Thanks to Australia's climate, we don't tend to think about heating too much until those cold winter chills set in and suddenly, we regret the day we decided that additional bathroom heating wasn't necessary.

Anyone who's ever gotten out of the shower or the bath to be greeted with an icy wall of air during the winter will tell you that bathroom heating is a worthwhile investment that can transform your bathroom into a relaxing haven that's perfect for decompressing after a long day at work.

But what bathroom heating options are there, and what options are the most efficient? If you're looking for the answer to either of these questions, you're in the right place. At Trade Warehouse, we make it our duty to ensure you get the best heating option for your home and heating budget.

To help, we've compiled this bathroom heater buying guide to the different kinds of heating you can incorporate into your bathroom.

What is a bathroom heater?

Before we go any further, it's essential to discuss the basics of bathroom heaters. If you think the only bathroom heaters available are wall-mountable radiators, you couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, bathroom heaters are an umbrella term for a wide variety of mounted products to portable standalone heaters that are perfect for renters or anyone in temporary accommodation.

While wall-mounted heaters like radiators tend to be the most common and recognisable heaters, a huge range can either attach to your walls, behind your tiling or under the floor. Bathroom heaters are typically forms of convection heating that rely on convection currents to heat the room.

A convection current transfers heat around the bathroom space with the air. As the air particles around a heat source rise with excess energy, it replaces the air where there's low energy, i.e., cold spots around the room.

As the air cools, it drops down again, only to gather more energy from the heater and rise again. This creates a cycle of warm air that circulates within a room and heats it until the internal temperature reaches the set temperature on the thermostat.

Why should I use a bathroom heater?

Although using a bathroom heater can make us feel warm and toasty on cold nights, it's a vital part of keeping your home safe. A freezing bathroom with no internal heating will eventually attract dampness as condensation fails to dry.

Similar to a kitchen, as it's an area with high moisture levels, sometimes poor ventilation and increased activity, bathrooms tend to be very humid. This humid environment encourages mould to grow, which is not only unsightly but also very dangerous.

Prolonged exposure to dampness and mould in the home often results in respiratory problems, such as exacerbated allergic reactions, runny noses, sore throats, coughing and skin reactions. Mould will affect people with respiratory issues like asthma the most, with severe infection causing asthma attacks.

A bathroom heater is key to combating the winter chill and drying out your bathroom enough to discourage mould from reproducing and spreading. The hot air will prevent dampness from accumulating and keep your respiratory system healthy.

Mould can also wreak havoc on your bathroom paint, resulting in peeling, chipping and even damage to the plaster. Even a cheap bathroom heater will stop cool air from resulting in dampness, avoiding hefty redecoration bills and unsightly bathroom paint.

What you should think about before buying a bathroom heater

Before you consider investing in a bathroom heater, there's a lot you need to consider. To ensure you make the right choice, here's a quick guide you can follow:

Bathroom size

The first thing you need to consider when buying bathroom heaters is the size of your bathroom. Small to medium bathrooms and large bathrooms have significantly different heating needs due to the size of the space they have to fill.

Small and medium-sized bathrooms will restrict the areas where you can place a fixed heater, like a heated towel rail and are much more susceptible to dampness due to poor ventilation if you don't have an exhaust fan.

However, it's also challenging for homeowners with large bathrooms. Large bathrooms require heaters to operate for long periods as they have more space to fill and, therefore, can become very expensive.

Running costs

As with most things these days, energy prices continue to soar, so it's essential to consider running costs before investing in heaters. Some heaters will consume more energy than others depending on their running time, how much heat you want and how much power it takes to heat a room effectively.

The most expensive bathroom heating options tend to be radiators, which produce significant heat but typically require long running times. Typically, using radiation heat sources instead of convection-based products is a good option for anyone looking to heat their bathroom on a budget.

Safety

If you're considering using electric heat sources such as remote control and portable heaters, then safety should be a significant consideration for your bathroom safety. You should research all the critical safety features for your heating devices to ensure that your heater is designed to provide rapid warmth while close to water and moisture in the air.

Bathroom heating options

When it comes to heating your bathroom, there are so many options you can consider. Here's a guide to some heating options you might be interested in:

Under tile heating

Under-tile heating is a great way to warm your toes and the bathroom. Under-tile bathroom heaters are a practical option for larger bathrooms as users can spread their heating element across a large space.

