Getting the Wattage Right for Your Bathroom Heater
When you’re picking out an infrared lamp for the bathroom, your first instinct might be to just grab the most powerful one on the shelf. But that’s usually a mistake. If you go too big, you’re just burning money on your electric bill and turning your bathroom into a sauna. Go too small? You’re still shivering while you dry off. It’s all about finding that sweet spot based on how much space you’re actually trying to warm up. Let’s talk sizes. If you’ve got a tiny powder room (under 4m²), a 250W to 400W lamp is plenty. It’ll give you that instant hit of warmth without making the room feel stuffy. For those mid-sized bathrooms (between 4m² and 8m²), you’ll want to jump up to 600W or 800W. Here’s why: bathrooms are full of “heat sponges.” Tiles, mirrors, and porcelain soak up warmth fast. You need a bit more raw power to keep the air feeling steady. And if you’re dealing with a massive luxury suite or anything over 10m², don’t rely on one giant lamp. Instead, spread out a few 800W+ units. It stops those annoying cold spots and makes sure your feet aren’t freezing while your shoulders are roasting. A few things to watch out for during install. Be careful with your wiring. High-wattage lamps pull a lot of current. If you cram three 800W lamps onto one thin wire, you’re asking for a tripped breaker—or worse. Also, keep in mind that shortwave infrared is lightning fast. It hits your skin and warms you up instantly. But the second you flip the switch off, the heat vanishes. It doesn’t “stick” to the walls. If you want the room to stay cozy for a while, make sure your insulation is on point. Where to put the lamp. Don’t just slap the lamp in the center of the ceiling and call it a day. Put it where you actually spend your time. I usually suggest right above the shower or the vanity. By shortening the distance between the lamp and your skin, you feel the warmth much more intensely. It’s a clever way to feel warmer without having to crank up the wattage and spike your power bill.