TW-R09PS-HP Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Incorporating a towel warmer into your home is a delightful blend of luxury and functionality, transforming daily routines into moments of relaxation and elegance. It not only provides warm towels but also subtly enhances your bathroom's ambiance, making every exit from the shower or bath a comforting experience.These appliances excel in reducing moisture and dampness, thus effectively mitigating the risk of mold and mildew development.Their sustainable design means they operate with energy efficiency, providing warmth without significantly impacting your energy usage, which is a win-win for eco-conscious households.With this intelligent device, towels remain fresh and free from the stale odors often associated with humid environments. In doing so, towel warmers not only act as a luxurious amenity but also significantly contribute to maintaining a healthier and more inviting home environment. By investing in a towel warmer, you're embracing a perfect harmony of style, convenience, and hygiene that enhances the everyday beauty of your life.
Each towel warmer comes with an instruction manual which fully explains how to install the device from start to finish. If you can hang a picture, you can probably install a heated towel rack. However, for hardwired models, you will need a licensed professional who is certified to do electrical wiring for the final hook-up.
The heated towel rack will heat up to between 100 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It will not produce sufficient heat to injure you if you touch or brush up against it, though you should still exercise caution around the device. Please note that once a heated towel rail is warmed up, the surface temperature will remain constant and can't be adjusted incrementally.
The heated towel racks have a built-in offset from the wall (the size of the offset will depend on which model you purchased); the offset provides sufficient clearance to prevent any damage to the wall. You should also maintain a distance of four inches between the towel warmer and surrounding fixtures.
Additionally, nearly all of our electric towel warmer models* come with built-in TempSmart™ overheat protection which will shut the unit down automatically if the unit's surface exceeds the safety limit of between 149°F (65°C) and 167°F (75°C).
*Excludes the Elements model.
Our towel warmers are designed for everyday use and all of them include an integrated on/off switch. Please note that the Ibiza model includes additional built-in timer options for controlling the unit. WarmlyYours also offers a wide array of controls that can be used with your heated towel rack. Depending on the control you select, you can program the heated towel rack to your schedule or operate it remotely. Just bear in mind that the heated towel rack is designed to gradually warm towels over the course of a day and does work best when towels are left to hang for about 3 hours.
The heated towel rack is designed to stay on at a relatively constant temperature to keep your bathrobes and towels fresh, warm, and dry. However, should you need to turn the unit off for any reason, you can use the integrated on/off switch on the unit. If you’re using a control for your heated towel rack, you may need to shut off the unit there as well.
Most of our electric towel warmer models* come with built-in TempSmart™ overheat protection which will shut the unit down automatically if the unit's surface exceeds the safety limit of between 149°F (65°C) and 167°F (75°C).
*Excludes the Elements model.
A WarmlyYours electric towel warmer can't be installed in a tub or shower enclosure. A WarmlyYours electric heated towel rack should be installed at least 24” away from a wet location like a shower, tub, etc. Always install a WarmlyYours electric towel warmer in compliance with all local building and electrical codes.
Weights vary based on design but typically range from 9 to 29 pounds. Even a larger towel warmer will not be a problem when attaching to the wall. As indicated in the instruction manual, you just need to make sure that at least two of the four brackets are attached to a stud.
The cost to operate your model will depend on two different variables: 1.) the wattage of the model you’ve selected. 2.) the cost of electricity in your area.
A quick way to figure out the hourly operating cost is to take the cost of electricity in your area (typically measured in cents per kilowatt hour) and multiple it by the wattage of your towel warmer divided by 1000. For example, the cost to operate an Infinity Towel Warmer (a 150-watt model) in Lake Zurich, IL (where electricity costs 10.44 cents per kilowatt hour) would be less than 2 cents an hour and the formula to figure that out would look like this: $0.1044 x (150/1000) = $0.0156 per hour.
Yes. WarmlyYours towel warmers are to be installed in accordance with the instructions in the manual and CEC, NEC, and local code guidelines relating to electrical fixtures in bathrooms. A towel warmer with a hardwired connection must be on a GFCI-protected circuit and be wired by a professional who is certified to do electrical wiring. Towel warmer models with plug-in connections should be used with a GFCI outlet.
Yes. Any hardwired WarmlyYours electric towel warmer can be paired with the Hardwired WiFi Switch (GK16-30090-0003) to enable full remote control from anywhere.
Using the My Leviton app (free, iOS and Android), you can:
- Turn your towel warmer on or off from your phone over Wi-Fi or mobile data
- Create schedules and automate on/off times
- Monitor switch status in real time
The WiFi switch also integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free voice control — no hub required.
Note: Installation requires a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and a neutral wire at the switch location. The switch replaces a standard single-gang wall switch.
WarmlyYours towel warmers are all 120VAC units. Towel warmers are available in wattages from 35 watts all the way up to 250 watts. A single towel warmer would typically range from 1-2 amps based on the model. Wire size and breaker size need to be selected based on the total amperage of the towel warmer(s). For towel warmers installed in bathrooms, a GFCI breaker is required.
No, floor heating thermostats are not compatible with the towel warmers. We would also not recommend using both devices on the same control, as it does not take the same amount of time to reach the ideal temperature for each product, which could lead to one unit to overheat and the other to not function properly.
Chrome plating is the technique of electroplating a thin layer of chromium onto a metal surface while polished stainless steel is simply steel (with a high chromium content) that has been polished to a high degree. Generally speaking, a model with a chrome finish will be more economical but a model with a polished stainless steel finish will have higher corrosion resistance and will heat more evenly.
