Best Heat Lamps & Bulbs for Your Bathroom To Keep You Warm & Comfortable

Are you tired of that blast of cold air as you step out of the shower? Installing a heat lamp in your bathroom will help keep you warm all year round. Heat lamps are less expensive and require much less work than other bathroom heating methods, like in-floor radiant heat installation and wall heaters.

Below are a few of our top choices when it comes to the best bathroom heat lamps.

What is a heat lamp?

Unlike regular light bulbs, heat lamps use infrared bulbs to convert energy into heat instead of light. The heat is then pushed down into the room by reflectors and fans.

“Unlike central heating systems that take time to warm up the entire house, heat lamps target a specific area with direct heat, offering immediate comfort after a shower or bath,” says Josh Mitchell, HVAC technician and plumbing expert. “They also help dry out the moisture in the air and on surfaces, reducing the likelihood of mold and mildew growth.”

Heat lamps can’t replace standard in-room heating, though. Instead, they create smaller “heat zones” and pockets of warmth. Heat lamps are typically mounted on the ceiling above bathroom vanities. But beware: Manufacturers say never to mount a heat lamp above a shower or bath since direct contact with moisture can directly cause it to malfunction. Below, you’ll find some of our favorite options on the market.

Still looking for ways to keep your bathroom warm? Learn more about small bathroom heaters, radiant heat installation and bathroom fireplaces.

The Best Bathroom Heat Lamps

The NuTone Ceiling Heater on Amazon is discreet and efficient if you’re looking for an affordable, one-bulb heat lamp. It comes with a convenient ceiling mounting system and will look cohesive with your bathroom ceiling once installed. Plus, it’s a heater and fan combo that will provide instant warmth without having to turn up the thermostat.

Its rust-proof steel housing reduces vibrations, so it operates quietly. It requires one 250 BR40-size infrared bulb, which is sold separately.

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Best One-Bulb Heat Lamp

NuTone Ceiling Heater

$64 at Amazon

The Aero Pure Bath Fan is a two-bulb heater and fan combo that delivers instant heat when you step out of the bath or shower while also clearing up excess moisture. All Aero Pure Heater Fans are installation-friendly, and this model in particular comes with mounting equipment, rustproof steel housing, a back-draft damper (which prevents outdoor air from entering the fan), a multi-function switch and easy-maintenance grilles. Plus, you don’t have to buy bulbs separately since this option comes with two infrared heat lamps and one incandescent bulb.

Additionally, this heat lamp comes with a full 4-year warranty, and the fan, light and heater can be wired separately for convenient installation. However, it should not be installed directly over a shower or tub, and a licensed electrician should install it.

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Best Two-Bulb Heat Lamp

Aero Pure Bath Fan with Heat and Light

Shop at Home Depot

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Best Heat Lamp and Exhaust Fan Combo

Aero Pure Quiet Fan with Heat and Light

Shop at Home Depot

What to Look For in A Heat Lamp

Most modern heat lamps either take one bulb or two. Two-bulb lamps provide more heat coverage, while one-bulb lamps are better for smaller bathrooms with less space to heat.

Heat lamps can be standalone devices or combined with exhaust fans to provide a more complete package. They don’t have to be an eyesore, either. Modern heat lamps are designed to be low-profile. They can even be painted to better fit your bathroom’s overall design.

Heat lamps are special light fixtures that provide an additional source of warmth. They’re often found in bathrooms and showers, the coldest spots in the house, especially during winter. A heat lamp can warm up an area quickly, and they’re budget-friendly for short periods of use. They can also help prevent condensation and reduce moisture levels.

“If you reside in a colder region or dislike the chill after a hot shower, a heat lamp can significantly enhance your comfort,” says Mitchell. “However, if you live in a warm climate, the need for a heat lamp may not be as pressing, and other ventilation solutions like ceiling or wall-mounted exhaust fans, window fans, or even a dehumidifier might be more appropriate.”

Is it OK to leave a heat lamp on overnight?

Leaving a heat lamp on overnight is not a good idea because it can pose safety risks like overheating and fire hazards. Even if some heat lamps are designed for longer use, following the manufacturer’s guidelines is important. It’s smart to turn off heat lamps when you don’t need them; otherwise, they can’t be monitored to avoid potential problems and stay safe.

How many hours does a heat lamp last?

The lifespan of a heat lamp can vary depending on factors such as the type of bulb, the manufacturer and how frequently it is used. In general, heat lamp bulbs typically last around 5,000 to 6,000 hours.

Can you put a heat lamp bulb in a regular bulb?

No, using a heat lamp bulb in a fixture designed for regular bulbs is unsafe. Heat lamp bulbs emit higher levels of heat than standard bulbs, and using them in the wrong fixture can lead to overheating, fire hazards and possible damage.

Can you install a heat lamp if you’re on a tight budget?

There are affordable heat lamps available on the market; you just have to know what to look for. “Basic infrared bulbs are usually the cheapest option and can be installed in an existing light fixture, provided it’s safe and rated for the wattage of the heat bulb,” says Josh. “Some cost-effective models come with a combination of heat lamps and exhaust fans, offering both warmth and proper ventilation. Brands like Broan-NuTone and Panasonic offer budget-friendly options that are well-reviewed for their efficiency and ease of installation.”