Why You Should Ditch Those Old Bathroom Heat Lamps
Ever notice how those old-school bathroom heat lamps always seem to burn out right when you actually need them? Most of those things are just basic bulbs or cheap quartz elements. They aren’t built for the steam and humidity of a shower, so they just give up. That’s why we’re seeing a big move toward high-IP infrared heaters. They’re built to handle the dampness without blowing a fuse or rusting from the inside out. The deal with “IP Ratings” If you’ve ever wondered what “IP rating” actually means, think of it as a shield. In a bathroom, you’ve got steam everywhere and the occasional splash. A regular heater just isn’t cut out for that. We use units with high IP ratings because they seal the electrical parts away from the vapor. Without those gaskets and sealed housings, water gets into the circuitry, causes a short, and—boom—you’re back to shivering in a cold room. Heat you can actually feel Here’s the thing about traditional heaters: they try to warm up the air. But in a bathroom, that warm air just disappears through the vents or under the door. It’s a waste. Infrared is different. It sends out shortwave radiation that hits your skin and the floor directly. It doesn’t matter if there’s a draft or if the room is freezing. You feel the warmth the second you flip the switch. It’s instant. A few things to keep in mind We usually put these in the ceiling to get the best spread of heat. But you can’t just pop one in and call it a day. You have to check your wiring. These units pull a decent amount of power. If your house has old wiring, you might trip the breaker the moment you turn it on. It’s worth double-checking your wire gauge to make sure it can handle the wattage. It’s a simple upgrade, but it saves you the headache of replacing burnt-out bulbs every few months. Plus, since the elements are shielded from the humidity, they actually last.