The current bathroom is a room where elements are based that are designed to provide maximum comfort and a favorable microclimate. Today, no one is surprised by the presence of warm floors or a shower cabin with hydromassage.
Against the background of this abundance, I would like to dwell on a seemingly imperceptible, but at the same time very useful device - electric towel warmer for the bathroom and its price, as well as discuss issues of choice. In comparison with the water analogue, the device powered from the mains has a lot of advantages that simplify both installation work and operation.
What are the pros and cons of a unit powered by an electrical network
Considering that the appearance of modern towel drying devices does not depend on their type and connection method, it should be noted advantages device of this particular type:
- no need to coordinate installation work with the housing office;
- lack of complex installation processes in the DHW system;
- independence from the availability of hot water in the hot water supply;
- the possibility of self-installation;
- profitability.
Many users, based on the above list, prefer this particular type of heater. The presence of a thermostat provides an additional opportunity to set the desired temperature and optimize energy consumption.
However, before buying, you need to take a closer look at electric heated towel rails and choose the right model, not forgetting about them. disadvantages... Here is some of them:
- dependence on the presence of a separate power line;
- the need for a socket with an IP44 protection level;
- the presence of grounding.
Despite the apparent seriousness of the above disadvantages, they are all completely removable even with minimal electrical knowledge and low financial costs. When carrying out capital construction, these disadvantages are generally leveled out due to a pre-thought out project, when the installation site and the necessary communications are determined.
Power consumption and power
To date, heated towel rails are considered the most economical devices that can be purchased on the market, spending from 25 to 36 watts for their work. For the operation of the most powerful models, at least 2000 W is required (such devices are large). The power of the device is selected depending on the area of the room in which it will be installed.
In addition, when choosing the power of an electric heated towel rail, it is recommended to pay attention to the purpose of its operation. If the electric heated towel rail will be used only for drying towels and maintaining a comfortable microclimate in the bathroom, then you can use a model of any power. In this case, the dimensions of the electric heated towel rail can also be any. A device of even small dimensions is suitable. However, if the device is needed to heat the room, then it will be necessary to carry out the appropriate calculations and determine the required electricity costs.
If with the help of a heated towel rail the bathroom will be heated, then it is better to choose overall models
In accordance with the sanitary standards established by the state, the temperature indicator in residential premises should not fall below 18 ° C. In order to ensure the fulfillment of this sanitary standard, it is necessary to calculate the power consumption of an electric heated towel rail. To do this, it is recommended to follow a simple formula: about 100 watts of power should fall on 1 m² of the room.
However, a temperature of 18 ° C is not the most favorable for a comfortable stay in the bathroom (it is advisable to stick to a temperature of 22-25 ° C). In order to provide such indicators in the bathroom, the required power per 1 m² of the room is increased to 140 watts. By a simple calculation, you can determine that a bathroom with an area of 4 m² will need a heated towel rail with a power of 560 watts.
Description of electric towel warmers for the bathroom and how to choose the right model
As it was written above, the designs of these units are very diverse. They can be made both in traditional forms of a ladder or serpentine, and in high-tech varieties that can fit into any interior. Contribute to this variety of colors:
- bronze;
- chromium;
- gilding;
- silver plating.
The device is powered from the mains 220 volt and is able to maintain the temperature 65-75 degrees.
As heat transfer fluid in fittings can be used:
- butter;
- antifreeze;
- water.
In fact, there is not much difference between the given liquids - they all heat up well and retain heat. The only thing that can affect the price of a certain electric heated towel rail for the bathroom, but not particularly significant.
What you should pay special attention to is heating element and its power... The cheapest models use heating cable inside fittings, but the reliability of such devices is highly questionable.
Another thing - Heating element, the durability of which is determined by the material from which it is made. The ferrous metal body of the heater is the cheapest, but at the same time it is critically susceptible to corrosion. Products made of stainless steel are somewhat more expensive, but their durability covers all the costs of purchasing it.
Significantly expands the functional capabilities of the unit by the presence of thermostat:
- always heated room;
- optimal heating mode;
- profitability.
When deciding how to choose a good electric heated towel rail with a thermostatic device, it should be borne in mind that its cost will be about 20-30% higher than usual.
Another important factor is method of fixing the unit, manufacturers produce two kinds:
- stationary;
- turning.
The first type almost always has four mounting points, thanks to which it is mounted to the wall using dowels or anchors. Swivel The devices allow deflecting the heater plane relative to the wall during operation, they are compact and convenient for small rooms.
