Thermogroup Timers and Thermostats

A heated towel rail is a wall-mounted rail that uses either electric elements or a hydronic (hot water) connection to warm the rail surface, drying and warming towels placed on it. Electric heated towel rails are the most common in Australian bathrooms, they are connected to a standard power point or hardwired, and can be controlled with a switch or timer. They add comfort and help keep towels fresh between uses.

Most electric heated towel rails use between 60W and 150W, which is comparable to a standard light bulb. Run for 2–3 hours per day, a 100W rail costs around $0.08–$0.12 per day at average Australian electricity rates. Using a timer to run the rail only when needed significantly reduces running costs. Look for energy-efficient models with a low wattage rating.

Surface-mounted heated towel rails that plug into a standard GPO (power point) can be installed without an electrician. However, hardwired heated towel rails (which connect directly to the mains without a visible plug) must be installed by a licensed electrician under Australian law. Always check the installation requirements of your chosen model before purchasing.

Heated towel rail sizes are measured by total width, typically 450mm to 900mm for a single rail, and up to 1200mm for wider ladder-style units. A 600mm rail suits a single bathroom with one or two towels; a 900mm ladder rail is ideal for a family bathroom. Vertical ladder-style rails offer more drying capacity within a narrower wall footprint.

A standard towel rail is an unheated, wall-mounted rail for hanging and airing towels. A heated towel rail incorporates an electric or hydronic heating element that warms the rail surface. Standard towel rails are more affordable and simpler to install, while heated towel rails add warmth and faster drying. Both are available in a wide range of finishes and sizes to match bathroom accessories.

Underfloor heating (also called in-floor or radiant floor heating) consists of electric heating elements or hydronic pipes installed beneath the floor tiles, warming the floor surface from below. In Australian bathrooms, electric mat underfloor heating is the most common type. It is particularly popular in cooler climates (Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, mountain regions) and in bathrooms with stone or porcelain tiles, which retain cold without heating.

Electric mat underfloor heating is the most practical choice for Australian bathrooms. A heating mat (consisting of resistance cable pre-spaced on a fibreglass mesh) is embedded in the tile adhesive bed before tiles are laid. It is controlled by a thermostat with programmable timer. Hydronic (water-based) underfloor heating is also available but requires connection to a boiler system and is more cost-effective for whole-home installations rather than a single bathroom.

Electric underfloor heating works well under ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles, materials with good thermal conductivity. It is generally not recommended under thick natural timber flooring or carpet. Always check the compatibility of your chosen floor covering with the underfloor heating system before purchasing.