Saunas require heaters to work and provide their intended benefits. Nonetheless, even though saunas are popular, they still have various types of sauna heaters to offer. This implies that you will have hundreds of choices available, which can make your shopping experience more challenging and confusing. What things should you look out for when selecting the ideal heater for your sauna?
In this guide, learn everything about the different sauna heater types. More importantly, find out how to choose the best one to use with your home sauna. Get essential information and tips on what factors to consider when looking for and choosing so you can make an informed purchase decision.
4 Main Types of Sauna Heaters
Sauna heaters generate the heat necessary for a rejuvenating sauna experience. Here are the four main types:
1. Electric Heaters
Many individuals prefer electric heaters for their convenience, making them the most widely used type. These heaters are more affordable compared to other heater varieties.
Furthermore, they are simple to install and operate, ensuring their safety during use. They additionally feature controls that allow you to pre-program your preferred sauna temperature. With just a flick of a switch, you can quickly activate it, and in a matter of minutes, you can relax in your sauna.
2. Wood-Burning Heaters
This type of heater is loved by many traditional sauna enthusiasts. This is because they can offer the most genuine sauna experience by emitting a gentler and more enjoyable heat.
Moreover, the scent emitted from the burning wood is incomparable and cannot be duplicated. But, take note that wood-burning heaters will require more time to heat the sauna compared to other types.
3. Infrared Heaters
Infrared heaters are the most modern type as they use advanced infrared technology for heat. Although they use electricity, they don’t fall under the category of electric heaters.
Also, these heaters produce heat that goes to or penetrates the skin directly. Keep in mind that with other types, the heaters heat up the air and not directly the skin. Plus, many people use them for small saunas as they don’t occupy much space.
4. Gas Heaters
This is a less popular option, especially for home saunas, but it’s still a good heat source. They work similarly to electric heaters, except they use gas and not electricity. More precisely, you'll require either natural gas or propane in order to operate it.
While they are commonly found in commercial saunas, they remain a great option for individuals seeking a budget-friendly method to warm their at-home saunas.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sauna Heater
Aside from knowing the main types of your options, make sure to pay close attention to these factors and tips when choosing the best sauna heater to buy:
Sauna Type and Location
The type of sauna you want to have and use will affect the type of heater you need to buy. For example, for an infrared experience, you should pick and get an infrared sauna heater. On the other hand, if you want a more traditional sauna, a wood-burning heater would be ideal.
Sauna types can also be based on where you want them to be located—indoors or outdoors. Because of the installation and safety limitations for indoor saunas, electric heaters and infrared heaters are ideal. On the other hand, your choices are open for outdoor saunas.
You only need to ensure that the sauna is specifically made for outdoor use in order to shield the interior from external factors. But, make sure that if you want an electric heater, you have to make sure you have easy access to a power source.
Build of Your Sauna
The specific build and design of your sauna can also influence the type of heater you should get. For example, if your sauna has a lot of glass or windows, the inside is more susceptible to heat loss because of the windows. This means that you will need a more powerful heater, or more than one, to maintain your desired temperature. If not, you should consider looking for ways to help retain the heat inside.
Sauna Size and Heater Power
The right sauna heater is the one that can heat all areas of the sauna—it should be able to adequately cover the whole room. This means that the power of the heater significantly depends on the sauna size. Keep in mind that a large sauna will typically require a sauna heater with more power. On the other hand, a smaller sauna only needs a heater with lower power.
If the heater's power output is insufficient, it will require a longer time to warm up the room. But, using a powerful heater in a small sauna can make the heat too uncomfortable for the users. Remember, too much power isn’t good for the users and the costs as well.
To check the power of the heater, look for their indicated wattage, which is often measured in kilowatts (kW)—no matter what type. A good general rule of thumb to follow is that you will need about 1 kilowatt of power for every 45 cubic feet of space inside the sauna. To make sure, always check the specified and recommended sauna size of the heater’s manufacturer.