For those who do not always use the device, it will be very useful timer, which makes it possible to turn on the heating at a certain time. Naturally, you will have to pay a certain amount for this option.
Choosing a design
The shape of a heated towel rail is a very important criterion that determines the purpose of using this device. The shape of this product determines two important points. Consider them:
- how compact the towel dryer will be;
- how much laundry can be placed on it for drying.
Today, the most popular, from a constructive point of view, are devices in the form of ladders, snakes, and "ironing boards". Serpentine heated towel rails are used when a large amount of laundry needs to be dried. In cases where you need to dry several towels at the same time, it is recommended to use narrow ladder-shaped electric towel warmers. The narrow device is not only more functional, but also has a unique appearance.
A device with an original design can be a decoration of the bathroom
Special attention should be paid to rotary and angular models that are mounted on the wall. The electric rotary heated towel rail (in the form of a ladder) is practical, like the corner models. The swivel heated towel rail can be mounted while maintaining the maximum amount of free space in the bathroom. If necessary, the rotary heated towel rail can be adjusted for more comfortable operation.
For large families, experts recommend purchasing sliding heated towel rails, which are in the form of clothes dryers. When installing such devices on the wall, only the central part of the structure is fixed, and the auxiliary sliding elements are able to open and close.
What are the prices for electric heated towel rails for a modern bathroom today?
The variety of these products will satisfy even the most sophisticated architectural designs. Their purchase also does not pose any particular problems - there are many Internet resources and specialized stores at the service.
Among import manufacturers, such brands, as:
- Margaroli;
- DeLonghi;
- Energy;
- Heatex;
- Elghansa.
Electric heated towel rails for the bathroom from firms from Turkey and neighboring countries will cost a little cheaper. Products from domestic firms Sunerzha and Parus have proven themselves quite well.
For example, consider the cost of some models.
Energy E-G1
The unit, made in Britain, with dimensions of 430x490 mm, has a power of 40 watts. Good build quality, as well as compact size make it suitable for use in small bathrooms. Cost - 4 400 rub.
Margaroli Vento 50
This model, with a power of 100 W and dimensions 630x575 mm, has a swivel mechanism and a hidden BOX connection. Average cost - 19,000 rubles.
Margaroli Sole 564-14
Another model from the Margoli company, only this time it is made in the form of a "ladder" with 14 sections. Dimensions 470x1330 mm, power 300 W. The presence of a safety thermostat set at 128 degrees will prevent overheating and failure of the entire unit. For this device you will have to pay 64 150 rub.
Sunerzha-Galant 00-0501-5040
This model is a good answer to the question of how and which one to choose an inexpensive and high-quality electric heated towel rail for a small bathroom. Despite the compact dimensions of 500x400 mm, the unit develops a power of 300 watts. average cost 9 500 rub.
Tips for positioning and fixing the appliance
There are only two options for attaching the towel dryer: on the wall or on the floor. Wall-mounted towel warmers have the following operational advantages:
- saving useful bathroom space;
- convenience.
Among the disadvantages of wall-mounted models, one can single out the fact that they cannot be transferred to another room without dismantling. In turn, floor-mounted electric heated towel rails in their configuration practically do not differ from wall-mounted ones. The main difference between such products is that they are mounted on special supports (legs). In some cases, they are fixed to the floor surface for greater reliability.
If there is enough space in the bathroom, you can install a floor dryer that is easy to move.
Important! It is recommended to mount heated towel rails at a certain distance from other elements of the bathroom interior. This distance is from 30 to 50 cm.
Regardless of the type, all types of these devices have good moisture resistance, so the choice of a place for their installation depends on the personal preferences of the owners of the house. These devices must be located at least half a meter from combustible materials.
findings
The use of a heated towel rail powered by an electrical network avoids several problematic points faced by the owners of water units:
- there is no need to agree with the housing office;
- lack of labor-intensive work;
- independence from the DHW system and the presence of hot water in it.
When providing a heated towel rail, the seller is obliged to provide:
- instructions;
- warranty card;
- complete set.
It is necessary to decide in advance on the power and price of an electric heated towel rail for the bathroom, because these two numbers are in direct proportion and there is no particular point in overpaying for extra watts.
It is worth taking seriously the current supply lines that will power the heating device. It is highly desirable to use waterproof outlets and include a residual current device (RCD) in the circuit, which will turn off the device in a fraction of a second in the event of a sharp increase in the voltage difference.
