The one room that many homeowners overlook when winterizing their house is the bathroom, which -- in the winter -- can often feel like the coldest room in the house.
Bare feet on tile in January in Michigan really do wake you up in the morning. There are a number of ways to take the chill from your bathroom, ranging from fixes requiring a contractor, to easy-do-it-yourself ideas. Whatever your budget, here are some of the solutions that may work for you.
Check the Windows
Maybe cool air is leaking from the windows into your bathroom, making it feel so cold. If you
don't have the budget to replace the window, take some steps to seal any leaks. You can do this with a general purpose,
silicone caulk. You can also install weather stripping to seal gaps around the window jambs and frames. Take this one step further and purchase a
window
film. Simply use a hairdryer to shrink the film to your window surface to keep chilly drafts outside. Consider lined curtains or heavy blinds to keep the cool air at bay and to hide any unsightly plastic or weather stripping. This will help keep your bathroom much warmer and even cut down on your heating bills.
Heat Up the Floors
Cold floors? No problem. Purchase some thick, plush rugs and sink your feet into warm comfort. There are hundreds of styles and colors to choose from and rugs are an inexpensive way to make your cold bathroom floor feel warmer. If you have the budget for a more extensive redo, consider installing a heated floor system. Nothing could feel better than stepping onto a warm floor on a cold morning. There are several types of heated floor systems on the market, including radiant, water heating systems, or electrical pad systems that are installed underneath a tile or stone floor. This requires the assistance of an electrical contractor and possibly a plumber, so it is best to meet with them to discuss your options and your budget.
WattBusters doesn't carry these types of floor-heating systems but we find the
idea of consistently warm floors in the winter quite attractive. The results are comfortably warm floors, even on the coldest of days, a benefit many homeowners believe is well worth the expense.
Consider Your Shower Options
One
way to warm up the bathroom is a nice, hot shower. Rising water bills
force us to walk the tightrope of balancing water conservation with
comfort. WattBusters offers many water-saving, massage showerheads between
1.5 and 2.0 GPM. These products create the effect of enveloping the user in
warm water. The increased speed in movement of the water drops results in a perception of higher flow, higher pressure and the sensation of a massaging shower.
Starting the day fresh and relaxed is great and the steam from your shower will help to fill your bathroom, making it feel warm and cozy.
Heat Lamps
With the turn of a dial, you can have a powerful, heated room experience. New heat lamp technology has enabled a number of manufacturers to incorporate infra-red heating technology into modern light bulbs, replacing the oversized versions of the past. These new heat lamps have a long life, provide instantaneous heating, are splash proof and are guaranteed to heat up your room -- and you -- when you step from the tub or shower. Speak with an electrician before installing a heat lamp to ensure safe installation.
Wrap Yourself in Warmth
Consider purchasing new, plush towels to wrap yourself in warmth and comfort when you are finished bathing. And why not heat those towels too, before you use them? Heated towel bars are a wonderful addition to any bath. Once reserved for the rich and famous, they are much more affordable now. They are not only useful, but they can add some design flair as well. They come in a host of finishes and can be wall mounted, floor mounted, hard wired or plugged in. Once you have one you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. (Author's note: Hanging your towel on the bar closest to the heat vent works pretty well in a pinch.)
Regardless of your budget, we hope you can incorporate some of these suggestions, take the chill from your bathroom and warm up this winter.
