How Much Would it Cost to Run a Traditional Sauna Heater?

Traditional saunas are a wonderful way to unwind and rejuvenate after a long day. However, operating a traditional sauna heater drums up substantial electricity costs. It helps to know how much your little unwinding session costs you at the end of each month. 

You can use a simple computation to estimate your monthly energy expenses by having these numbers handy:

• Wattage of the sauna you're using

• Number of hours you use the sauna each month

• Electricity cost per kilowatt 

You'll need to multiply the sauna wattage by the number of hours you use the sauna each month, along with the per-kilowatt charge. The formula is represented as follows:

Approximate traditional sauna heater costs per month = sauna wattage (in kilowatts) X sauna hours per month X average cost per kilowatt used

In 2024, the average cost of electricity per kilowatt is $0.16. Keep in mind that these electrical tariffs vary by zip code. Assuming you use a sauna for 20 minutes each day, and it takes around 45 minutes for the traditional sauna to heat up (a total of 65 minutes per sauna use), your monthly use minutes would amount to 1950, or 32.5 hours.

If your sauna runs at 6kW on average, we get 195 kWh of usage per month. Assuming you pay $0.16/kWh in your city, we multiply this by 195kWh, which means you'll spend around $31.2 per month using your traditional sauna heater for 20 minutes daily. This adds up to around $374 every year.

Traditional saunas typically cost less to operate than other home appliances. On average, a two-person home sauna consumes 1500 to 3000 watts.

The cost of running a traditional sauna heater also depends on factors such as:

• Sauna insulation

• Sauna size

• The power your sauna generates (in kW)

• Sauna usage duration

• Sauna temperature (higher temperatures mean higher costs) 

Traditional Sauna Heaters

Sauna heaters are the heart and soul of your sauna experience. They determine:

• How quickly your sauna warms up

• The kind of heat it produces (dry or humid)

• How efficiently your sauna operates

Traditional sauna heaters, modeled after centuries-old wood-burning sauna heaters, have been used for decades. Even though they've evolved with technological advancements, traditional sauna heaters or stoves retain an authentic sauna experience unmatched by other types. 

Traditional saunas are recognized for their indirect heating approach. They heat the surrounding air first. This warm sauna air then heats our system, similar to how a convection oven bakes a cake. Traditional sauna heaters typically operate between 140–170°F to provide the desired level of heat and sauna advantages.

Traditional sauna heaters are of two types:

• Electric heaters

• Wood-burning heaters

Electric heaters are modern-day solutions for effective sauna heating and operation. As long as you have an electrical system, they are simple to install and maintain. You can control them with the mere push of a button. They are also said to heat a sauna faster than more traditional techniques, such as wood-burning saunas.

Wood-burning saunas provide the most pure and authentic sauna experience anyone can engage in. They're reminiscent of traditional Finnish sauna cabins with soft, crackling firewood, luxuriant heat, and fragrant wood aroma. They treasure the heritage of the world's earliest saunas and produce the highest quality heat. 

Although both are considered traditional heaters, electric and wood-burning stoves generate different monthly energy costs. Let's take a look at how much it costs to run each type of heater.

Electric Sauna Heater Costs

Electric sauna heaters are preferred over other traditional methods in urban settings due to their efficiency and user-friendliness. A one-time electric heater purchase can cost between $1,500 and $4,000, but how much do they cost monthly? 

The approximate costs for running an electric sauna heater can be calculated using the same formula as above. You'll also need to account for the size of your sauna and how well it is insulated. Using electric saunas for extended periods can drive up monthly heating costs. Depending on your weekly usage and other variables, this figure could range between $300–$500.

You'll also need to account for additional expenses like fees and taxes. Some areas levy extra charges such as time-of-use (TOU) rates or demand fees. Since these charges vary by location, check with your utility provider to calculate electric sauna heater expenses accurately.

Wood-Burning Sauna Heater Costs 

Wood-burning saunas can be incredibly relaxing but often require more effort to operate. Operating them in urban settings is easier said than done, especially since they're subject to local regulations. If you reside in a suburban or rural area, it is easier because you have access to wood and space.

If you can harvest wood to fuel your daily sauna sessions, it would significantly reduce your monthly costs. Wood is one of the cheapest fuel sources, costing over 70% less than electric heating. However, you will need to account for the labor required to chop the wood and prepare the fire for the stove.

