As the name suggests, a heat lamp is an incandescent bulb with the purpose of generating heat energy rather than light energy and keeping the area warm and moisture-free.
In the contrary to a regular light bulb, it produces heat primarily and generates a little amount of light as a by-product, which can a termed as waste. In cold areas, these incandescent light bulbs are popular to keep the room warm.
The heat lamps are not the latest technology but it is still popular among the low temperature areas for warmth. But can it be installed in bathrooms?
Heat lamp in bathroom:
You can certainly put heat lamps in the bathroom. Since the bathroom and tiles get chilly after a shower in cold weather, the heat lamp is a great addition to provide you warmth after a chilly, shivering shower. The heat lamp is energy-efficient and can make the bathroom warm in a blink of an eye.
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Winter and bathroom are not a great combination for sure. The ceramics get cold, and the tiles turn into an ice sculpture.
It is more irritating when you step out of the shower closet after a warm shower and the cold just hits your heated body. Incandescent bulbs can help you to get rid of such inconvenience.
Heat lamps are usually installed over the ceiling of the bathroom vanity. The infrared technology converts the energy to heat instead of light even though the name lamp on it.
Moreover, heat lamps use fans and reflectors for shoving the heat down to the bathroom.
A bathroom is an ideal place for heat lamps to install. Since the bathroom is smaller and congested in size compared to regular rooms so the heat blooms evenly.
It can’t take the place of a room heater and a room heater can’t be placed in a bathroom. The heat lamp is an obvious solution to this dilemma.
However, proper caution is to be taken while installing and using this heat lamp. You must not install it close to the shower or bath because the moisture, in close contact, can disrupt the heating process and destroy the lamps.
Pros and cons of a heat lamp in the bathroom:
The heat lamp is an outdated technology and not the first option to install for warmth. However, it has its share of benefits for which people are still using it.
If you are thinking about installing heat lamps in your bathroom you should be aware of the pros and cons to make the judgment call. So, let’s get started.
Pros:
The advantages of a heat lamp in bathroom are followed.
Efficient heating:
A bathroom is a small, congested area. Too small for a room heater, too cold to ignore in cold weather.
A heat lamp is a perfect appliance to erase the gap. The modern light bulbs are compact in size compared to outmoded large bulbs and they are more efficient and minimal looking.
Instant warmth:
The best part of a heat lamp is it can warm up the room in a blink of an eye. You do not have to wait for a moment for the appliance to heat up. You can step out of the shower and can feel the warmth.
Clears the steamy glasses:
A foggy, steamy glass and mirror in a bathroom is the worst. It happens due to the excess moisture content produced after a shower or on a foggy day.
The infrared heat can erase the steam from the glasses and provide you a with fresh, shiny mirror.
Ventilation:
Modern heat lamps come with an additional ventilation process with the heating. The built-in fan helps to prevent any residue of fumes or steam to build up.
It also manages the heat so that it can spread out evenly. So, the lamps also help out preventing the bathroom from dampening.
Cons:
Heat lamps come with lots of disadvantages as well. Let’s find out what are those.
Risk of Malfunction:
Even though modern heat lamps designed for bathrooms are water resistant, you still can’t eradicate the possibility of any malfunction in contact with water.
Installing placement is very crucial if the shower and basin area is not separated and the bathroom is compact in size. To figure out an area of the ceiling without the contact of water for heat lamps can’t be ensured always.
Risk of burning skin or surface:
Since the heat lamps produce a high amount of heat within a few seconds, there is always a risk of burning close objects or skins.
Since the heat lamps are installed on ceilings, without proper ventilation, the unbridled temperature may cause burning.
Louder noise:
With heat and warmth, a heat lamp sometimes may produce noise which is certainly not convenient while you are enjoying a shower.
However, many brands and models are coming up with soundproof technology. So, make sure to check the loudness of the device before purchasing.
Longevity:
Usually, the heat lamps don’t last longer than 5 to 6 years. Since it is placed on the ceiling, replacing them repeatedly can be exhausting and costly considering the labor charge and product price.
Are bathroom heat lamps safe?
Bathroom heat lamps are safe and very reliable when it comes to heating up the bathrooms. However, to utilize the maximum benefits without the risk, you should always follow the instructions and maintain good care.
The heating lamp produces heat with infrared technology emitting infrared light. This is absolutely harmless and relaxing too.
Make sure the model you are purchasing is anti-shock and water-resistant. Since you are using the device in a bathroom you must ensure it is reliable to use in a wet environment. Also, turn off the switch after 15-20 minutes of use to avoid overheating.
Bathroom heat lamp alternatives:
As mentioned earlier, heat lamps are outdated technology. It is effective but not fully risk-free.
The industries are bringing out new technologies for heating up the bathroom now and then. So, before you make the big purchase, you should explore the alternatives. Check out these heat lamp alternatives for your bathroom.
Wall Heater:
Wall heaters run fully electric, and it is installed on a permanent basis. It is loaded on the wall and will spread the heat evenly throughout the bathroom.
The pros are they come with a thermostat and timer for you to control as per your wish.
Convection Heater:
Convection heaters is that they are portable. It drags in the cold air in the room, heats up the air with coils, and blows hot air into the room.
Their shapes and sizes come in different varieties. Since this is portable, they fail to spread the heat evenly.
Underfloor heating:
Underfloor or radiant floor heating provides heat from the floor to warm the tiles. The source installed underneath converts electricity to heat.
So, this method is very cost-effective and energy-saving. You can freely walk barefoot in the bathroom without the fear of a chill.
Heated towel rails:
This sleek technology serves twofold purposes. One is that they can be used to hang the towel.
Also, they can be used to heat up the cold bathroom in winter. The best part is, you are always getting hot, crisp, and warm towels after a shower, thanks to the heated towel rails.
Final Thoughts:
Heat lamps can be safely installed in a bathroom. Since a bathroom is small and compact but chilly and cold compared to other rooms, heat lamps are a great option for an instant heat wave and a warm, cozy environment. Modern heat lamps ensure ventilation to avoid fire risks and overheating.