Getting straight to the point, it costs approximately £0.04 to run a towel rail for one hour. This depends on how much you pay for your energy and the wattage of your towel rail however, so this is just an estimate.
To get a more accurate cost of how much it costs to run your towel rail for different lengths of time, you can use our simple calculator below.
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Energy usage calculator for your towel rail
To find how much electricity your towel rail uses, you will need to know its power consumption and the unit price you pay for your electricity.
We have prefilled the power consumption with the average for a towel rail and have used the current unit price based on the July 2024 price cap. This will give you a quick idea of the cost, but you should use your details for more accurate figures.
You then need to enter your hourly usage time daily, and we’ll show you the cost per day, month, and year to run your towel rail.
How to use our calculator?
Here are some quick steps on how to use our calculator:
Identify the power usage of your towel rail
First, find out your towel rail’s power usage. The appliance label or user manual usually indicates this in watts (W). If you can’t find it, you can look up the average wattage for a towel rail, which is 150.
Work out how often you use your towel rail
Next, estimate how often you use thetowel rail. Record the number of hours per day or the total time per week you use it. This will help determine the overall energy consumption.
How much your electricity costs
Check your electricity bill or contact your energy provider for the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for your electricity. You’ll use this rate to calculate the cost of running your towel rail.
We’ll tell you how much it costs to run your appliance
Enter the power usage, usage duration, and electricity cost into the calculator. The calculator will process this information and provide you with an estimate of how much it costs to run your towel rail. You can see these costs per day, per month and per year.
How to calculate the energy cost of your towel rail manually
To manually work out the cost of your towel rail (or any appliance), you need to do the following:
- Convert the power rating to kilowatts (kW): Power(kW) = Wattage(W) / 1000
- Calculate the energy consumed (in kWh): Energy(kWh) = Power(kW) × Time(hours)
- Calculate the cost: Cost(£)= Energy(kWh) × CostperkWh(£/kWh)
You first need to divide the wattage of the appliance by 1,000. This converts the wattage to Kilowatts.
Next, calculate the energy consumed in Kilowatt hours (kWh) by multiplying the Kilowatts by the number of hours of usage.
Finally, multiply the kWh by the unit price of electricity.
An example for a towel rail would be: 0.15 kW x 5 hours x 0.24p = £0.18.
This would be the cost to run the towel rail for five hours when the unit price of electricity is 24p.
How many watts does a towel rail use?
Based on data from sources like Energy Saving Trust and National Energy Action, we’ve found that the wattage for the average towel rail is: 150 watts.
Factors that impact the running costs of a towel rail
The energy running costs of using a towel rail can be influenced by several factors.
The size of the towel rail plays a significant role. Larger towel rails require more energy to heat up.
The type of towel rail also matters. Electric towel rails tend to use more energy compared to those connected to a central heating system.
The frequency of use impacts costs as well. Running the towel rail continuously will lead to higher energy bills.
The insulation of your home can affect how much energy is needed. Poor insulation means the towel rail has to work harder to maintain warmth.
Lastly, the energy efficiency rating of the towel rail is important. Higher-rated models use less energy, reducing running costs.
How to save money on running your towel rail
You can save money on energy usage when running a towel rail by installing a timer. This allows you to set specific times for the towel rail to be on, ensuring it only operates when needed, such as just before you wake up or return home.
Another effective way to reduce energy costs is by using a thermostat. A thermostat can help maintain a consistent temperature, preventing the towel rail from overheating and using more energy than necessary.
Additionally, consider insulating your bathroom. Proper insulation helps retain heat, meaning your towel rail won’t have to work as hard to keep your towels warm.
Lastly, opt for an energy-efficient towel rail. Modern models are designed to use less electricity while still providing the same level of warmth, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Average runnings costs by different time periods
| Time | Usage (kWh) | Cost (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Per Day (4 hours per day) | 0.6 | £0.14 |
| Per Month (30 days per month) | 18 | £4 |
| Per Year (365 days per year) | 219 | £53 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we have answered a few questions related to towel rail energy usage.
Does a towel rail use a lot of electricity?
A towel rail does use electricity, but it is not usually a lot.
The amount of electricity it uses depends on its size and how long it is on.
In general, a towel rail is more energy-efficient than other heating options.
However, if left on all the time, it can add to the electricity bill.
Are towel rails energy efficient?
To know if a towel rail is energy efficient, you need to consider its power consumption and usage time.
If the towel rail uses a lot of electricity and is on for long periods, it may not be energy efficient.
However, if it has a timer or thermostat to control its operation, it can be more efficient.
Energy-efficient models often have features that reduce power usage, making them a better choice for saving energy.
How much energy does the average towel rail use?
Again, based on available data from sources like Energy Saving Trust and National Energy Action, we’ve found that the average towel rail uses approximately 0.15 kWh energy when switched on for one hour.
How much does it cost to run a towel rail for 1 hour?
Based on the average wattage of a towel rail being 150, we can work out that the average towel rail costs £0.04 to run for one hour.
We have used the current electric unit price 24p from the July 2024 to work this out.
How much does it cost to run a towel rail per day?
Using the current average electric unit price of 24p from the July 2024 price cap and the average wattage of a towel rail’s being 150, we can work out that the average towel rail costs £0.14 to run for one day.
We’ve assumed it will be used for 4 hours per day.
How much does it cost to run a towel rail per year?
The average wattage of a towel rail is 150 and the current average unit price of electricity based on the July 2024 is 24p. Using this, we can work out that the average towel rail costs £53 to run per year.
We’ve assumed it will be used for 365 days per year.
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