If you end up paying for wood, it can cost you more than an electric heater — an average cord of wood costs between $300 and $500. Using 1% of this wood in a single sauna session will cost you at least $3 per session. By this calculation, a wood-burning sauna can cost roughly $60 monthly if used four to five times weekly.

Tips for Reducing Sauna Heating Costs

Home saunas are great for everyday relaxation, but daily usage can drive up monthly energy costs. Not to worry. We have tips to help you save money on sauna costs each month. 

Time Your Sessions

Sauna sessions can run long if you don't cap them consciously. The recommended sauna duration for optimal health benefits is 20 to 30 minutes. A sauna timer can help you ensure you don't exceed this time limit. 

Most modern saunas have this convenient feature that automatically turns off the heat after the prescribed time is up. This way, you conserve energy during each sauna session, significantly lowering your monthly sauna usage costs. Timed sessions also have other advantages. 

They help you:

• Reduce the risk of dehydration

• Prevent overheating and long-term wear-and-tear on sauna components

• Prolong the lifespan of your sauna equipment

Ensure Your Sauna is Sufficiently Insulated

The material used in your sauna's interior can influence insulation and heat regulation. Fiberglass and mineral wool are great sauna insulation materials that retain high heat.

You can also install foam boards between the outer and interior sauna walls to provide adequate insulation and avoid heat loss. The less heat escapes your sauna, the less energy is required to maintain the desired temperature.

You can also optimize heat regulation in your sauna by insulating the sauna roof and floor. A vapor barrier further helps to minimize moisture from entering the sauna and removing heat. Also, make sure your sauna door has a tight seal or insulating strips to keep heat effectively contained.

Lower the Heater Temperature

Many sauna users incorrectly believe that saunas need to run at higher temperatures to produce desirable health and relaxation benefits. This isn't true. Once the heater has warmed the cabin adequately, you can lower the temperature to maintain the same degree of comfort and heat while saving electricity.

Lowering the heater temperature reduces the amount of energy required to keep the sauna at its desired temperature. This considerable decline in energy use results in increased energy savings. Don't worry; as long as the sauna is well-insulated, you'll get the same level of rejuvenation at a slightly lower temperature.

Choose the Right Sauna Size

When purchasing a home sauna, consider the number of people who will be using your sauna space. The larger the sauna, the more energy it takes to properly heat the entire space. Smaller interior spaces use less energy.

Specifically, a two-person sauna requires less electricity than a four or six-person sauna. Ultimately, choosing a smaller-sized sauna allows you to get the most out of your unit instead of using it less to save on electrical costs.

Check Your Sauna's Energy-Efficient Rating

Look for sauna heaters with a good energy efficiency rating. Some heaters are engineered to save energy and minimize environmental impact.

Choose high-quality heaters like the Harvia KIP Electric Heater, which includes an intelligent energy-saving mode and an automated shut-off feature to prevent overheating, making your sauna session more cost-effective.

Alternatively, you can invest in a heater guard to securely enclose your sauna heater. Aside from safety, heater shields improve heat distribution, allowing your heater to function at peak efficiency. The result? High energy efficiency and reduced heating costs.

User Testimonials for Sauna Heaters

Ensure you invest in a high-quality traditional sauna heater to get the most out of it. Good-quality heaters have a greater energy efficiency rating and properly disseminate heat, making it a win-win situation for both your wallet and the sauna experience.

Use reliable retailers like GRIM PARENT LIMITED, where you'll find a variety of traditional sauna heaters to choose from. Take, for example, this Harvia KIP Electric Heater with Xenio Digital Control, which has earned rave reviews from our customers. One reviewer praised the simple WiFi digital controls that allow you to activate the sauna remotely, and another appreciated its superior heating capabilities for a four-person sauna.

The Harvia M3 Wood-Burning Stove was also a hit with customers who enjoy its earthy atmosphere. Customers appreciated its compatibility with their custom-built outdoor wood-burning sauna. They particularly praised the heater stones' efficiency, which heated the sauna in just 40 minutes. Customers praised our efficient service, from ordering to delivery.

For more details on saunas and sauna heaters, contact us at GRIM PARENT LIMITED. Our staff will be happy to assist you.