If you are considering purchasing a heated towel rail, one of the biggest questions you may have is whether it will be expensive to run. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive cost analysis of a bathroom's heating, mainly focusing on heated towel rails versus conventional radiators.
Central Heating Towel Rails
Central heating towel rails are connected to your home's central heating system. This means that they use hot water from the boiler to heat up. They are an excellent option for those who already have a central heating system in their homes.
The running costs of central heating towel rails are generally lower compared to electric towel rails. This is because they do not require their power source, and they utilize hot water that is already being produced by your boiler. So, if you already have a central heating system in your home, central heating towel rails are a great option. We have an extensive range of heated towel rails in stock.
Electric Towel Rails
Electric towel rails come in two types: thermostatic and standard heating elements. They do not require any connection to your central heating system, and they operate on electricity.
Thermostatic electric towel rails are equipped with a thermostat that monitors the temperature in the room and adjusts the heating accordingly. This means that they only use the energy needed to maintain the desired temperature, making them more energy-efficient.
On the other hand, standard heating element electric towel rails do not have a thermostat and maintain a constant temperature, leading to higher energy consumption.
So the question would be are electric towel rails expensive to run? The running costs of electric towel rails depend on the wattage of the rail, the frequency of use, and the cost of electricity in your area. However, generally speaking, electric towel rails have higher running costs compared to central heating towel rails. With both standard and thermostatic elements, our electric towel rails are the perfect choice for your bathroom.
We can help you calculate how much does an electric towel rail costs to run by looking at your energy tariff and the wattage of the electric towel rail you’d like to install.
For example, assuming that the heated towel radiator runs at its maximum power of 700 Watts for 1 hour, the energy consumption would be:
700 Watts x 1 hour = 700 watt-hours (Wh) or 0.7 kilowatt-hours (kWh)
To calculate the cost of running the heated towel rail for 1 hour at a UK standard tariff of £0.34 per kWh (recorded at the time of writing this article 28/04/2023), you would multiply the energy consumption by the cost per kWh:
0.7 kWh x £0.34/kWh = £0.238 per hour
How Much Does An Electric Towel Rail Cost To Run?
So the cost of running a 700 Watt heated towel radiator for 1 hour at a UK standard tariff of £0.34 per kWh would be approximately £0.24. Using this value, you can approximate how much it will cost you by looking at how many hours a day you’ll be running your electric towel rail, multiplied by how many days a year.
Please keep in mind, the cost of running a towel rail can fluctuate based on your provider, the type of windows your bathroom features, wall thickness and insulation, etc. Please use this guide as an example rather than final values.
To make it easier for you, we have put together a small list of heater towel warmer wattages and how much they would cost per hour to run based on the UK standard tariff of £0.34:
| Wattage | Formula | Cost Per Hour |
|---|---|---|
| 250 | 0.34 x 250 W = £0.085 per h | £0.085 |
| 300 | 0.34 x 300 W = £0.102 per h | £0.102 |
| 500 | 0.34 x 500 W = £0.170 per h | £0.170 |
| 700 | 0.34 x 700 W = £0.238 per h | £0.238 |
| 900 | 0.34 x 900 W = £0.306 per h | £0.306 |
| 1250 | 0.34 x 1250 W = £0.425 per h | £0.425 |
| 1500 | 0.34 x 1500 W = £0.510 per h | £0.510 |
| 1800 | 0.34 x 1800 W = £0.612 per h | £0.612 |
Dual Fuel Towel Rails
Dual fuel towel rails are a combination of central heating and electric towel rails. They are connected to your home's central heating system and can also operate using electricity.
This type of towel rail offers flexibility as you can use the central heating option during winter and switch to the electric option during summer when the central heating system is not in use. This can help to save on energy costs.
Conclusion
The cost of running a heated towel rail depends on various factors, such as the type of rail, frequency of use, and the cost of electricity in your area. Generally, central heating towel rails are the most cost-effective option, followed by dual fuel and then electric towel rails.
If you are looking for an energy-efficient option, go for thermostatic electric towel rails. However, if you already have a central heating system in your home, central heating towel rails are the most cost-effective option.
Discover our range of energy efficient heated towel railsFAQs
How Much Does A Heated Towel Rail Cost To Install?
The cost of installing a heated towel rail depends on various factors such as the size of the rail, the type of rail, and the complexity of the installation. Generally, installation costs range from £150 to £500.
How Long Do Heated Towel Rails Last?
The lifespan of a heated towel rail depends on the quality of the rail and how well it is maintained. On average, a heated towel rail can last for 10-15 years.
Can I Install A Heated Towel Rail Myself?
It is possible to install a heated towel rail yourself. However, it is recommended that you hire a qualified electrician or plumber to carry out the installation to ensure that it is done correctly and safely.
Can A Heated Towel Rail Be Used As The Primary Source Of Heating In A Bathroom?
Heated towel rails are not designed to be the primary source of heating in a bathroom. They are designed to provide a warm towel and a comfortable temperature in the bathroom.
Can A Heated Towel Rail Be More Energy-Efficient Than A Conventional Radiator?
Yes, a heated towel rail can be more energy-efficient than a conventional radiator if it is used correctly. For example, using a thermostatic electric towel rail can help regulate the temperature, reducing the amount of energy used to keep the rail running.
Are Dual Fuel Towel Rails Cost-Effective In The Long Term?
Yes, dual-fuel towel rails can be cost-effective in the long term if you use them correctly. These towel rails offer the flexibility of using the central heating system during colder months and the electric heating element during the summer months, potentially reducing your overall energy consumption and costs.
Can A Heated Towel Rail Increase The Value Of My Property?
Yes, a heated towel rail can increase the value of your property, especially in areas where such amenities are in high demand. Additionally, installing a heated towel rail may also increase the appeal of your property to potential buyers or renters.
Can A Heated Towel Rail Reduce Moisture And Mould In My Bathroom?
Yes, a heated towel rail can help reduce moisture and mould in your bathroom by providing a source of heat to dry towels and prevent them from becoming damp. This can help reduce the amount of moisture in the air, which can lead to mould growth.
