Many homes in New Zealand have welcomed heated towel rails as a staple—turning the humble towel from chilly and damp to warm and toasty, no matter the weather outside. The idea of stepping out of the shower and reaching for a luxuriously-warm towel is pretty appealing, especially during a winter southerly. Still, plenty of people pause before leaving their heated towel rail switched on all night. Let’s look at the facts, the risks, and everyday realities for those thinking about using their towel rail after hours.
How Heated Towel Rails Work
Heated towel rails come in two main varieties: electric and hydronic. Most homes in Aotearoa use electric towel rails. In these, electricity flows through wires inside the rail, gently heating it up, which in turn dries and warms your towels.
Most electric towel rails run on low wattage, typically between 60 and 120 watts—with higher-end or larger models using a little more. To give some context, a standard kettle uses around 2000 to 3000 watts while running, so a towel rail is hardly a power-hungry appliance by comparison.
Hydronic rails are plumbed into a central heating system and use hot water running inside them to warm the towels. These are less common, but worth a mention for anyone renovating or designing a bathroom from scratch.
Is It Safe to Leave Your Towel Rail On?
The main question on many minds is whether leaving a heated towel rail on overnight or even 24/7 is a safety risk. In most cases, the answer is no—modern models from reputable brands are designed with continuous operation in mind, provided they’re installed correctly.
Let’s run through some facts:
● Most heated towel rails are tested to meet strict safety and electrical standards. In New Zealand, you should always see the RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) showing they’re up to code.
● Units generate only a gentle heat; they might get warm to the touch but rarely reach temperatures that could burn skin or ignite household items.
● If a towel rail feels excessively hot or smells of burning, that’s a cause for concern and warrants turning it off and having it checked.
Of course, every appliance has a lifespan and relying on one that’s decades old, poorly installed, or showing signs of wear brings risks. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination if any damage occurs.
Key Safety Tips
If you’re considering leaving your heated towel rail on overnight, keep these guidelines front of mind:
● Stick to reputable brands. Products from well-known bathroom specialists, like Domenic Bathroom, typically surpass local safety requirements.
● Get a professional to install it. DIY wiring is illegal and dangerous; always employ a registered electrician.
● Keep towels draped loosely. Don’t overload the rail or pile towels on top, as this can trap heat.
● Never cover with plastic or anything non-breathable. This can cause overheating.
● Regularly check cords and wiring. Frayed cords or discoloration can be a sign of trouble.
If in doubt, the instruction manual for your specific model will provide maximum safety information and recommendations.
Cost of Overnight Operation
No one likes a nasty surprise on their next power bill so let’s crunch some numbers.
Let’s assume your heated towel rail draws 80 watts (which is average) and you leave it running for 12 hours overnight. Here’s what the numbers look like:
|
Usage Scenario |
Wattage |
Hours On |
kWh per Day |
Cost per kWh |
Daily Cost |
Monthly Cost |
|
Overnight (12 hours) |
80 |
12 |
0.96 |
$0.32 |
$0.31 |
$9.36 |
|
Full day (24 hours) |
80 |
24 |
1.92 |
$0.32 |
$0.61 |
$18.72 |
Figures based on an electricity cost of $0.32 per kWh, which is around the national average for residential customers as of early 2024.
Leaving your towel rail on all night costs roughly 31 cents per day, under $10 per month. Compare that to the cost of running a fan heater or heat pump for even an hour and you’ll see towel rails are pretty economical.
Towel Hygiene and Dryness: Does Overnight Running Help?
A dry towel is more than just a luxury, it’s a matter of hygiene. Moist towels left hanging in a cold bathroom quickly become musty and can develop bacteria or even mould, especially in homes with poor ventilation. Heated towel rails are excellent for keeping towels fresh by drying them out thoroughly.
If you regularly shower in the evening, switching the rail on after use means it’ll be dry by morning. For bigger families or people with multiple daily showers, leaving the rail running overnight ensures towels are ready for everyone.
Some models even have built-in timers or can be wired into a bathroom light switch or a programmable control, so the rail only operates during set periods.
Health Tips
● Dry towels = fewer bacteria and less chance of skin irritations or unpleasant smells.
● Warm, dry towels help avoid mildew and are more inviting in winter.
Timer, Switch or Smart Control?
Convenience is often just as important as safety. Plenty of modern towel rails can be fitted with timers, which are a great way to reduce energy use and ensure the rail isn’t operating when you don’t need it.
Here are three popular ways Kiwis control their heated towel rails:
● Manual Switch: Old-school but reliable. Just turn on after a shower, off before bed.
● Timer: Set and forget. Many digital models allow you to program the rail to heat up an hour before your morning routine and in the evening.
● Smart Plug or Switch: Control from your phone, even while you’re away.
If your morning routine is fairly set, a timer could easily halve your running costs versus leaving the rail on 24/7.
Common Misconceptions
A handful of myths still persist about heated towel rails. Let’s sort fact from fiction.
Myth 1: Heated Towel Rails Are Fire Hazards The risk of fire is extremely low with modern units when installed correctly. They aren't designed to reach very high temperatures or to dry wet laundry.
Myth 2: They Use Tons of Power As the table above shows, running costs are low, especially compared to big-ticket appliances.
Myth 3: Towel Rails Have to Be Turned Off After Use Manufacturers actually design them to run continuously if needed. Still, using a timer is often the best compromise.
Myth 4: Only for Winter Even in summer, heated towel rails keep towels fresh and dry, helping to avoid the “damp dog” smell in humid conditions.
What to Look for in a Heated Towel Rail
With so many options now on the market, it’s worth knowing what features actually matter when choosing a towel rail for overnight operation.
Key Features
● Material: Stainless steel is the gold standard for rust resistance and longevity.
● IP Rating: Look for models rated IP44 or better. This means they’re protected against water splashes, essential in bathrooms.
● Timer Compatibility: Many newer rails allow retrofitting of a timer.
● Child Safety: Models with lower surface temperatures are better for families with young children.
Domenic Bathroom, for instance, focuses on both style and safety, ensuring all products meet strict New Zealand requirements.
Size and Shape
● Narrow for ensuites and apartments, larger for big family bathrooms.
● Ladder style is the most common, but there are also round, square, and designer options if you want something unique.
Installation: Get it Done Right
Even the best towel rail is only as safe as its installation. New Zealand law requires hard-wired electrical towel rails to be installed by a licensed electrician. This is about keeping you and your home safe from electrical faults—don’t take shortcuts.
If renovating, consider planning your towel rail position for maximum convenience, and make sure power connections are safe from splashes and steam.
Should You Leave Your Heated Towel Rail On All Night?
For most New Zealand households, the answer depends on your habits, household size, and personal preference. Provided it’s installed by a professional, ticking all its safety certifications, and not covered by heavy or non-breathable items, modern heated towel rails are made to handle overnight use.
If you’re sleep-deprived from early-morning chills, running it overnight can be a welcome fix. But for those watching every watt, explore timer or smart control options to balance comfort with cost.
Warm towels, fresh air, and a dry bathroom are closer than you think. The technology is designed with convenience and safety front and centre, making it easy to enjoy a hotel-style experience right at home.