Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a heated towel rail?
Once considered a luxury, our heated towel rails are now widely used for a consistent supply of warm, dry towels in areas with cold, rainy or humid climates. Heated towel rails also contribute to a hygienic environment by keeping your towels damp free, preventing a breeding ground for germs and mould. Electricity and water savings are further benefits of a heated towel rail due to the reduced need for towel washing and tumble drying.
Should I opt for electric or hydronic heated towel rails?
Due to significantly reduced running costs, it makes sense to opt for a hydronic unit if you are making use of a solar powered hot water system or water based underfloor heating system. Even without solar power, it may be a good option to use the water from your electric geyser to operate the hydronic heated towel rails. Should it not be possible to lay pipe work from the hot water source to the heated towel rails, an electric heated towel rail is the best option.
Can I retrofit a heated towel rail into an existing bathroom?
Yes, our electric heated towel rails are supplied with a 1.5 meter flexible power cord. Should an existing power point not be available in the bathroom, the power cord can be fed through the bathroom wall into the next room from where a suitable electrical connection can be found. Failing which, consider our portable ‘plug-in and play’ models in the Tangent Range.
Are heated towel rails safe?
Yes, heated towel rails are completely safe for use in the bathroom. Due to our extensive export programme, our products have been tested and accredited to a host of National and International safety standards including; SABS, IEC 60335-1, IEC 60335-2-43, EN 442, CE, UL & CUL, SGS CEBEC, AS/NZS 3350.2.43 and NF. Heated towel rails are heating devices and should thus be treated as such and used responsibly.
What is AHT?
Automatic Heating Technology (AHT) is an intelligent, convenient and energy efficient method of heating towel rails. Unique to Jeeves, AHT is the only heating technology featuring a thermostat; a device that automatically responds to temperature changes and activates internal switches controlling the heated towel rail. The benefit is two-fold, optimum operating temperatures and the lowest electricity consumption are achieved without any input from the homeowner. You can therefore experience the sheer luxury of a heated towel rail without having to constantly concern yourself with manual temperature controls or complex digital timers.
Can I leave my towel rail on all the time?
Our heated towel rails are designed and safe to remain switched on, day and night. The reality is that turning heated towel rails on and off before and after showering is not an effective solution as towels can take several hours to warm and dry either side of your shower. It also means that your family members are never left with a damp towel when they have forgotten to switch the towel rail on, or have taken a shower out of their normal routine (weekends, afternoon sport etc).
Running costs?
Although on permanently, our AHT heated towel rails use electricity only when required. Running costs therefore range from only R8 (Classic H 460mm x 400mm) to R50 (Classic D 1340mm x 620mm) per month when left on 24hrs/day/month (calculated at the 2012/2013 average Eskom electricity price of 60.66c/kWh). This is much cheaper than using a 3000 watt tumble dryer!
How are heat levels controlled by AHT?
Automatically. The self-regulating thermostat automatically achieves and controls the optimum operating temperature of the heated towel rail (45°-60°C), while a security fuse acts as an additional safeguard against overheating. Further, internal fluid circulation is a distinct advantage of the Jeeves range - heat is redistributed along the entire towel rail to ensure that no dangerous ultra hot spots develop beneath towels.
Do Jeeves offer a switch on the heated towel rail?
No, the convenient and energy efficient AHT system negates the need for an external control switch. Our products enjoy improved reliability due to the absence of problematic switches – one will rarely find a heated towel rail where the actual switch is guaranteed for more than 1 year. No switches means that there is no possibility of children, guests or cleaners altering optimum operating temperatures, or mistakenly switching the rail on or off.
How can I switch the rail on and off?
Jeeves rails are easily switched on and off using a regular switch located outside the bathroom (as with a bathroom light).
Where can I install my heated towel rail?
With an IPX5 rating, the Jeeves range can be installed in zones 1, 2 and 3 in a bathroom which includes the areas above the bath and next to the shower. With the options of freestanding, wall, floor and glass mounting, all models come standard with concealed wiring on either the left- or right-hand side, but can easily be adapted to allow for visible wiring if required. Due to the thermal circulation principle, rails must be mounted with the wiring at the bottom.
Can I install the heated towel rail myself?
Yes, you can install the heated towel rail yourself but the law requires that a qualified electrician connects the electric heated towel rail to the mains.
What is the best way to dry the towel?
An effective way to warm and dry towels after bathing or showering is to fold the towel in half, and in half again. There is no need to weave the towels through the horizontal bars, draping the folded towel will suffice. Once folded twice, the heated towel rail width options of 400/520/620mm offer sufficient space for bath sheets.
Will a heated towel rail heat my bathroom?
Whilst it cannot be considered a primary source of heat, our larger fluid filled heated towel rails will certainly take the edge off the cold air.
Non-heated towel rails?
All Jeeves heated towel rails are available as non-heated towel rails.
Custom made, by Jeeves?
We are open to manufacturing bespoke designs or tailoring our current range to suit your needs, such as lengthened top wall mounts for when installation overlaps a partly plastered and partly tiled wall.
Jeeves Guarantee?
Manufactured from Grade 304 stainless steel, our products sold within South Africa are supplied with a market leading 25 Year Guarantee on the frame while the electrical heating elements and hydronic valves are covered for a period of five years.
Manufactured locally or imported?
We are proud to offer you a heated towel rail manufactured in South Africa. Controlling the manufacturing process from start to finish under one roof ensures consistency in quality, supply and price. South African made allows us to provide an after sales service that is second to none.
Where can I buy Jeeves?
Our products are supplied through a selected network of leading bathroom retailers. Please contact us for an approved Jeeves dealer in your area on +27 21 701 9113 or email info@jeeves.co.za |