with a bathroom ceiling fan, a bathroom heater helps control steam accumulation on mirrors.
- Moisture Control: Along with steam control, using a bathroom heater also quells moisture accumulation on walls, baseboards, faucets, light fixtures, rugs, and shower curtains, drying out a bathroom quicker than a bathroom without a heater.
- Health Improvement: Aside from the obvious bathroom improvements, a bathroom heater improves overall health through improved cardiovascular circulation. Adding heat is also a considerable benefit for achy, sore muscles and joints.
Additional Bathroom Heater Considerations
- Timers: Specific bathroom heaters with integrated timers are designed to kick on and off at designated times. Grab some coffee, let the bathroom warm up, and come back, and set the heater to kick off right before you jump out.
- Budget: Depending on your budget, consider a portable space heater, especially if you are renting or just need to warm up a small space quickly. For families and homeowners, a wall-mountable or wall-recessed heater may work best.
- Heater Technology: There are varying heater technologies or heating types, ranging from convection to infrared heating, available for portable, wall- or wall-recessed bathroom heaters.
In Summary
Safety is the most crucial consideration when looking for a bathroom heater. Secondarily, think about where you need it placed, wall-mounted or portable, and then the heating capacity based on the size of the bathroom.
Still Have Questions?
If you're still unsure which bathroom heater would work for your home, call 1-800-934-9194 to speak to one of our knowledgeable team members. You can connect with us through the Sylvane Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages.
