Gas saunas feature natural gas or propane as their heat source. Typically larger than wood or electric saunas, these tend to cost more upfront but require less maintenance over the long term. Gas saunas are also cheaper to operate than electric types. They heat up faster than electric or wood-fired saunas.
Gas heater: Propane is the cheapest fuel option if you plan on having long sauna sessions. Gas heaters take 30-60 minutes to heat a room to temperature and can be fired with natural gas or liquid propane. (depending on the size of the room/heater).
The perfect sauna temperature and humidity level largely depend on personal preference. However, the Rule of 200 is a good guideline. This means that the combined temperature (in Fahrenheit) and humidity percentage should not exceed 200. For instance, if the temperature is 180°F, the humidity should not surpass 20%.
The Harvia 6kw electric sauna heater is our most economical choice for your sauna. The heater is easy to switch on with temperature control dials. Pour over a splash of water for a steamy sauna experience.
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.
Wood-Burning Heaters: A traditional choice, wood-burning heaters are loved for the authentic sauna experience they offer. The aroma of burning wood and the nature of the heat produced is unmatched. They're ideal for outdoor saunas or homes in rural areas with ample wood supply.
Should I Put a Vent in my Sauna? Though vents are not required for proper sauna function, the option brings added comfort to your sauna routine by evenly distributing airflow. Proper venting ensures that you have fresh oxygen and that warmth from your sauna distributes evenly throughout the structure.
You can choose to use an electric stove or to light a fire the traditional way by using a wood-burning stove. Both stoves have their own advantages and - depending on the desired temperature and the size of the sauna - the sauna is warm in about 60-90 minutes with either stove.
Sauna Usage: Finding the Sweet Spot
Duration Matters: While 20-minute sessions are standard, if you're planning to use the sauna twice a day, aim for shorter sessions of 5-10 minutes each. Frequency is Key: To achieve optimal benefits, aim for sauna sessions three to four times a week.
So, what is the best temperature for your traditional sauna? For your health and safety, the best temperature is between 140-200 degrees Fahrenheit. The average American sticks to 150-175 degrees, while diehard and longtime fans prefer higher temperatures.
The infrared from infrared saunas can burn 400–600 calories within 30 minutes, according to a 2017 article. The same article suggests that a person of average fitness can lose roughly 1 pound (lb) of sweat during each treatment.
Using the average cost of energy, expect to pay 0.12 dollars/kWh x 225 kWh = $27.00 per month to spend half an hour a day in a traditional sauna. For an infrared sauna, running for 40 minutes a day (10 minutes heating, 30 minutes using) for a month is 1,200 minutes or 20 hours (1,200 minutes divided by 60).
Simply put, steam rooms are the best alternative to an at-home sauna. A steam shower's wet heat is superior to dry heat in various ways.
After the end of the sauna session, you should not clean yourself with shower gel or soap, just apply some lotion.
Adding an extra layer to the top of your sauna will help to trap that hot air in tightly. Our recommendations are poly insulation layered on top of an indoor sauna, or a rain jacket on a barrel sauna, as both of these options are able to stay intact while the sauna is in use.
Because you sweat during your session and toxins are released, having a shower after your sauna will help to cleanse the skin and close pores. A cold shower after your sauna can also activate cold shock proteins in the body, which may help assimilate fat for weight loss.
It will prevent your head, ears or hair from feeling too hot. This way you can enjoy the benefits of the sauna for longer periods of time. Sauna hats also help to regulate your body temperature, decreasing the risk of feeling dizzy in the heat.
Position an intake vent near the floor, preferably below the heater, for cooler air to enter. An outflow vent should be placed opposite the intake, higher up on a wall to allow warm air to escape. Ideally, the upper vent is adjustable to control the intensity of the airflow during sauna use.
In general, the best clothing to wear in the sauna (after nothing at all!) is loose, cotton clothing, whether a towel, swimsuit, or t-shirt. Cotton clothing is ideal for allowing your body to sweat properly.
The most common method of heating for the outdoor sauna is the wood-fired stove in true Traditional Finnish style. Electric heaters are not uncommon to find in outdoor saunas, especially in areas that don't have common access to firewood.
Sauna and COVID-19
Such viruses are relatively resistant to cold and therefore are more likely to cause sickness in winter months. However, the protective lipid envelope is destroyed if the temperature is held between 55–65°C (131–149°F) for 15–30 minutes. Only one minute will do if the temperature is 80°C (176°F).
The higher up you sit in the sauna, the higher the temperature. You may either sit or ly down while you are in the sauna. (It is most effective to sweat briefly but violently on the upper benches. If you don't have sauna experience yet, it's best to start with a middle or lower bench.)