Monday, 2 May 2016

Luxurious Living-The Truth behind Towel Warmers

Luxury meets everyday living with the introduction of the towel warmer.This bathroom accessory is used to heat any fabric item to warm, plush, perfection. There are two basic types of towel warmers, electric and hydraulic. These devices are flexible, energy efficient and add a luxurious flair to any home! Electric towel warmers come either hardwired to your home's electrical supply, or, as a plug in, available for use at any outlet. It uses electrical power to heat any one of three forms, wall mounted, floor mounted, or, freestanding.



 They are energy efficient using only 100W, similar to a lightbulb. Hedonic warmers use a system of hollow pipes filled with either gel or water, which can be connected to your general home hot water supply, or, to its own specific heating system. The gel or water becomes heated and warms the outer coating producing heat which is then used to evenly dry towels or garments.They are efficient energy wise as well, consuming up to 400 volts of energy and provide a continuous form of heat Installation wise, electric warmers are easier, notably the plug in variety. However, a few limitations exist. Larger sizes require discussion with home planning agencies and may also require a professional electrician or plumber for installation, in coherence with building regulations. Additionally, electric warmers cannot be placed within ten feet of a bath tub, in a shower, in a sauna or steam room, except for the plug in variety. They have to be attached via sturdy wall studs and all wires need to be covered with a waterproof coating, to prevent short circuiting. Hydronic warmers also require professional installation, since they are connected to the home's heating system, and this is recommended only at times of remodelling. Furthermore, this addition to the home means that holes have to be drilled into walls, which may be a nuisance when it comes to those who live in apartment buildings where changes aren't permitted. The presence of towel warmers is not recommended in a home with young children, or adults who suffer from nerve debilitating conditions, for example, diabetes. These heaters can reach temperatures of up to 55 degrees Celsius, leading to moderate burns if in contact with skin for more than four seconds. These warmers also take approximately 30-45 minutes to warm up and a further 1 hour to actually warm wet towels through. They do come with on/off switches and timers but the general consensus by consumers is that the product does take a long time to carry out its advertised function. Furthermore, some warmers can damage fabric, and a few cases of overheating have been recorded, despite the presence of regulatory thermostats, which can lead to fires.


Lastly, these towel warmers are definitely a luxury item and don't come cheap. They can range anywhere from 100 to 4000 dollars, a steep price to pay for a warm towel. Despite the obvious advantages, the risks of damage to surroundings and children, in addition to costs incurred in terms of energy consumption and purchase price definitely cannot be ignored. The necessity of a towel warmer in the home can be considered as food for thought.

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