Choosing the right electric heater size for your sauna

Selecting the appropriate size for your sauna heater is crucial for a comfortable experience. The size of your sauna room and the desired temperature largely determine the heater size needed. Here’s a streamlined guide to help you choose the right electric sauna heater.

Measuring the Sauna Room: Start by calculating the volume of your sauna in cubic feet. A general guideline is to use 1 KW of power for every 50 cubic feet. For instance, a 500-cubic-foot sauna would require a 10 KW heater.

Desired Temperature: If you aim for higher temperatures, you'll need a more powerful heater. For example, to reach 190°F, the heater must be more robust than for a 150°F sauna.

Type of Sauna: Remember that infrared saunas require less power than traditional ones since they heat objects directly rather than the air. If you own an infrared sauna, you might need a smaller heater.

Below is a general table that gives examples of correct heater sizing for different sized outdoor saunas.

Consult the Professionals: It’s essential to consult with a professional before purchasing a heater to ensure correct sizing and safe installation.

Special Considerations for Outdoor and Uninsulated Saunas: For outdoor saunas without insulation, heat loss is a significant factor. Increase your heater size by 25-30% to maintain desired temperatures. For example, a heater suitable for a 500-cubic-foot indoor sauna (10 KW) would need to be around 13-13.5 KW for an uninsulated outdoor sauna. If your sauna features a lot of glass, consider a more powerful heater to compensate for heat loss through the glass.

Heat-Up Time and Barrel Saunas: If you're considering a barrel sauna, it's important to factor in its unique design and efficiency. Larger saunas take longer to heat; however, using thicker wood planks, like the 1.75" offered by some manufacturers, can improve heat retention. Additionally, an efficient heater will speed up the heat-up time significantly.

The efficiency of the heater can also play a role in the heat-up time of a barrel sauna. A more efficient heater will be able to heat up the sauna faster than a less efficient one. A high-quality electric or gas heater will heat up a barrel sauna faster than a traditional wood-burning stove.

By keeping these points in mind and consulting professionals for tailored advice, you can ensure that your sauna heater is the perfect fit for your space and heating needs.

Below is a table that shows the recommended sauna heater size in relation to the size of the sauna room, with 25% increase in KW for an uninsulated outdoor sauna room: