Are Infrared Saunas Energy Efficient? Calculate Your Energy Consumption & Costs

Hello again, my infrared sauna friends. One thing that concerned me when I first purchased our infrared sauna was how much it would cost me to run it every month.  I was sold on the potential health benefits, but are infrared saunas energy efficient? And do infrared saunas use a lot of electricity?

The short answers are yes, they are energy efficient and no they do not use much electricity, especially higher end models. And compared to their traditional dry sauna counterparts, they require a fraction of the energy to heat up.

Stick with me as we explore why this is and you can even use our handy calculator we’ve developed to see for yourself.  In this guide, we’ll break down the power consumption, running costs, and how infrared saunas compare to traditional saunas.

Let’s do a bit of a deep dive shall we?

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How Do Infrared Saunas Work?

To understand energy efficiency, let’s first examine how infrared saunas function. Unlike traditional steam or dry saunas that heat the air around you, infrared saunas use infrared light to directly warm your body. This targeted heating method means infrared saunas:

  • Operate at lower temperatures: 120-150°F (48-65°C) vs. 180-200°F (82-93°C) for traditional saunas
  • Heat up faster, reducing power consumption
  • Require significantly less energy to maintain temperature

Do Infrared Saunas Use a Lot of Electricity?

The short answer: No, infrared saunas do not use a lot of electricity. In fact, they use much less electricity than traditional saunas. But let’s break it down with real numbers.

Average Infrared Sauna Power Consumption

Infrared sauna electricity usage varies based on size and wattage. Below is a breakdown of typical energy consumption:

Sauna SizePower Rating (kW)Cost per Hour (@ $0.15/kWh)
1-Person1.0 – 1.6 kW$0.15 – $0.24
2-Person1.6 – 2.2 kW$0.24 – $0.33
3-4 Person2.2 – 3.5 kW$0.33 – $0.53

For comparison, a traditional sauna typically runs at 6-9 kW per hour, costing $0.90 – $1.35 per hour.

Infrared Sauna Energy Consumption & Costs Calculator

For your convenience, we’ve put together a calculator you can use to calculate your approximate monthly energy costs. It is important to review your sauna’s owner manual for the actual energy consumption data. It is also recommended that you review your electricity bill to better understand how much you pay per kilowatt hour (kWh).

Using those assumptions, our infrared sauna energy consumption and costs calculator will give you a rough idea of how much you can expect to pay per week and month.

Infrared Sauna vs. Traditional Sauna: Energy Efficiency Comparison

FeatureInfrared SaunaTraditional Sauna
Heating MethodDirect body heatingAir heating
Temperature120-150°F180-200°F
Warm-Up Time10-15 minutes30-45 minutes
Energy Use per Hour1.5 – 3.5 kWh6 – 9 kWh
Estimated Cost per Hour$0.15 – $0.53$0.90 – $1.35

Infrared saunas use 50-75% less electricity compared to traditional models, making them a smarter choice for energy-conscious users.

How Much Does It Cost to Run an Infrared Sauna?

To calculate your sauna’s cost, use this formula:

Energy Consumption (kWh) = Power Rating (kW) × Usage Time (hours)

Cost = Energy Consumption (kWh) × Electricity Rate ($/kWh)

Example Calculation:

A 2-person sauna (2 kW) running for 30 minutes in a region where electricity costs $0.15 per kWh:

Energy Consumption = 2 kW × 0.5 hours = 1 kWh

Cost = 1 kWh × $0.15 = $0.15 per session

Using your infrared sauna five times a week would add only $3.00 per month to your bill. Compare this to a traditional sauna, which could add $15-$30 per month.

5 Ways to Maximize Infrared Sauna Energy Efficiency

Even though infrared saunas are already efficient, you can reduce energy costs further:

  1. Choose the right size – Don’t buy a larger sauna than necessary.
  2. Minimize preheating time – Infrared saunas heat up quickly, so long preheats waste energy.
  3. Use energy-efficient settings – Many models have eco modes to optimize power usage.
  4. Keep sauna insulated – Ensure door seals are tight to retain heat.
  5. Use it during off-peak hours – Some energy providers offer lower rates during non-peak hours.

Final Verdict: Are Infrared Saunas Energy Efficient?

If you’re keeping score at home, yes infrared saunas energy efficient, especially higher end models from brands like Therasage and Sun Home. Infrared saunas use significantly less energy than traditional dry Finish saunas, due to the use of infrared light to the body rather than the air itself. Operating costs are low, averaging $0.15 – $0.53 per hour. They heat up faster, reducing unnecessary energy waste.

If you’re looking for a sauna experience that is cost-effective, eco-friendly, and energy-efficient, an infrared sauna is the best choice. And as always, if you have any questions or comments, please reach out to us on our contact page. We’d love to hear from you!

Until next time, stay warm my friends!

FAQs About Infrared Sauna Energy Usage

Do infrared saunas increase your electric bill?

Not significantly. Most users see an increase of $3-$10 per month depending on usage frequency.

Can you run an infrared sauna on solar power?

Yes, since they have low power demands, infrared saunas can work well with a solar-powered home setup.

Are there energy-efficient sauna brands?

Some of the most efficient sauna brands include:

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