How much electricity does a sauna use? Whether it’s a traditional or an infrared sauna, the energy consumption hinges on size, heater efficiency, and usage habits. Typically, you’ll see figures between 9 to 13 kilowatt-hours per session, influencing both your utility bill and environmental footprint. In this guide, you’ll encounter detailed analysis and strategies to effectively manage your sauna’s electricity use.
A one-hour sauna session typically uses 9 to 13 kilowatt-hours; however, energy consumption varies based on sauna type, size, insulation, heating duration, and heater type.
Infrared saunas consume less energy than traditional saunas due to their direct body heating method and shorter heat-up times, using approximately 120 kWh per month for daily 40-minute sessions.
Reducing a sauna’s electricity usage can be achieved through proper insulation, energy-efficient heaters, smart timing, regular maintenance, and for long-term savings, potentially using solar panels.
When considering the electricity consumption of your sauna, it's important to understand the factors that affect its energy use. These include:
The dimensions of the sauna
How well it retains heat
The kind of heater in operation
The duration you spend soaking up the heat
Typically, a domestic sauna’s heater consumes around 6 kilowatts of power while heating up. When heated and in use, this demand decreases to somewhere between 3 to 4 kilowatts. Thus, for an hour-long session that includes preheating time, your sauna may use approximately 9 to 13 kilowatt-hours worth of electricity.
The energy footprint of traditional saunas, renowned for their dry heat environments, varies based on several factors. The size of the sauna not only influences the space available to occupants but also plays a critical role in determining the energy requirements of the sauna heater and its subsequent electricity usage. Opting for a smaller heater in an attempt to save costs could lead to increased energy use over time since it has to exert more effort—and expend more energy—to achieve those high temperatures that are quintessential to the sauna experience. Alternatively, choosing wood burning sauna heaters provides ample warmth for traditional saunas without relying on electric power. Using a wood-burning stove is another efficient option.
To properly preheat a traditional sauna, you should expect about 20-30 minutes of warm-up time—this period plays a major role in its overall energy usage. Should you partake in daily sessions lasting approximately 75 minutes each, your monthly total would approximate 225 kWh dedicated just to maintaining your sauna’s warmth. When weighing the costs associated with these sauna escapes—a typical 30-minute session can run from $0.72 to $1.08—the expense often seems quite reasonable considering the serenity provided.
Infrared saunas are the contemporary relatives of traditional saunas in the broader family of sauna experiences, distinct from their wood burning ancestors. These innovative units utilize infrared rays to heat your body directly, eliminating the need for an electric sauna heater to extensively heat up the air—resulting in enhanced energy efficiency.
Utilizing an infrared sauna for a 40-minute session each day could result in monthly energy usage approximating 120 kWh, with individual sessions expending between approximately 1.5 and 3.5 kilowatt-hours of electricity. Small-scale infrared models accommodating just one or two people usually have lower power demands, typically not exceeding 1.6 kW—a contrast to traditional saunas that often demand a heftier 3.0-4.0 kW capacity.
This advantage stems from both direct application of heat onto users and quicker heating periods provided by electric heaters within these infrastructures. Here we witness the advantage of infrared technology, offering a significant reduction in energy usage compared to the traditional wood-heated or standard electric saunas.
Let’s delve into the specifics of calculating your sauna’s energy costs. Begin by determining how much electricity your sauna consumes in kilowatt-hours (kWh). To do this, take the wattage of your heater, divide it by 1,000 to convert watts to kilowatts and then multiply that number by how many hours you operate the sauna each month.
To understand what this usage will cost you financially, simply take the calculated kWh amount and multiply it by your electric company’s charge per kilowatt-hour. Given that electric rates in America typically range from $0.09 to $0.34 but average out at about $0.12 per kWh—for a 6-kilowatt heater running one hour daily—that comes to approximately $32.40 monthly for electricity consumption or precisely 6 kWh used every day.
Remember to factor in the time it takes to warm up your sauna in addition to the duration of your session. This preheat period is a crucial element in the daily calculation of your sauna's energy usage.
Saunas vary in their energy consumption. Infrared saunas are typically more energy efficient because they directly heat the body and have quicker warm-up periods. On the other hand, traditional saunas expend more energy as they must heat up the whole space.
