Let's face it, it can be frustrating when you're about to enjoy a sauna session, and your sauna doesn't heat up. The first question in your mind is always, "Why is my sauna not heating up?" Your sauna is your special place to relax and rest, not to mention the detoxification and the other numerous health benefits you can reap – you shouldn’t be worrying about mechanical issues mid-session.

A sauna is good for your heart, relieves stress, lowers your blood pressure, burns calories, increases resistance to illness and naturally reduces toxins, increases metabolic rate, works wonders for your skin, and speeds up recovery from sports. Moreover, sauna sessions benefit the brain, lungs, and heart. As a result, it's important to ensure that your sauna is heating up properly to fully enjoy the benefits. To enjoy the traditional Finnish rustic sauna experience of a traditional wood-burning stove, you can check out this article to learn more. 

Read on to answer the question, "Why is the sauna not heating up?" and how to troubleshoot your sauna heater.

Why is My Sauna Not Heating Up?

It's important to note that once you turn on our sauna, it should take 15-20 minutes to heat up to the required temperature. If it's taking longer than usual to reach your desired temperature, there are several probable causes that you can easily and safely fix. The first step in such a scenario is to check whether all the heaters produce heat once you turn your unit on and set the temperature gauge. Some of the common issues that your sauna is not heating include the following:

Time: Always allow at least 45 minutes for the sauna to heat before worrying about your sauna not working.

Power source: A tripped circuit breaker, a blown fuse, or a damaged one can cut the power source.

Thermostat: Another issue could be your thermostat not reading appropriately or malfunctioning, which implies the heating element in your sauna fails to activate.

Heating element: Any damage to your heating element will keep your sauna from functioning well. It's important to check if it works properly and if you can see any damage. 

A traditional home sauna usually takes around 30-45 minutes to warm up to its desired temperature, but it depends on the starting temperature of the size you're warming and the strength of your heating element. 

Overview of the Common Issues That Can Prevent a Sauna Heater From Heating up

When you notice that your sauna is not heating up or reaching your desired temperatures, here are some of the most common issues:

Lack of Power Supply

It's obvious that your sauna won't work when it's not receiving power. However, it's not always easy as confirming your sauna is plugged into the outlet. When your sauna doesn't seem to be receiving power, you should check the following:

• Fuse

• Breaker box

Regarding a tripped breaker or a blown fuse - both of these will depend on the wiring in your home. You can identify if the fuse has blown when the glass' interior appears black or grey instead of being clear then replace the fuse with a new one. If you're using a breaker box for more amperage, you can identify if it's tripped when it flips the opposite side. 

 Faulty Thermostat

If your sauna is receiving power, the next step is to check the thermostat. To determine if it's working properly, you can check if the temperature on the internal thermometer matches the temperature on your thermostat like the Saunacore Bucket, Ladle, Thermometer Sauna Accessories Combo. If they do not match, your thermostat may be inaccurate or couldn't read the actual temperature within the sauna.

You can also test it by checking whether the temperature changes if you adjust the thermostat's temperature. When you find it doesn't change with the adjustment, it can't function at all, and you'll either replace it or contact your manufacturer for a repair.

Damaged Heating Elements

If your power source is working correctly and the thermostat is working, you may be required to check the heating element. Several heating elements in a conventional sauna should glow red when connected to a power source. If none of these heating elements are red, then your sauna could have been wired at the incorrect voltage, and you'll need the services of a qualified electrician.

On the other hand, if just one or a few elements aren't red, they have likely burned out, and you can replace them on your own. Besides, you may have tripped the sauna's high limit if the pilot light is out and not producing light. 

Clogged Air Vents

Electric-heated saunas won't pull in the air with the same volume as the conventional wood-fired sauna does to feed the fire. As a result, correctly functioning ventilation is essential to avoid stuffiness. Electric-heated saunas depend on mechanical means, such as a fan or convection-driven flow, to draw fresh air into the sauna. The ideal convection flow isn't guaranteed and is easily disrupted by inefficient or clogged air vents. Some factors include improper vent sizing, poor vent location, intake or exhaust pressure differentials, or obstructions.

Faulty Wiring

Electrical problems such as faulty wiring or tripped circuit breakers can cause your sauna to not heat up. You can check if the wiring is okay or contact a professional technician to do it for you.

Broken Heater Control Switch

A broken heater control switch is one of the most common issues with a sauna. The switch controls the sauna's temperature; if broken, the sauna won't heat up correctly. The switch is normally found on the sauna's wall and is connected to the heater. If the sauna isn't working correctly, it can cause it to overheat or fail to heat up. To fix the broken heater control switch, it's advisable first to identify the cause of the issue. If the switch isn't working correctly, it could be due to a broken wire, faulty connection, or worn-out switch. Once you identify the source of the problem, you should replace it with a new one compatible with your sauna's heater. 

Refurbishing and Restoration Sauna Features

Here are some reasons to refurbish and restore your sauna yourself:

• Creates a healthy and safe environment

• Increased value

• Cheaper than purchasing a new sauna

• Bringing the sauna back to new working conditions

• Saves you time

• Extending the lifespan of your sauna

• Increasing the sauna's sustainability

How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Sauna?

The actual cost of repairing a sauna that's not heating up depends on the nature and extent of the required repairs. Some simple repairs, like replacing a thermostat or a sauna light bulb, may only cost a few dollars for the labor and parts. However, the more extensive repairs, like repairing water damage or replacing the sauna heater, can cost several hundred dollars. Generally, the cost of sauna repairs depends on the following factors:

• Cost of the required replacement parts

• Extent and type of the required repairs

• Labor costs

• Condition and age of the sauna

Conclusion

A fully functioning sauna offers numerous benefits such as reduced stress, improved sleep, skin health and antiaging advantages, reduced muscle and joint pain, weight loss, increased metabolism, detoxification, recovery for sore muscles, and improved quality of life. If your sauna isn't heating up, you can check the wiring, thermostat, heating elements, and power supply and if the air vents are clogged.

If you’re still unsure, you can always contact a technician to handle the issue. If you need a new sauna heater, look at our large collection of HUUM and Harvia brand electric sauna heaters. You can also contact the support team with any questions you may have.