Heated towel rails seem harmless at just 150-400W, but many homeowners leave them running 24/7 throughout winter. At UK electricity rates of £0.28/kWh, that 'small' 200W towel rail costs £411 per year if never switched off.
Adjust the settings below to see real-time cost estimates for your Heated Towel Rail
Check your device label or manual for wattage
Default: $0.16/kWh (America average)
⚠️ These are estimates based on continuous usage at the specified wattage. Actual costs may vary based on usage patterns, thermostat cycling, and local electricity rates.
Average running costs for a 200W Heated Towel Rail at $0.16/kWh (US average)
| Usage | Energy (kWh) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Hour | 0.20 | $0.032 |
| 8 Hours/Day | 1.60 | $0.26 |
| Per Month (30 days) | 48.00 | $7.68 |
| Per Year (365 days) | 584.00 | $93.44 |
* Based on 8 hours daily usage. Use the calculator above for your specific usage pattern.
Install a £10 timer plug - running it only 4 hours before your morning shower saves £308/year compared to 24/7 operation
Turn it off completely during summer months - there's no need for warm towels when it's 25°C outside
Choose a 100W model instead of 400W - lower wattage rails still dry towels effectively but cost 75% less to run
No. A 200W rail costs £0.05/hour (UK rates). Running it 24/7 costs £411/year, but using a timer for 4 hours daily only costs £103/year - a £308 annual saving. Modern rails heat up in 30-45 minutes, so constant operation is wasteful.
For a typical 200W model at UK rates (£0.28/kWh): £0.056 per hour, £0.45 per day (8 hours), or £13.44 per month. A 400W model would cost exactly double these amounts.