Rock Capacity
All types of heaters, except infrared heaters, have rocks. The purpose of the rocks is to absorb and store heat to maintain the temperature inside the sauna. However, take note that the rock capacity of a heater affects the quality of your sauna experience. A larger rock mass can radiate heat more evenly and efficiently for a longer time without too much temperature fluctuation.
At the same time, if you pour water onto the rocks, a larger rock mass can accommodate more water without compromising the heat and steam produced by the heater. In essence, a sauna heater of a certain power with a larger rock capacity can perform better than a heater with the same wattage but with a smaller rock capacity.
Build Quality
The majority of a heater’s quality depends on its build. Make sure to check how your preferred heater is made. Pay close attention to its materials and design. These will affect the durability and longevity of the heater—you need both to ensure its optimal performance. Most of the best quality heaters are made of stainless steel material and components.
Ventilation and Safety
Ventilation is important for safety when using saunas. So, you have to make sure to check the required ventilation of your preferred heater. Electric and infrared heaters are considered safe in general as they don’t emit gas. This means they require minimal ventilation. However, they still require proper installation to prevent any electrical hazards.
On the other hand, wood-burning heaters emit smoke and gas, so you will need better ventilation inside the sauna. If you think this isn’t possible with your home sauna, it might be better to choose a different heater type. At the same time, gas heaters can produce gas during its combustion process, so proper ventilation is required.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Consider how easy it is to use and maintain a heater. In general, electric heaters and infrared heaters are straightforward and easy to operate. They usually have digital controls and need minimal maintenance. On the other hand, wood-burning heaters require more hands-on operation and maintenance—they require regular cleaning and removal of ashes. Meanwhile, gas heaters can produce residues that you might need to clean.
Price and Budget
These heaters come in various price ranges. That’s why a budget is a critical factor you should make and consider—for narrowing your options. But aside from that, there are other costs you need to consider. These include installation, operation, and maintenance costs.
For your reference, this is how the costs of different types of heaters vary:
- Electric heaters often have lower upfront costs. But, using them can lead to higher electricity bills.
- Infrared heaters are considered energy-efficient. This means using them results in lower ongoing costs. But, they can be expensive to install as they will require professional help.
- Wood-burning heaters will require higher upfront costs, especially for their installation. But, it can be more affordable to buy wood than to use electricity to run a sauna heater.
- Gas heaters need professional installation. It also needs access to propane or natural gas, which are often not that affordable and convenient.
Aside from considering these conditions, don’t forget about your finances. How much can you spend and are you willing to spend on a heater? Do you think you’ll be able to afford the ongoing costs of its use? Answer these questions and decide on a budget, especially your budget for the heater itself.
Tips and Tricks to Get the Most Out of Your Heater
Since there are various costs you would have to deal with by using a sauna heater, you want to make sure that you get the most out of it. To ensure this, keep these tips in mind:
- Ensure Proper Installation
No matter what kind of heater you want to use, ensure you install it correctly. To achieve this, always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines. Check the correct installation steps and necessary conditions. Remember that every sauna heater has unique specifications, so it's important to refer to your heater's manual for accurate information. For best results, it’s also ideal to have a professional overlook or do the installation, especially for heaters that need electricity.
- Maintain Your Sauna Heater
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep the heater working correctly. As mentioned before, the specific maintenance requirements depend on the type of heater you have. But aside from that, make sure you perform regular inspections of your heater. Watch out for damaged or worn-out parts and replace them as soon as possible. If you want to use an electric heater, keep in mind that you need to always check the wiring.
- Clean the Area
It’s not just the heater itself that you need to maintain. You also need to maintain the area around it. This can make it easier to maintain the heater. So, make sure to regularly clean the surrounding space around your heater. Remove dust and debris so they don’t get to the heater.
Conclusion
When selecting a sauna heater, evaluate your sauna's type, size, and location. Consider your preferences for controls, ease of use, and maintenance, and balance these factors with your budget. If you're ready to start shopping, check out our collection of sauna heaters to find the perfect fit for your home.