The towel warmer is designed as a stand alone product and will add some warmth to the room (particularly if it's a small bathroom). It is, however, the perfect compliment to your floor heating system as they will work together to transform your bathroom into a spa-like retreat.
Yes, a regular (non-dimming) light switch can be used as an external switch to control a towel warmer, in addition to the built-in switch on the towel warmer itself.
However, do not use a dimmer switch — dimmer switches are not compatible with electric towel warmers and can damage the unit or create a safety hazard.
Note: A GFCI breaker powering the switch may be required by local Electrical Code.
WarmlyYours electric towel warmers require no more power than is generated from your standard 120V wall outlet. For hardwired towel warmers, all the wiring is done through the wall. A separate power source is not required; power can be pulled from the nearest available source. For plug-in towel warmers, all that is required for electric hookup is that the unit is plugged into a properly grounded outlet located within 6 feet (1.8m) of the unit.
A good starting point is to follow the recommendation often provided in the installation manual. The location of your electric towel warmer should take building code, safety, functionality, and aesthetics into consideration. If the towel warmer is mounted too low, towels may drag on the floor, causing tripping or mold issues. Mounting it higher reduces risk of burn, especially for children or those who may accidentally bump into it. If you are unsure what height is best for you, consult your WarmlyYours representative at +1 (800) 875-5285.
Heated towel rails (towel warmers) are good for many reasons. First, they provide comfort in the winter; who doesn’t love a nice warm towel? Secondly, they provide an excellent storage solution, as you can hang your towels from them like traditional towel racks (be mindful not to overload the unit with too many towels when it's on). And finally, they are a great sanitation solution, as they keep your towels from getting mildewy.
Yes! Unlike bucket-style warmers designed only for dry towels, heated towel racks with exposed bars are built to handle both wet and dry towels. In fact, drying damp towels is one of the primary benefits of owning a heated towel rack.
Drying wet towels: The gentle warmth (typically 100-140°F on the bars) evaporates moisture, keeping towels fresh and reducing musty odors, mildew, and bacteria. Most towels dry within a few hours depending on thickness and bathroom humidity.
Warming dry towels: Hang dry towels about 15-30 minutes before your shower or bath for a luxuriously warm towel when you step out—like a spa experience at home.
Tips for best results:
- Spread towels across multiple bars rather than bunching them up
- This maximizes surface contact with the heated bars and speeds drying
- Our heated towel racks are UL/cUL listed for safe use in humid bathroom environments
Heated towel racks offer many benefits, though there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Pros:
- Warm, cozy towels – Step out of the shower to spa-like luxury every day
- Towel drying – Keeps towels dry between uses, extending time between washes
- Reduces mildew & bacteria – Dry towels don't develop musty odors
- Energy efficient – Costs only 15-25¢ per day to operate
- Bathroom heating – Adds supplemental warmth to cold bathrooms
- Versatile – Also dries swimsuits, delicates, and winter gear
- Style enhancement – Modern designs in finishes like brushed gold and matte black
- Year-round use – Benefits extend beyond winter
Cons:
- Installation required – Wall-mounted models need mounting; hardwired units need an electrician
- Wall space needed – Requires dedicated bathroom wall space (or floor space for freestanding)
- Not instant – Takes 15-30 minutes to fully warm towels (solution: use a timer)
- Initial cost – Higher upfront investment than a basic towel bar (but long-term savings on laundry)
For most homeowners, the daily comfort and hygiene benefits far outweigh these minor considerations.
Bucket towel warmers and heated towel racks both warm your towels, but they work differently and serve different needs:
Bucket towel warmers:
- Enclosed cabinet that heats towels placed inside
- Best for dry towels only—not designed to dry wet towels
- Sits on a counter or floor, taking up surface space
- Typically holds 1-2 towels at a time
- Higher energy use (around 500 watts)
- Must remove towel to use it
Heated towel racks:
- Open bars that warm towels hung on them
- Dries wet towels between uses AND warms dry towels
- Wall-mounted options save floor space; freestanding available too
- Holds multiple towels simultaneously
- Energy efficient (50-150 watts, about 15¢/day)
- Towels always accessible and on display
- Adds bathroom style in finishes like brushed gold, matte black, and stainless steel
Bottom line: If you want to warm AND dry towels while saving space and energy, a heated towel rack is the better choice. Bucket warmers work for quick warming of dry towels but can't dry them after use.
The ideal location for your towel warmer depends on your bathroom layout and how you plan to use it. Here are the best placement options:
1. Near the shower or tub (recommended)
Install your heated towel rack within arm's reach of your shower or bathtub, but outside the splash zone. This lets you grab a warm towel immediately when stepping out. Electrical codes require towel warmers to be at least 24 inches from the edge of a bathtub or shower.
2. On an interior wall
Mounting on an interior wall (not an exterior wall) can make installation easier and may provide better heat retention. Interior walls often have easier access for electrical wiring.
3. Away from drafts
Avoid placing your towel warmer near windows, doors, or HVAC vents where drafts could reduce its efficiency.
4. At proper height
Wall-mounted towel warmers are typically installed with the bottom bar about 24-36 inches from the floor, allowing easy access while keeping towels off the ground.
Freestanding option: If wall mounting isn't ideal, our freestanding towel warmers offer flexibility—place them anywhere with access to a standard outlet.