When the days grow shorter, the air turns cold and New Year’s resolutions send gym memberships skyrocketing, you know that winter is back. While that means we can look forward to the joy of the holidays and maybe even a small snowfall or two as we begin the colder months, dealing with the frigid temperatures day in and day out can have you counting the days until spring. When going outside feels like an Arctic expedition and the winter chill seeps into your home reminding you that the weather outside is indeed frightful, finding ways to stay warm and toasty becomes a priority. This is exactly why electric bidet toilet seats are so popular during the winter.

You might be wondering, “Aren’t bidet seats for washing?” Yes, that’s true. The benefits of cleaning with water as a healthier and more hygienic option than toilet paper is the primary reason people initially upgrade their bathroom with a modern bidet seat. But what many people don’t know is that today’s seats are loaded with additional features that are perfect for winter. If you dread using the bathroom on a winter morning because of the cold toilet seat, one of our electric seats will remedy that problem with its heated seat feature. You can adjust the temperature setting so it is comfortably warm in the winter, and can be turned to low or off during the summer. With such a hugely popular feature during the winter, a bidet just might make your toilet the best seat in the house!

Of course, as mentioned previously the primary function of an electric bidet, or washlet as they are also called, is to wash you with water after using the bathroom. But just like nobody wants to take a cold shower in the middle of winter, you also wouldn’t want to wash your bottom with cold water either. That’s no problem with one of our popular electric models as you can take advantage of the heated water feature. Water temperature can be adjusted, so whether you like it a little warm or a lot warm, you can choose the temperature setting that’s right for you. There are different types of water heating systems, but most people prefer the hybrid or tankless water heating systems that offer continuous warm water, so you don’t have to worry about running out of warm water.

In addition to the heated water and heated seat, many models also include a warm air dryer. The dryer uses a fan to blow air to dry you off after washing, and just like the seat and water, you can adjust the temperature of the air so you can enjoy a warm breeze to keep you toasty after washing. The air dryer helps keep you dry without the abrasiveness of wiping with toilet paper, though some people do use a bit of toilet paper to dab residual moisture to speed up the drying process. But with all of the warm temperature features, you might just want to spend some extra time in your bathroom which can feel like a tropical spa-like hideaway when you install a bidet!

Warm seat, warm water, warm air… it all adds up to a warm and happy you! That’s probably why so many people add these seats to their toilets during the winter. The Do-It-Yourself installation is a simple upgrade most people do themselves in about 30 minutes. You can browse our many seats on our bidet toilet seat comparison chart and find the perfect seat to warm up your bathroom and melt the winter blues away!

If you’re reading this, you are likely among the growing number of people who have heard about the health and hygiene benefits offered by a bidet toilet seat. Modern bidets are packed with features which provide a healthier and more comfortable experience when using the bathroom. Washing with water is common sense in other aspects of our lives, so it makes sense we should absolutely be washing ourselves with water after going to the bathroom. So it is easy to see why more Americans are adding bidet toilet seats to their homes. While deciding to add a bidet to your bathroom is an easy choice to make, deciding which specific model is right for you means knowing what to look for, so here are some basic guidelines on what to look for when you are choosing a bidet.

The first thing to know is that modern bidet toilet seats are not separate plumbing fixtures like the old fashioned version, but rather are designed to install directly on your existing toilet. They offer greater economy of space for your bathroom as well as easier use since you do not move from the toilet to the bidet. They are also much easier to install – the do-it-yourself installation means most people can install it on their own within about 30 minutes. Most modern bidet seats are also electric, so you will need to plug it into a standard outlet. There are some non-electric attachments as well however they are much more limited in their functionality compared to the electric models. Next we’ll explain some of the wash functions of the electric models.

Any good electric bidet will have some basic wash features such as adjustable water pressure, adjustable water temperature and adjustable nozzle position. Everybody is built a little differently, so being able to make these adjustments to best suit your needs is essential. Being able to wash with warm water is a huge plus for most people, so it’s important to note the water heating system of the different units. Some models use a reservoir tank water heating system which holds a reserve of heated water which provides about 45 seconds of warm water per wash. Other units use a tankless water heating system which uses an instant heating coil that heats the water continuously. The benefit of reservoir tank heating is that these units tend to be more affordable. But the benefit with the tankless design is that you can wash for as long as you want without running out of warm water.

There are some additional wash functions to be aware of, such as oscillating wash. This feature moves the wash nozzle during the cleaning cycle to provide a larger coverage area and a more thorough cleaning. Another wash feature available on some seats is a massage wash, which pulses the water stream like a strobe light for a massaging effect. A few units like the BB 2000 include an enema wash (or turbo wash) which can help induce movements for users who have difficulty going to the bathroom. All of the various wash features can add up to create a better cleaning experience.

Besides the wash functions, there are also a variety of non-wash functions available. A heated seat with adjustable temperature is very popular, especially during the winter months. Some models have warm air dryers which dry residual moisture after washing and can help eliminate toilet paper consumption, although some people will use a small amount of toilet paper to speed up the drying process. Air deodorizers can help remove unpleasant odors from the bowl area, while night lights can make it easier to see at night without needing to turn on bright bathroom lights. Most units have slow closing seat and lid so they won’t slam closed, and a couple have an automatic opening and closing lid. Another important feature to note is whether the unit is operated by remote control or an attached control panel. Most people find the remote controls a lot easier to use compared with the attached panels. The remote control includes a wall mounting kit so you can place it wherever is most convenient. Like with other home appliances, there is also the warranty to consider. Most warranties are between one to three years with either full or partial coverage, although a couple of brands do offer extended warranty options.

As more and more people trend toward installing bidet seats as a regular part of their bathroom, it’s important to have a resource to know the differences and similarities of all the various brands and models available. If you are planning on upgrading your bathroom with a bidet, we hope our website offers a great resource for you to familiarize yourself with your options, and you can always give us a call or send us an e-mail and get advice from the bidet seat pros here at bidetsPLUS!