Why you should ditch those old bathroom heat lamps for IP65 Infrared
Ever stepped out of a hot shower into a bathroom that feels like a walk-in freezer? It’s the worst. Most of us grew up with those old-school “light-style” heaters, but the problem is they just aren’t built for the steam. Water gets in, things short out, and suddenly your heater is just an expensive lightbulb. That’s why everyone is moving toward IP65-rated infrared heaters. It’s not about following a trend; it’s just common sense when you’re mixing water and electricity in a tiny room. What’s the deal with “IP65”? Basically, it means the unit is sealed tight. Dust can’t get in, and water jets can’t get in either. In a steamy bathroom, condensation loves to settle on electrical terminals, which is exactly how cheap lamps burn out. An IP65 rating keeps the heating element bone-dry. It just works. The magic of Infrared Here is the big difference: traditional heaters try to warm up the air. But air moves. The second you open the door or a draft hits, all that warmth vanishes. Infrared is different. It doesn’t care about the air; it sends out waves that heat you and the surfaces around you directly. You feel that cozy warmth the second you flip the switch. No waiting around for the room to warm up while you’re shivering in a towel. A few things to watch out for It’s not all magic, though. There are a couple of catches. Infrared creates some pretty intense, localized heat. If you mount the unit too low—or too close to a plastic shelf or a mirror frame—you might actually warp the materials. You’ve got to get the height right based on the wattage so you don’t accidentally melt something. The reality of installing them If you’re planning a renovation, keep this in mind: you can’t just swap a bulb and call it a day. These units are sealed and bulkier than a standard lamp, so they need their own dedicated circuit. You’ll need to plan for the electrical load and make sure you have enough physical space during the rough-in phase. It’s a bit more work upfront, but it beats replacing a fried heater every two years.