In terms of readiness, an infrared sauna can become operational within approximately 10 minutes compared to a traditional sauna which may take around half an hour to reach optimal temperatures. While traditional saunas operate at higher temperatures ranging from 150°F to 195°F, infrared saunas tend to function at milder temperature levels between 110°F and 150°F.
If you’re interested in decreasing the energy consumption of your sauna, several tactical changes can yield significant savings. Consider these suggestions.
Ensure your sauna is well-insulated using top-grade wood and fiberglass rolls, as well as incorporating thermoplastic boards during construction to maintain the heat within the confines of the sauna.
Choosing a heater with high energy efficiency and lower power consumption can significantly reduce your electricity bills.
Smartly scheduling when you use the sauna can lead to additional conservation of energy.
Lowering the temperature setting modestly near 70 degrees Celsius and utilizing it immediately upon heating—and then switching off post-use—can conserve energy while still offering an enjoyable steamy experience. Remember too that consistent upkeep, such as arranging those essential sauna stones correctly, enhances effective heat distribution and storage, enabling your sauna to reach desired temperatures more rapidly and remain heated using less power.
Maintaining your sauna regularly plays a pivotal role in sustaining its efficiency. When the heater operates at peak condition, it delivers maximum heat without unnecessary energy consumption. It’s essential to schedule an annual inspection — or even more often for avid sauna users — to preserve the heating power and avoid squandering energy.
During these maintenance sessions, verifying that the insulation is intact is key to preventing heat from escaping, which reduces stress on your electric heater and saves you money. For sauna purists who prefer the traditional style, the decreased dependency on electrical components can lead to a longer lifespan of the sauna and potential energy savings over time, especially with regular maintenance.
Opting for an energy-efficient outdoor sauna provides both financial savings and environmental benefits. It allows you to enjoy the relaxation and health perks of sauna sessions while using less energy, thereby reducing your bills as well as your carbon footprint.
If you’re thinking about the future returns on investment, equipping your sauna with solar panels is a savvy choice. Despite an initial payoff period of 7.53 years, this setup promises substantially reduced costs in the long run, eventually enabling nearly cost-free enjoyment of your sauna experiences.
In Arizona, the expense of electricity is a substantial part of your household budget. The average price sits at 16 cents for every kilowatt-hour used, slightly higher than what most Americans pay. This means that running something as luxurious as a sauna will cost you marginally more in Arizona—those financial “heat waves” are felt when tallying up energy bills.
To put it into perspective:
On average, households in Arizona consume approximately 1,175 kilowatt-hours each month.
This consumption level results in an estimated monthly bill of about $183 or an annual total around $2,196.
Projected over a quarter-century duration leads to an astonishing expenditure upwards of $65,100 on electricity alone.
Concerned about the energy usage of your sauna? Let Parker & Sons put your mind at ease. With a legacy of fifty years, our team of electrical experts can ensure your sauna operates at peak efficiency and safety.
With the right sauna and a little help from Parker & Sons, you can relish the therapeutic relaxation of your sauna without the stress of high energy bills. Let’s turn down the heat on those utility costs and crank up the relaxation—your sauna sanctuary awaits! Call today and make an appointment with Parker & Sons!
An infrared sauna is more energy efficient compared to a traditional sauna, consuming around 120 kWh per month with daily use. In contrast, a conventional sauna requires approximately 225 kWh monthly for the same usage frequency.
To lower the energy consumption of your sauna, it’s advisable to enhance its insulation, employ a heater that is more energy efficient, slightly decrease the set temperature and ensure consistent maintenance.
Implementing these measures can lead to decreased electricity usage and facilitate a more cost-effective and energy-efficient operation of your sauna.
Absolutely, regular upkeep of your sauna is valuable because it guarantees that the heater along with other parts remain functioning optimally. This not only preserves energy efficiency but also extends the overall life expectancy of the unit.
Parker & Sons enhances the sauna experience by ensuring it is energy-efficient. This is achieved through their provision of both installation services and ongoing maintenance checks, which guarantee that saunas operate safely and with optimal energy efficiency.
Certainly, setting up a solar energy system to operate your sauna may prove financially beneficial over time, with the initial investment typically being recouped within an approximate period of 7.53 years.
Stay up-to-date on current news, promotions, and industry tips.