How to actually pick the right wattage for your bathroom heater
When you’re looking at infrared ceiling lamps, the temptation is to just buy the most powerful one on the shelf. But here’s the thing: more power isn’t always better. If you overdo it, you’re just throwing money away on your electric bill or making your bathroom feel like a sauna. The goal is to find that sweet spot where you’re warm the second you step out of the shower, but you aren’t overheating the room. Matching the size of the room If you’ve got a tiny powder room—something under 4m²—keep it simple. A small lamp (around 250W to 400W) is plenty. If you put a monster heater in a tiny space, the thermostat will kick in and out constantly. It’s annoying, and it wears out the equipment way faster than it should. For a medium-sized bathroom (4m² to 8m²), you’ll probably want something in the 600W to 800W range. Then you have the big master baths. If you’re dealing with over 10m², you might need a couple of 800W lamps or a heavy-duty setup. Just keep in mind that if your walls are drafty or your ceiling is leaky, you’ll lose heat faster. If you go too low on the wattage here, the heater will just run forever and never actually get the room warm. Where to put the lamp Remember, infrared is different. It doesn’t heat the air; it heats you. That’s why I always suggest putting the lamp right above the shower or the vanity. When the heat hits you directly, you feel it instantly. It’s a much more efficient way to stay warm. Also, look up. If your ceilings are extra high—say, 3 meters instead of the usual 2.4—you’re going to need more wattage. The further the heat has to travel, the more it fades by the time it reaches your shoulders. A quick warning on your wiring One last thing. These high-wattage lamps pull a lot of power. If you decide to install three 1000W lamps on one residential circuit, you’re playing a dangerous game with your circuit breaker. Nobody wants the power to cut out right when they’re mid-shower. Definitely double-check your amperage limits before you start drilling holes in the ceiling.