The room where bath procedures are taken should be warm, comfortable and safe. A distinctive feature of such a place is high humidity. Therefore, it is important to choose the right bathroom heater. The heater must be able to withstand the loads of the environment and perform its tasks efficiently. All devices with an IP24 code of protection meet this requirement.
What to consider when choosing a heating option
There is a certain list of requirements that must be met by electrical or other appliances designed to maintain a comfortable atmosphere in the bathroom:
- Immunity of the heater to sudden temperature fluctuations.
- Safe operation of the device, regardless of its direct contact with water or the effect of high humidity on the case.
- Resistance of the outer coating of the product to corrosion, and electrical contacts to oxidation.
- Compact overall dimensions with limited space.
- Sufficient thermal power capable of covering the heat loss of the premises during the cold season;
- The aesthetically pleasing appearance of the device that blends harmoniously with the interior.
Modern bathroom heaters should be economical and maintenance costs minimal.
Types of heaters and their features
There are several signs by which one can classify heating devices intended for heating, including a bathroom:
- according to the principle of operation - electrical devices, steam heating radiators, stoves;
- by the method of installation - floor, wall or ceiling version;
- by appointment - household and industrial.
Most often, electrical appliances are used at home for heating. This is due to their simplicity, reliability, durability and relatively easy installation.
Oil radiator
Most often, this type of heater is floor-standing and has wheels for mobile movement. The peculiarity of the radiator is that it is very inert - it heats up for a long time and does not cool down quickly, due to which it gives off heat even when it is turned off. The heater is safe, since its coil does not come into direct contact with the environment, but is hidden in a sealed casing filled with mineral oil. The radiator does not burn oxygen, but it cannot be called economical, which is partially compensated by the built-in thermostat. The unit weighs decently.
For a small bathroom that has minimal contact with external walls and requires heating as needed, it makes sense to install an oil radiator.
Heating by convectors
The design of electric convectors assumes the presence of a heating coil that directly acts on the air. Already heated air, due to convection, mixes with cold air, and so on until the entire space warms up. Possessing a high power from 2 kW and above, the devices are able to warm up a room in a minimum time, but cool down quickly when turned off.Electric convectors are silent, efficient, but they burn oxygen and dry the air.
When installing this type of appliance, it is important to think about protecting it from direct splashing. Excessive moisture can damage the decorative surface and cause a short circuit.
Electric heater with fan
In fact, this is the same convector, only equipped with a mechanism for forced injection of hot air in the form of a fan. Usually these are powerful devices of rapid action in terms of heating the room.
Their most significant drawback is the increased noise level and the colossal consumption of electricity. Considering this option as the main one for heating even a small room is not entirely practical. The fan heater is more suitable as a backup heater in case of breakdowns in the main system.
Infrared heater
Unlike devices that heat the air, infrared radiation acts directly on all surrounding objects that are in its field of action, making them warm. An infrared heater is easy to distinguish from others - when it is turned on, its spiral acquires a bright orange color and, as a rule, there is a reflector. Due to the built-in thermostat, this type of device can be considered energy efficient. These emitters feel like they provide an instant, comfortable thermal effect. On sale you can find wall and ceiling heaters and raised on a support.
Modern ceramic heaters, which are also referred to as infrared, have a record low power consumption, starting from 270 watts, and a high degree of heating of the work surface.
Inverter air conditioner
An electric heater of this type is an air-to-air heat pump. In it, the refrigerant with a low boiling point is heated by outside air and brought to a boil under the compression of the compressor. The heat released in the process warms up the air inside the room. Clear advantages of the system:
- Up to 40% more energy efficient than any other device.
- The ability to regulate the microclimate in the room.
- Full automation of the process.
- High reliability and durability of devices.
- Some models allow you to effectively heat the room at -30.
The air conditioner is ideal as a heater for wet rooms, it is not difficult to install and has a quick payback period.
Heater power calculation
To accurately calculate the power of an electric heater for a specific area, you can use the formula - VxDTxK / 860 = kW, in it:
- V - the volume of the room;
- DT - the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures;
- K - coefficient of thermal insulation of external walls.
The quantity K Simplistically, it is assumed equal: for buildings without thermal insulation (4.0-3.0), with weak insulation (2.9-2.0), medium insulation (1.9-1.0), high-level insulation (0.9-0.6).
Other ways to heat your bathroom
In addition to the options considered, there are at least two ways to heat the bathroom - to arrange a heated floor, to use skirting boards with a built-in heating element.
Warm floors create additional comfort in the room with tactile contact of the feet with the surface and allow you to evenly warm up the entire area. The disadvantage of the system is the increased laboriousness of laying a cable or water pipe.
