Having a cosy bathroom, even a small one, during the winter is more essential than ever: first of all for the health of the inhabitants of the house and then to get the maximum benefit from a relaxing environment after a long day spent between engagements and out and about. Let's find out what the best solutions are, especially for a small bathroom.
How can I heat a small bathroom?
It often happens, in fact, that for a small bathroom, heating is not done by means of a radiator, for an obvious management of limited space. A radiator, although not large, could be cumbersome or in any case would end up occupying a corner that can instead be exploited in another way, with a piece of furniture for example.
There is no shortage of options, and many of them allow for optimised heat supply, without excessive energy consumption: all this translates into energy efficiency with positive effects on both thermal comfort and bills.
A practical yet elegant alternative to the classic radiator is the towel warmer, which falls into the category of bathroom radiators. It has a dual function:
- practical, because in addition to heating the room around it, it allows wet towels and linen to be dried and made warm and comfortable for when they are needed;
- aesthetic, because there are design models that integrate functionality and elegance.
The towel warmer is recognisable by its vertical shape reminiscent of a ladder, with two vertical pipes and a series of horizontal pipes. It is installed along the wall and is easy to clean.
There are also models in mixed or fully electric versions with low consumption, for operation independent of the traditional plumbing system. This mode allows the bathroom to be heated properly at all times of the year, especially when there are below-average temperatures or sudden cold spells while the heating system is switched off.
How can I make my bathroom warmer?
If the size of the bathroom does not permit the installation of towel heaters or radiators, it is still possible to find other alternatives for heating the room. Some are particularly useful for a holiday home because they are portable and ideal for temporary use.
- Fan heaters. These are small, mobile devices that can heat the bathroom quickly. They have an electrical resistance and a fan to spread the heat. Simply turn them on before using the bathroom for your needs so that it is just warm enough and then turn them off.
- Electric heaters. These are infrared or resistance models that are just as effective and fast. They reach the required temperature in a short time. They do, however, consume a lot of energy, which can be managed by limiting their ignition to the period strictly necessary.
- Halogen heaters. They are another solution for small rooms. Heat is given off by radiation, quickly.
- Infrared heating lamps. They produce heat through infrared radiation and are also known as ‘heaters’. They are ceiling-mounted rather than wall-mounted or portable and are designed to resist the moisture that forms in the bathroom.
How to heat the bathroom without a radiator?
A final alternative to radiators is underfloor heating. This is a heating system that does not only cover the bathroom, but the whole house. It consists of radiant systems and the heat is therefore transmitted by surface radiation.
- With a pipe system, hot water at low temperatures flows through the pipes and the heat is distributed evenly.
- With an electric system, the mechanism follows the previous one, but electricity is the heat carrier.
This is a choice to be considered in the case of a complete renovation of the house or if it is designed from scratch requiring a significant initial investment.
One aspect to keep in mind if you want to opt for underfloor heating is that it requires constant operation. In this way, the room achieves adequate comfort and does not have to be switched off after the set temperature has been reached.
Therefore, unlike a system with radiators, it cannot be switched on and off intermittently. This would result in a prolonged period of time to really have warm and cosy rooms.
How to heat a cold bathroom?
As we have seen, the lack of a proper radiator in the bathroom due to its small size is easily solved. From towel warmers to electric heaters and fan heaters, a solution can be found.
Another element that should not be overlooked is the preservation of heat in the room. There are some simple and very useful measures that contribute to a better well-being.
- As far as the bathroom window is concerned, it is good to replace single glazing with double or triple glazing that helps with insulation.
- Keeping the door closed helps keep heat out and a draft shield at its base prevents colder air from entering.
- If electric or halogen heaters are used, as well as fan heaters, they should be switched on a few minutes before using the bathroom.
Maintenance also counts, in the case of towel warmers. They function in the same way as radiators, and it can happen that they do not heat well due to air bubbles forming inside the pipes. Simply vent them by letting a little water escape through the vent valve.
The thermal comfort generated by towel heaters is enhanced by the application of home automation devices such as smart valves with which to regulate and constantly monitor the heat supply.
- Smart valves can be managed remotely by the user, who can intervene thanks to an application on his mobile phone.
- They allow the desired temperature to be reached with a simple click.
- In this way, on returning home, the bathroom is already well heated to meet the needs of the inhabitants of the house.
- They respond to voice commands transmitted with voice assistants such as Google Home and Alexa.
- The smart valves also have a sensor that detects the opening of a window.
- This momentarily interrupts the supply of heat that would be lost.
- In the event of mishaps and problems, the user is immediately notified with a mobile phone notification.
The most advanced models are then distinguished not only by the technology with which they are produced, but also by the aesthetic research: they are available in different colours, integrating perfectly with the design of the bathroom towel warmer, for an efficient and sophisticated towel heater.
