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Heated towel rails are a luxurious addition to any bathroom, but one of the most common questions we hear at The Bathroom Showroom is: Do heated towel rails require thermostats to function effectively? With cooler weather setting in, understanding your options for central heating, electric, and dual-fuel models is key to maximising comfort, safety, and energy efficiency.
Here, we take a quick look at the use of thermostats with heated towel rails while answering a few of the most commonly asked questions about these fantastic bathroom additions.

Towel Rail Thermostat Comparison

Here's a brief overview comparing the three main types of heated towel rails and their typical thermostat requirements and options.

Central Heating Rail

  • Heat Source: Boiler Hot Water
  • Thermostat Requirement / Control: Controlled by the main home thermostat or a TRV (Thermostatic Radiator Valve).
  • Common Thermostat Options:
- Standard TRV: Controls the temperature of the rail.
- On/Off Valve: No temperature control, just on/off.
  • Best For... Continuous use (when central heating is on) and low running costs.

Electric Rail

  • Heat Source: Internal Electric Element
  • Thermostat Requirement / Control: Requires its own dedicated thermostat (often built into the element or an external controller).
  • Common Thermostat Options:
- Built-in Digital Thermostat: Precise temperature control and timer.
- External Wall Controller: Remote control and programming.
  • Best For... Year-round use independent of central heating, and precise control.

Dual-Fuel Rail

  • Heat Source: Both Hot Water & Electric
  • Thermostat Requirement / Control:
- When running on CH: Controlled by the main home thermostat/TRV.
- When running on Electric: Controlled by the electric element's thermostat/controller.
  • Common Thermostat Options: Combines the options: TRV for CH mode, and a Built-in/External Thermostat for electric mode.
  • Best For... Flexibility—Central Heating (CH) for winter/long periods, Electric for summer/short boosts.

What Type of Towel Rail Do You Have?

Heated towel rails do not always require a thermostat, but having one offers significant benefits in terms of temperature control, energy efficiency, and safety. The need for a thermostat depends on the type of towel rail you have.

Central Heating Towel Rails

If your towel rail is connected to your central heating system, it will likely be controlled by either a manual or a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV).
  • Manual valves simply turn the rail on and off, but they don't allow you to regulate the temperature.
  • Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) are highly recommended. They allow you to set a desired temperature for the bathroom, and the valve automatically adjusts the flow of hot water to maintain that temperature. This prevents the room from becoming too hot and saves energy.

Electric Heated Towel Rails

Electric towel rails are powered independently of the central heating system. They can come with a variety of controls:
  • Non-thermostatic (or single-heat) elements heat the rail to a single, fixed temperature. These are often a more affordable, no-fuss option, but they offer no control over the heat output.
  • Thermostatic elements have a built-in thermostat that allows you to adjust the rail's temperature to your preference. This is more energy-efficient because the element will only use the power needed to maintain the set temperature. Many modern models also come with advanced features like timers, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth control, which further enhances efficiency and convenience.

Dual-Fuel Towel Rails

A dual-fuel towel rail can be used with both the central heating system and an electric heating element. This provides flexibility, as you can use the electric element to dry towels or take the chill off the room during warmer months without needing to turn on the entire central heating system.
Dual-fuel towel rails often have a thermostatic element for the electric side, giving you precise temperature control.

Your Top Questions About Heated Towel Rail Thermostats Answered

Do All Heated Towel Rails Come with a Thermostat?

No. While many modern electric towel rails have a built-in thermostat, central heating models often do not. For central heating towel rails, you would typically need to install a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) to control the temperature.

What’s the Difference Between a Thermostatic and a Non-Thermostatic Heated Towel Rail?

  • Thermostatic models have a thermostat that allows you to adjust the temperature. They are more energy-efficient because they will only use the power needed to maintain the set temperature.
  • Non-thermostatic (or single-heat) models heat up to a fixed, pre-set temperature whenever they are switched on. They are generally more affordable but offer no temperature control and may be less energy-efficient.

Can I Install a Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV) on a Central Heating Towel Rail?

 Yes, you can install a thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) on a central heating towel rail, and it will function similarly to how it would on a regular radiator. However, some heating engineers advise against installing a TRV on a towel rail in a bathroom, as the humid conditions can impact its effectiveness. It's also often recommended to have at least one radiator in the home without a TRV to ensure a constant flow of water through the system, which is important for the health of the boiler.

Are Heated Towel Rails with Thermostats Safer?

Yes. A thermostat is an important safety feature. It prevents the towel rail from overheating and can help reduce the risk of burns, especially in households with children or pets. Many modern towel rails also come with an Ingress Protection (IP) rating, which indicates their resistance to moisture and dust, making them safe for bathroom use.

Are Electric Towel Rails with a Thermostat More Energy Efficient?

No, in fact, they can be more energy-efficient. While an electric towel rail with a thermostat may cost more upfront, the ability to set and control the temperature means it won't run at full power constantly, which can lead to long-term energy savings. Models with advanced features like timers and "open window sensors" can further improve efficiency by turning off the rail when not in use or when a sudden temperature drop is detected.

Can a Heated Towel Rail with a Thermostat Heat an Entire Bathroom?

This depends on the size and wattage of the towel rail. While a primary function is to warm towels, a well-sized towel rail with a high enough British Thermal Unit (BTU) or wattage output can be an effective heat source for a small to medium-sized bathroom. For larger bathrooms, a towel rail may be best used as a secondary heat source, complementing the main heating system. 

What Is a Dual-Fuel Towel Rail, and Does It Need a Thermostat?

A dual-fuel towel rail can be run from both your central heating system and an independent electric element. This allows you to use the electric function to dry towels during the summer without turning on your entire central heating system. The electric element typically has its own thermostatic control, providing precise temperature adjustment and energy savings.

Shop Heated Towel Rails and Elements & Transformers at The Bathroom Showroom

Here at The Bathroom Showroom, we’re the proud stockists of several types, styles, and designs of heated towel rails. Our exclusive iflo Heating brochure is jam-packed with a spectacular selection of towel rails to help you keep both your towels and your bathroom warm.
From traditional to designer, electric to vertical, we have a bathroom heated towel rail to suit every space. Best of all, with some fantastic prices, we can help you inject style and warmth into your room while staying on budget. 

Consider Thermostats For Heated Towel Rails This Winter

While a thermostat isn't a strict requirement for all heated towel rails, it is highly beneficial.
  • For central heating rails: A thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) is the best way to control the temperature and improve energy efficiency.
  • For electric rails: A thermostatic heating element provides the ability to adjust the temperature, which is more efficient and offers better control than a basic on/off switch.
Therefore, choosing a towel rail with thermostatic control gives you greater comfort and can help reduce your energy consumption and costs in the long run.
For more information on heating your bathroom, book an appointment with The Bathroom Showroom. Experts in all things bathrooms, we can help turn your dream bathroom into a reality.