Heating a small bathroom efficiently and cost effectively can be a challenge, especially in colder climates. The bathroom is often one of the coldest rooms in the house as it tends to have little insulation and be far from the main living areas. However, there are several affordable heating options to make your bathroom warmer and more comfortable without breaking the bank.
In this article we will look at the pros, cons, and costs of different bathroom heating methods to help you choose the most budget friendly solution for your needs. The main options we will cover include:
- Space heaters
- Heated towel racks
- Underfloor heating
- Wall mounted radiators
- Heat lamps
For each option we will look at upfront costs, running costs, ease of installation, and effectiveness at heating a small bathroom. We will also provide tips on how to maximize efficiency no matter which heating method you choose. Our goal is to provide the information you need to make an informed decision based on your budget and heating requirements.
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Bathroom Heating Options
Space Heaters
Space heaters are one of the most budget friendly options for heating a bathroom. There are several types of space heaters available at low cost such as:
- Ceramic heaters
- Fan forced heaters
- Oil filled radiator heaters
A good quality space heater capable of heating a small bathroom can be purchased for $50 or less. Many basic models start at around $25.
When using a space heater in the bathroom, make sure to choose one with important safety features like tip over and overheat protection. As the bathroom can be a damp environment, look for models advertised as being safe for bathroom use.
Running costs for space heaters are also very affordable. They can heat a small room efficiently for just pennies per hour. The exact running cost depends on the wattage of the heater. A 750-1500 watt heater will cost 5-10 cents per hour to run with average electricity prices.
One downside of space heaters is they take up floor space in your bathroom. However, you can mount some models on the wall to save space. They will also need to be turned on manually when required and do not provide constant heat.
Overall, space heaters provide the cheapest upfront costs and running costs for heating a bathroom. They are a good option for occasional heating or boosting warmth in cold weather.
Heated Towel Racks
Heated towel racks provide an appealing way to add warmth to your bathroom. They serve double duty by heating towels as well as radiating heat into the room.
There are electric and hydronic models available. Hydronic towel warmers use the hot water from your home’s plumbing system to heat the racks. Electric models contain electric heating elements.
Here is an overview of the upfront and running costs for each type:
Hydronic Heated Towel Racks
Upfront cost: $200 – $500
Running costs: Heat is produced as a byproduct of your existing hot water system so negligible added cost
Electric Heated Towel Racks
Upfront costs: $100 – $300
Running costs: Around 5 cents per hour with average electricity prices
The installation costs for both types will be higher if you do not already have the necessary plumbing or electrical wiring in place. Overall though, heated towel racks provide one of the cheaper sources of constant heat for your bathroom. The upfront cost is more than a basic space heater but lower than many other options. Running costs are affordable, especially for hydronic models that reuse waste heat from your hot water plumbing.
Heated towel racks work best to add supplementary warmth. They may not be enough on their own to fully heat a bathroom in very cold climates.
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating pipes warm water and runs it through pipes underneath the floor to gently heat the room from the ground up. It provides even and comfortable ambient warmth.
Upfront costs for underfloor heating in a bathroom are in the region of $500 to $1500 depending on the size of your space. This assumes electric underfloor heating. Hydronic systems that tie into your home’s hot water tend to be more expensive to install at around $2000+.
Running costs for underfloor heating are reasonable as the warmth is gentle and distributed efficiently. You can expect to pay around $100 per year to run an electric underfloor heating system in a small bathroom.
The main barrier with underfloor bathroom heating is the high installation cost. Retrofitting underfloor heating in an existing bathroom with tiles, flooring etc already laid can be disruptive and expensive. The cost drops significantly if installing underfloor heating in a bathroom renovation with the flooring ripped up.
Overall, underfloor heating provides luxurious and affordable warmth for your bathroom if you can budget for the high upfront installation costs. It may not be the cheapest option for a basic and small bathroom.
Wall Mounted Radiators
Radiators are commonly used for heating in many parts of the world so they can also work well in bathrooms. Wall mounted radiators heat up with hot water running through them, similar to heated towel racks.
Upfront costs for installing a radiator in a bathroom will generally fall in the $200 to $600 range. This covers purchasing the unit and installing necessary pipework and valves. You can sometimes install radiators in existing plumbing runs to avoid very expensive pipework costs.
Running costs are similar to other hot water based systems – under $100 per year for a small bathroom in moderate climates. This expense is for water heating rather than direct electrical costs.
The main limitations of radiators are the need for installation, lack of portability, and potential to take up wall space in your bathroom layout. However, in terms of upfront costs and running expenses they can provide an affordable heating option when positioned correctly.
Heat Lamps
Bathroom heat lamps work in a similar way to space heaters by providing directed warmth where you need it. They use halogen or infrared bulbs to heat a small area without warming the whole room.
An inexpensive heat lamp can be purchased from around $30. This makes them one of the cheapest bathroom heating options in terms of upfront costs.
Running costs are also very affordable. A typical heat lamp may use 250-400 watts which works out to around 3-5 cents per hour to run.
The main limitations are that heat lamps only provide warmth to the area of your body directly facing the bulb. They do not heat the whole bathroom. Lamps also need to be installed safely out of contact with flammable materials like shower curtains.
Despite the drawbacks, the ultra low purchase price and running costs make heat lamps a great option for a low cost bathroom heating solution. They work best complementing another main heating method.
Running Cost Comparison
To summarize, here is an overview of typical running costs for the main bathroom heating options:
| Heating Method | Typical Running Costs (Per Hour) |
|---|---|
| Space heater (1000W) | 10 cents |
| Heated towel rack (electric) | 5 cents |
| Underfloor heating (electric) | 10-20 cents |
| Heat lamp (250W) | 3 cents |
This demonstrates heat lamps and space heaters provide the cheapest running costs, with underfloor heating and electric towel rails slightly higher. All these options provide affordable warmth for around $100 or less per year depending on your climate and usage requirements.
Tips for Efficiency
To maximize energy efficiency and savings, here are some tips no matter which heating method you choose:
- Insulate your bathroom – Prevent heat loss by using insulation, sealing gaps and drafts
- Only heat when required – Switch off heating when not needed or use timers
- Take shorter showers – Reducing water usage lowers heating requirements
- Use low flow showerheads – Further reduce hot water requirements
- Install bathroom ventilation – Improve air circulation and retain warmth better
- Keep heating system maintained – Well maintained systems run more efficiently
Making some small investments in insulation, sealing, and ventilation can pay off in the long run by reducing your overall heating costs. Combining good insulation with appropriately sized heaters or heating systems tailored to your bathroom’s requirements results in the most cost effective mix.
Conclusion
When looking strictly at purchase price and running costs, the most affordable ways to heat a small bathroom are:
- Space heaters
- Heat lamps
- Heated towel racks
Space heaters provide portable spot heating at the lowest upfront cost. Heat lamps offer directed warmth at extremely low running expenses. Heated towel racks can provide efficient background warmth while also drying towels.
Underfloor heating and wall mounted radiators have higher installation costs but can provide economical running costs in the long term.
No matter which bathroom heating method you choose, following energy efficiency tips like insulation, considered usage, and system maintenance will help minimize costs. With the right approach, it is possible to affordably heat your bathroom for under $100 per year.