Combining bathroom lights, exhausts and heat lamps

Comfort is king in bathrooms these days. Spa baths, heated towel rails and mood lighting are just some of the luxuries people seek to have. But it's important to get the basics right first. These include good ventilation, lighting and, in cold climates, heating as well. Combined fan, heat lamps and lights help reduce clutter and are a handy option in older homes, where solid brick walls might make the installation of other fittings problematic. However, consumers should understand how they work to get the best out of them, says Clipsal product manager Chris Lahey.

Most units are installed centrally in the room, so they can adequately perform each of their functions. On top of that, the units generally have separate switches for the exhaust fan, heat lamps and light, so each can operate independently of the other or in tandem.

Energy Efficiency

The light is generally a 100 watt halogen light in a fixed position, but it can be replaced with a compact fluorescent bulb for greater energy efficiency, says Roger Kluske, of Sustainability Victoria. The light is usually flanked by two or four 275 watt heat lamps, which generate a large amount of light as well as radiant heat, says Chris. "To give you some idea, floodlights in the backyard use 275 watt lamps," he says. "So you don't want them on for any longer than you need to." He says the intense light generated can be handy for tasks such as putting on make-up, but recommends home owners install specific task lighting around the mirror rather than relying on the heat lamps.

The good news is, the heat lamps are reasonably energy friendly because they're needed only in short bursts, says Roger. "If you run them as they're meant to be run, they're probably only on for 10 minutes tops," he says. "So in that sense, they're not that bad." The heat lamps generate radiant heat, which warms people and objects within range, rather than air, so it's pointless using them to try and preheat the room. Instead, you'll feel immediately warm standing within the range of the lamp – and cold outside of it. However, the warmth won't get sucked out by the exhaust fan, making the two systems very compatible. On the fan front, he recommends one that draws at least 300 cubic metres of air an hour. Lastly, consumers should seek advice from their electrician about the type of product they need, and ensure their purchase has a good warranty – five years is typical. Chris also notes combined fan/heater/lights aren't do-it-yourself jobs and must be installed by an electrician.