How does a sauna heater work?
A sauna heater works by heating up sauna rocks or stones that are placed inside the heater. The heat from the rocks or stones is then transferred to the air in the sauna, making it hot and humid.
Sauna heaters come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and heating capacities to suit any sauna space.
The general rule of thumb is that the bigger the room is the bigger the sauna heater should be.
Let’s say you have a small sauna room that is 3 x 4 feet. In this case, you would need a sauna heater that is at least 1,500 watts.
On the other hand, if you have a large sauna room that is 6 x 8 feet, you would need a sauna heater that is at least 3,000 watts.
Different types of sauna heaters
Here are some of the most popular types of sauna heaters that you can choose from:
1. Electric sauna heaters
As the name suggests, an electric sauna heater uses electricity to generate heat. These are the most popular type of sauna heater as they are relatively easy to install and use. Electric sauna heaters can be used in both indoor and outdoor saunas.
An electric heater will have a control panel that allows you to adjust the temperature and timer. Electric sauna heaters typically take around 30 minutes to heat up.
Electric heaters are mostly used in residential saunas such as home saunas or portable saunas.
2. Infrared sauna heaters
Infrared sauna heaters have gained popularity in recent years because of their health benefits. Infrared heaters work by heating the body directly, rather than heating the air around you like traditional sauna heaters.
Infrared sauna heaters produce dry heat and infrared rays that directly penetrate your skin. This type of heat is said to have many health benefits such as promoting detoxification, improving circulation, and relieving pain.
The only downside of these heaters is that they can be a bit pricy. So if you have the budget and are looking for a heater with health benefits, an infrared sauna heater would be a good choice.
3. Wood-burning sauna heaters
If you are looking for a traditional and authentic sauna experience, then a wood-burning sauna heater is the way to go. These heaters work by burning wood to generate heat and steam.
Wood-burning sauna heaters take a bit longer to heat up than other types of heaters, but they can maintain a constant temperature for a longer period of time. Many people prefer the smell and feel of a wood-burning sauna over other types of saunas.
The only downside is that these heaters require more maintenance than other types of heaters. You will need to regularly check the fire and add more wood as needed.
4. Gas sauna heaters
And lastly, we have gas sauna heaters. These heaters use either natural gas or propane to generate heat. Gas sauna heaters are mostly used in commercial saunas such as at a hotel or spas.
One advantage of these heaters is that they can heat up quickly. They also have a constant supply of heat, so you don’t have to worry about adding more wood or adjusting the temperature.
The downside of these heaters is that they are hard to install and require a lot of ventilation.
How to choose the right sauna heater?
So now that we know one or two things about different types of sauna heaters, how do we choose the right one for us?
Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a sauna heater:
1. The size of your sauna
The rule is simple if you have a big room, you will need a larger heater and if you have a small room, you will need a smaller heater.
The size also depends on how many people are going to use the sauna at once. If you have a family or if you entertain guests often, then you will a big size sauna heater.
2. The type of sauna you have
As we mentioned before, there are different types of saunas such as home saunas, portable saunas, and infrared saunas.
Each type of sauna has its own specific heater. So make sure to choose a heater that is designed for the type of sauna you have.
3. Your budget
And lastly, you need to consider your budget. Sauna heaters can range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. So it is important to find a heater that fits your budget.
Electric sauna heaters are typically the most affordable option, followed by wood-burning sauna heaters. Gas sauna heaters and infrared sauna heaters are the most expensive options.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Those are some things to consider when choosing a sauna heater. We hope this guide was helpful and that you now have a better understanding of the different types of sauna heaters and how to choose the right one for you.