Best Heat Lamps & Bulbs for Your Bathroom To Keep You Warm & Comfortable (2024)
Updated: Mar. 23, 2024
Nobody likes a chilly shower. Here's how heat lamps can keep your bathroom warm and toasty no matter what time of year it is.
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Tired of that blast of cold air as you step out of the shower? Installing a heat lamp in your bathroom will help keep you warm all year round. Heat lamps are less expensive and require a lot less work to install than other bathroom heating methods, like in-floor radiant heat installation and wall heaters. Unlike regular light bulbs, the infrared bulbs in heat lamps turn energy into heat instead of light. Heat lamps then use reflectors and fans to push that heat down into the room.
“Unlike central heating systems that take time to warm up the entire house, heat lamps target a specific area with direct heat, offering immediate comfort after a shower or bath,” says Josh Mitchell, HVAC Technician and Plumbing Expert. “They also help in drying out the moisture in the air and on surfaces, reducing the likelihood of mold and mildew growth.”
Heat lamps can’t replace standard in-room heating, though. Instead, they create smaller “heat zones” and pockets of warmth. Heat lamps are typically mounted on the ceiling above bathroom vanities. But, beware: Manufacturers say to never mount a heat lamp directly above a shower or bath, since direct contact with moisture can cause them to malfunction. Below you’ll find some of our favorite options on the market. Still looking for ways to keep your bathroom warm? Learn more about bathroom heaters, radiant heat installation and bathroom fireplaces.
Most modern heat lamps either take one bulb or two. Two-bulb lamps provide more heat coverage, while one-bulb lamps are better for smaller bathrooms with less space to heat.
Heat lamps can be standalone devices or combined with exhaust fans to provide a more complete package. They don’t have to be an eyesore, either. Modern heat lamps are designed to be low-profile. They even can be painted to better fit into your bathroom’s overall design.
FAQ
What is a heat lamp used for?
Heat lamps are special light fixtures that are used as an additional source of warmth. You’ll often find them in places like bathrooms and showers, the coldest spots in the house, especially during winter. A heat lamp can warm up an area quickly, and they’re budget-friendly for short periods of use. They can also help prevent the formation of condensation and reduce moisture levels.
“If you reside in a colder region or dislike the chill after a hot shower, a heat lamp can significantly enhance your comfort,” says Mitchell. “However, if you live in a warm climate, the need for a heat lamp may not be as pressing, and other ventilation solutions like ceiling or wall-mounted exhaust fans, window fans or even a dehumidifier might be more appropriate.”
Is it OK to leave a heat lamp on overnight?
It’s not a good idea to leave a heat lamp on overnight because it can pose safety risks like overheating and fire hazards. Even if some heat lamps are designed for longer use, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. It’s a smart move to turn off heat lamps when you don’t need them or they can’t be monitored to avoid potential problems and stay safe.
How many hours does a heat lamp last?
The lifespan of a heat lamp can vary depending on factors such as the type of bulb, the manufacturer and how frequently it is used. In general, heat lamp bulbs typically last around 5,000 to 6,000 hours.
Can you put a heat lamp bulb in a regular bulb?
No, it is not safe to use a heat lamp bulb in a fixture designed for regular bulbs. Heat lamp bulbs emit higher levels of heat than standard bulbs, and using them in the wrong fixture can lead to overheating, fire hazards and possible damage.
Can you install a heat lamp if you’re on a tight budget?
There are affordable heat lamps available on the market, you just have to know what to look for. “Basic infrared bulbs are usually the cheapest option and can be installed in an existing light fixture, provided it’s safe and rated for the wattage of the heat bulb,” says Mitchell. “Some cost-effective models come with a combination of heat lamps and exhaust fans, offering both warmth and proper ventilation. Brands like Broan-NuTone and Panasonic offer budget-friendly options that are well-reviewed for their efficiency and ease of installation.”
Which colour temperature is the best for bathroom lighting? Your bathroom lighting must provide both bright light for styling and grooming and warm spa lighting. 3,500-4,000 Kelvin (neutral white) is ideal for bright light. Warm white to golden light between 2,700 and 3,300 Kelvin promotes relaxation.
Which colour temperature is the best for bathroom lighting? Your bathroom lighting must provide both bright light for styling and grooming and warm spa lighting. 3,500-4,000 Kelvin (neutral white) is ideal for bright light. Warm white to golden light between 2,700 and 3,300 Kelvin promotes relaxation.
Heat lamps generally consume less electricity than bar heaters, which makes them a cost-efficient option. Typically, they're used in places like showers and bathrooms, which are often the coldest places in the house. Heat lamps provide fast, radiant heat and are fairly economical when used for short periods.
Bulbs with a CRI rating of 80 to 100 are best for bathroom illumination. Most LED bulbs, for example, with a CRI rating of 80 to 90 produce a more natural output of bright light and can provide the best lighting for grooming.
Because incandescent and halogen bulbs create light through heat, about 90% of the energy used is wasted to generate heat. To reduce the heat emitted by regular incandescent and halogen bulbs, use a lower watt bulb (like 60 watts instead of 100). Fluorescent light bulbs use an entirely different method to create light.
Seeing as the alternative (carpeting) is simply off the cards for most householders, attention must instead turn to other ways of warming up a bathroom.
They are designed to generate as much heat as possible through infrared radiation, so they are often called infrared lamps, infrared heaters, or IR bulbs.
Heat lamps are typically mounted on the ceiling above bathroom vanities. But, beware: Manufacturers say to never mount a heat lamp directly above a shower or bath, since direct contact with moisture can cause them to malfunction.
For the master or guest bathrooms, 75-100 watts is recommended. For small or medium-sized bathrooms like half-baths and powder rooms, 45-60 watts are acceptable. Higher wattage provides more brightness and light intensity which can be blinding for smaller spaces, making 45-60 watts ideal for the average bathroom.
Hotel bathroom lighting should be gentle on the eyes but still bright and effective. Choose warm white lights between 3000k and 3300k for best results.
A warm white light (3000K) for bathing and going to the toilet is ideal for providing a comfortable and at ease atmosphere. However, for light fixtures that would illuminate your mirror where you would do the shaving, plucking, or skin care, cool white light (4000K) is the ideal temperature.
If you are not familiar with heat lights, you might be wondering what they can do or what they even are. As the name suggests, heat lights warm-up space and they are built mainly for this rather than lighting. Thus, heat lights can be used together with a few regular bathroom lights.
Are Heat Lamps Safe to Leave on All Night? No: it's not safe to use a heat lamp at night when there is no one to monitor it. While it's inevitable to run into situations when you need a lamp (potentially all night long), it's imperative to use it properly and follow the specific label directions.
A 250 Watt heat lamp (or or any other device) will consume 1 kWh (kilowatt hour) of energy in 4 hours. You will have to multiply that X your electric rate per kWh (which you can find it on your utility bill). In the US, it is likely to be between $0. 10 and $0.
It is measured in degrees Kelvin (K) and typically ranges from 2700K to 5000K. For bathrooms, it is recommended to use a color temperature of 3000K to 4000K.
A warm white light (3000K) for bathing and going to the toilet is ideal for providing a comfortable and at ease atmosphere. However, for light fixtures that would illuminate your mirror where you would do the shaving, plucking, or skin care, cool white light (4000K) is the ideal temperature.
These bulbs are higher on the Kelvin scale, registering between 3,000 and 4,000 Kelvin. 3 Warm white light bulbs emit a warm yellow-white glow. As such, they are good for your home's kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and other high-traffic areas.
Introduction: My name is Domingo Moore, I am a attractive, gorgeous, funny, jolly, spotless, nice, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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