One of the many modern comforts we can enjoy is a towel warmer. There is nothing more satisfying than stepping out of a shower on a cool winter’s day and wrapping yourself up in a warm, dry towel. While they enhance certainly exist to enhance comfort, what happens if you accidentally leave yours on overnight?
Towel warmer racks are designed to be left on indefinitely. They typically use low-wattage heating and contain an internal thermostat that allows it to heat to your preferred temperature and maintain it without overheating. Some towel warmers come equipped with timers, buttons, or have an auto shut-off feature once it reaches a certain temperature.
You can breathe a sigh of relief if you accidentally left your towel warmer on as they are designed to safely stay on however you may want to consider the impact of this extra household energy consumption, albeit minimal, on your energy bill.
Is it Safe to Leave a Towel Warmer on Overnight?
If you have forgotten to turn off your towel warmer, do not fret. It is safe to leave towel warmers on overnight. You may see a slight uptick on your energy bill however your towel warmer should maintain a safe temperature and state if left on overnight.
Most towel warmers are equipped with timers that will automatically turn them off after a period. Some are equipped with sensors that prevent them from overheating, and others work similarly to underfloor heating, allowing it to warm up to a set temperature and hold it.
How Long Does It Take to Warm a Towel with a Towel Warmer?
Depending on the size of the towel warmer and the temperature of the room it is located in, towel warmers should take approximately 20-30 minutes to heat up to the set temperature.
Do Towel Warmers Use a Lot of Electricity?
Generally, towel warmers do not use a lot of electricity. The amount of electricity your towel warmer consumes depends on its size, how long it is left on for, and the temperature it needs to warm to. Most towel warmers run on 50-100 watts of energy and although this is a small amount of energy, when it is used frequently or left on constantly, it can reflect on your energy bill.
Do Towel Warmers Have an Off and On Switch?
Towel warmers come in a variety of models. Some models have an integrated on/off switch or dial that allows you to control the temperature setting and decide when it should be on or off. Other models of towel warmers are built to always remain on, regulating its heat through sensors much like heated flooring so it never overheats.
For the latter models, there may be a breaker switch that allows you to turn your towel warmer on or off, it may have been installed with an automatic timer, or you may need to have a switch installed. If possible, speak to your contractors before having your towel warmer installed if it is the built-in variety.
Can a Towel Warmer Catch on Fire?
With such low voltage and given that they are designed to stay on to constantly maintain the warmth of your towels and bathrobes, the chance of your towel warmer catching on fire is minimal. The areas of risk for fires are similar to most other low-wattage electronic devices; that is the power outlet and any cords.
If your towel warmer is the type to plug into an outlet, be mindful of any sparks and ensure the area is dry and that you do not interact with it with wet hands. If there are any visible cords, they should be fully intact to avoid any sparks.
Can You Put Wet Towels in a Towel Warmer?
While towel warmers are designed to warm your towels just before you are ready to use them, you can place damp towels in a towel warmer. Slightly damp towels are ideal to place in a towel warmer to avoid the inner environment of the towel warmer from completely drying out however the towel should never be fully saturated as this can pose an electrical hazard and defeats the purpose of having a nice warm, dry towel to use.
Be mindful of your towel warmer, allowing it to dry completely between uses to avoid mold growth inside of the unit. This is typically not an issue for wall-mounted towel warmers.
Can Towel Warmers Be Installed in the Shower?
Towel warmers are best installed anywhere in your bathroom that has a bare wall and is at least 23 inches away from a water source. For this reason, it is best to install a towel warmer in your bathroom but not in your shower directly as this can pose an electrical hazard.
Final Thoughts
Towel warmers are a great feature to have in your bathroom that ensure you have cozy, warm towels to wrap yourself in after a shower. They are also an effective way to keep your bathroom warm without having to warm your whole house. Towel warmers are designed to stay on for indefinite amounts of time and for some this may be convenient but for others, you may need to be mindful of your energy bill but it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Jamie is the Founder of My Home Dwelling. He is a homeowner and enjoys sharing his homeowner tips with others. He has real estate experience working as a new home construction Realtor. Jamie has worked on numerous residential construction sites helping with interior and exterior renovations. He loves refinishing furniture, DIY home projects, and sharing his knowledge online.