This heating option uses electricity or warm water to warm your tile floors continually. Using 200w/sqm electric mats, users can control their bathroom temperatures with a touchscreen thermostat, providing toasty temperatures year-round!

In-screed heating

In-screed heating is another form of underfloor heating that is a relatively energy-efficient bathroom heater perfect for larger spaces. This heating option is installed before the cement screed and is then covered with 20mm cement screed for insulation.

One of the key benefits of using in-screed heating is users can reach their desired temperature within 1-2 hours, depending on the screed thickness, making this the perfect incremental heater that keeps your room warmer for longer than wall-mounted panel heaters.

Heated towel rails

Heated towel rails are great for drying and warming your towels for your next bath or shower, but they're also an effective bathroom heater that is great for heating small spaces. Heated towel rails typically operate by running hot water through metal pipes.

This convection heater can quickly heat the air around it, making it ideal for a quick heating fix. If using water isn't up your alley, you can also find electric wall-mounted towel heaters that are great for warming towels and smaller spaces.

Mirror demister

When we refer to bathroom heater options, we must think about all parts of your bathroom, not just about keeping you warm. So, we must discuss heating options that can help you overcome some common obstacles.

Have you ever gotten out of the shower or bath and needed to look in the mirror to do your makeup, shave, brush your teeth or skincare, only to be confronted with a completely misted mirror that takes far too long to de-mist? You should consider a mirror demister.

A mirror demister is an innovative bathroom heating option that warms your mirrored surfaces to equalise the temperature between the air and your mirror. This prevents condensation from building and ensures your mirrors stay mist free! This is also an effective way of combating moisture build-up that can rust your reflective surfaces.

Portable heater

Using a free-standing towel rail is a great alternative to wall-mounted options if you're looking for a portable heating option. A free-standing towel rail is a portable alternative ideal for renters and anyone in temporary accommodation. With this option, you can easily move your towel rail around your home to save space and warm any towels or clothes you wish.

Overhead heating lamp

Heat lamps are an excellent option for anyone looking to quickly heat their bathroom, clear mist without relying too heavily on their exhaust fan and decrease moisture build-up. Heat lamps use incandescent bulbs that produce lots of heat via infrared radiation.

Infrared heaters are typically very energy efficient and work quickly to heat your room. Heat lamps are ideal for smaller spaces and provide rapid warmth for those cold winter nights.

Tips to keeping your bathroom warm

Of course, selecting the right bathroom heater can only take you so far. To adequately heat your bathroom, you'll also need to ensure it's appropriately insulated; otherwise, even the best bathroom heaters won't be able to heat it efficiently. Here are some tips for keeping your bathroom warm:

• Use Thermasheet tile backer board for your floor and walls to insulate your bathroom
• Use blinds in front of your windows to trap heat and ensure there are no gaps in the sealant
• Use soft furnishings like bath mats to trap heat
• Keep your radiators and heated towel rails clear when not in use

Final thoughts

Are you looking for excellent bathroom heating solutions? Look no further than Trade Warehouse. We have the best bathroom heater collection with competitive pricing at Trade Warehouse.

We offer a price match promise, so if you find any products cheaper elsewhere, we'll match them! Trade Warehouse also offers nationwide delivery, so no matter where you are, you can get your hands on an excellent bathroom heater for an unbeatable price. Shop with us now to see how we can help you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most energy-efficient heater for a bathroom?

Radiation heaters like heat lamps are the most energy-efficient way of heating your home. Low-temperature incremental floor heaters like in-screed or under-tile heating are also associated with low running costs. They are great alternatives to fan heaters or space heaters for larger bathrooms.

Should I still have an exhaust fan with a heater?

Yes! An exhaust fan is a crucial way of reducing the moisture in your bathroom. This important ventilation system will decrease the amount of dampness and mould in your bathroom, protecting your health and the bathroom's appearance.

How much does it cost to run under-floor heating?

The cost of your under-floor heating will depend on various factors, including insulation, thermostat temperature, energy efficiency ratings, etc. Most Australians can expect to spend anywhere between $20 to $150 a month, depending on their usage and insulation.