Picking the Right Infrared Heater for Your Bathroom
Getting the wattage right on your bathroom heater is a bit like picking the right size shoes—too small and you’ll be shivering, but too big and you’re just wasting power (and probably sweating). Before you buy a replacement element, take a quick look at your room’s size and how high your ceilings are. It’ll save you a headache later. The Wattage Game If you’ve got a tiny bathroom—think under 4m²—you don’t need a powerhouse. A 250W to 400W lamp usually does the trick. Here’s the thing: if you put a massive heater in a tiny closet of a bathroom, the thermostat is going to freak out. It’ll hit the target temperature instantly, shut off, then kick back on a minute later. That “short-cycling” is a killer; it wears out the filament way faster than it should. For those bigger bathrooms (6m² to 10m²), you’ll want to jump up to 600W or 800W. More space means the heat disappears faster, so you need a bit more muscle to actually feel that warmth on your skin. Dealing with the Steam Bathrooms are basically steam rooms. That’s why we stick with IP65-rated housings. Think of it as a raincoat for your electronics. Without that seal, moisture creeps into the connections, causing things to rust or short circuit. It’s not a fancy feature—it’s just what keeps the lamp from burning out the first time you take a hot shower. A Few Installation Tips It’s tempting to go for the highest wattage possible to get heat fast, but keep an eye on your wiring. If you plug a 1000W element into a circuit that was only meant for 400W, you’re asking for a tripped breaker or a dangerously hot junction box. Check your load first. And a pro tip on placement: put the lamps where you actually stand. Infrared is different because it heats objects, not the air. It’s like the sun. Instead of trying to heat every cubic inch of the room, put the lamp right above the vanity or the shower. You’ll feel the warmth immediately, and you won’t have to crank the power just to feel cozy.