Heated Towel Rails & Bathroom Radiators

FAQ's

• What is the difference between central heating, dual-fuel & electric towel rails?

  Central heating, dual-fuel, & electric refer to the different ways towel rails are powered. Central heating towel rails connect directly to your home's central heating system & warm up when the heating is on. An electric towel rail is wired into your home's electrical supply. Electric towel rails work independently, while a dual-fuel towel rail combines both systems, allowing it to run through the central heating & switch to electricity when the main heating isn't in use.

  The electric towel rails available at QS Supplies have a built-in element, so they don't rely on hot water from your radiator or central heating system. Unlike a dual-fuel towel rail connected to your electricity supply & heating system, electric towel rails operate independently & give you complete control over how much heat they emit. They also use less energy, which can help you save on energy costs.

  If you're thinking about installing an electric towel rail for energy efficiency reasons, there are a few things to keep in mind. While these towel rails are energy efficient, the costs depend on the wattage of the specific model you choose, how long you have it on, how frequently you use it, the temperature you set it to, & your local electricity rates.

  When choosing a towel rail for your bathroom, we suggest considering your bathroom décor & your approach to energy efficiency. Choose a towel rail in a material & with a finish that harmonises with your existing bathroom décor & offers the most convenience in terms of fuel efficiency.

  At some times of year, the days are warm enough not to warrant turning on your central heating, although the mornings or evenings might be chilly enough for you to want warm towels. This would make an electric or dual-fuel towel rail a good option.

• What does BTU stand for?

  BTU stands for British Thermal Unit. The BTU helps determine how much heat a towel rail can emit, making it essential to choose the right size & BTU for your space. The bigger your bathroom, the higher the BTU your towel rail will need. A higher BTU unit is recommended if your bathroom is also cold & damp.

  We recommend using our BTU calculator to work out the ideal BTU when shopping for a towel rail for your bathroom. You'll need to enter the following information into the BTU calculator:

  • The bathroom's length, width & height.
  • The number of windows in the bathroom.
  • Whether the windows are double-glazed, single-glazed, or unglazed.
  • Whether the bathroom walls are insulated.
  • Whether there is another room above the bathroom.

  
  

  After entering this information, the calculator will determine the BTU needed to heat your bathroom. You can then use the BTU to choose the desired towel rail from the options available.

• Are heated towel rails safe to use?

  Yes, the heated rails at QS Supplies are safe when installed & used correctly. They are designed to operate at regulated temperatures, & most models come with built-in safety features such as thermostats & overheating protection. If your towel rail doesn't include these features, we suggest that you turn it off when not in use or install a timer for added peace of mind. While you can install a towel rail yourself with the right tools & skills, we recommend asking a professional to do the installation for you.

  As with any heated appliance, it's essential to follow the installation guidelines, keep it clear of flammable materials & not hang up wet clothes that could cause overheating or imbalances in temperature.

• Are heated towel rails at QS Supplies available in different colours?

  Yes, heated rails are available in various colours, including black, white, chrome, bronze, blue, grey, copper & gold. This ensures a colour to suit every style of bathroom, whether a more traditional or a contemporary one.

  We don't recommend painting a towel rail, as this can damage the coating, reduce its efficiency & void the warranty. If you have your heart set on a specific colour, contact our friendly staff for your preferred colour.

• What are heated towel rails made from?

  The heated towel rails we stock at QS Supplies are made from durable, long-lasting materials such as aluminium, brass, stainless steel, mild steel, & steel. These materials do not rust & are available in various finishes, including brushed, matte, polished & sparkling, ensuring an option to suit every design taste & preference.

  No matter the material and finish, keeping your towel rail looking good is easy. The important thing to remember is to turn off the heating and let the towel rail cool down completely before giving it a good wipe with a damp cloth and buffing it with a clean, dry cloth.