A sauna is an amazing addition to your home, helping you take control of your self-care ritual and allowing you to enjoy heat therapy whenever you please. But even with a sauna in your spare bedroom or backyard, there will be a slight waiting period.
How long does a sauna take to heat up - and what can you do to speed things up and start your session faster? You’ve come to the right place. We’ll help you understand all the factors that influence sauna heat-up times, including:
- Heater type
- Heater power and efficiency
- Sauna size
- Insulation and materials
- Outdoor vs indoor installation
In general, though, you can expect it to take anywhere between 30-45 minutes for saunas powered by electric heaters, whereas infrared saunas can heat up as quickly as 10-20 minutes.
Learn more about what you can expect from your sauna below, along with tips on speeding things up so you can start enjoying your sauna even faster. The best advice we have to offer on this topic is to upgrade to a better sauna heater.
From the world-renowned Harvia sauna heater collection to the industry-leading HUUM sauna heater lineup, we carry all the top models from the best brands at the lowest prices online - guaranteed. Get in touch for one-on-one support today!
How Long Does a Sauna Take to Heat Up?
You won’t feel warmth the second you activate your sauna heater. It takes time to reach the ideal sauna temp. Understanding the timeline helps you set realistic expectations and plan your sessions without frustration.
But just how long does a sauna take to heat up? It largely depends on whether you’re using aninfrared vs electric heater sauna!Here are some general guidelines on how long for a sauna to heat up.
Average Heat-Up Times for Traditional Saunas
Traditional saunas heat the air inside the room using either a wood vs electric sauna heater. This is the classic approach to sauna therapy, but it also takes a bit longer since these heaters are less efficient and the optimal temperature is higher.
You can expect to wait 30-45 minutes to get to the sweet spot of 150-195°F. Smaller saunas might be ready closer to 25 minutes, while larger cabins could take even longer. We’ll cover some of the other factors at play in a moment - but how long does a sauna take to heat up if it’s powered by an infrared heater?
Average Heat-Up Times for Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas work differently - and they’ve quickly become the preferred choice for most users. Rather than heating the air within the sauna cabin they penetrate the body directly, warming deep tissue and operating at lower temperatures.
This means you can use an infrared sauna much sooner than you would a traditional sauna, all else equal. Most reach their target operating range of 110-140°F in about 10 to 20 minutes.
But aside from heater type, what else shapes how long for sauna to heat up?
What Affects Sauna Heat-Up Times?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer on the sauna heat-up time, just like with the question, what size sauna heater do I need?There are quite a few variables you’ll have to take into account beyond the heater you’re using, starting with power.
Heater Power and Efficiency
The heater is the heart of the sauna, and a higher kilowatt (kW) rating typically means a quicker rise to bathing temperatures - especially in larger sauna cabins.
But don’t just assume you need a bigger heater to warm your space faster. Efficiency is just as important. Premium heaters distribute heat more evenly, while budget options may take longer or create uneven hot spots.
Sauna Size
The bigger the space, the longer it takes to warm. You probably already knew that, but it’s worth mentioning nonetheless. A compact two-person cabin will naturally reach temperature faster than a six-person model, since there’s less air volume to heat.
Insulation and Materials
One often overlooked factor influencing how long for sauna to heat up is what the sauna is made from. The wood and construction methods impact how well a sauna retains heat.
For instance, thermally modified woods such as spruce or aspen hold warmth more effectively and resist moisture. Thicker walls, tight seals, and minimal glass also improve efficiency, while thinner builds or poor sealing will lose heat and thus will take longer to warm to temp.
Outdoor vs Indoor Installation
Where you install your sauna plays a part as well. Outdoor units are subject to weather and ambient temperatures, which can be a good or bad thing. It means your sauna will probably be ready sooner in the summertime, whereas it’ll take much longer to heat up in the dead of winter.
Placement under a roof or in a sheltered area can reduce these challenges - but to some extent, outdoor saunas will be limited (or helped) by climate. Indoor saunas are much more consistent year-round in how long they take to reach the ideal temperature.
How to Heat Your Sauna Faster
Even the best saunas take a little time to warm up. Patience is a virtue, and the waiting period is part of the ritual. Still, there are a few practical steps you can take to reduce wait times and make each session more convenient.
Let’s start with what will move the needle the most: upgrading your sauna heater!
Upgrade to a Better Heater
Entry-level units often struggle to reach high temperatures efficiently, especially in larger cabins. A more powerful and well-engineered heater not only shortens heat-up time but also maintains temperature more consistently throughout your session.
Here at Nordica Sauna you’ll gain access to the premier lineup of electric sauna heaters, or consider a wood-burning sauna stove! We stock all the different types of sauna heaters from the most trusted brands, like Harvia and HUUM.
Our collection includes options with the right kW output for your setup, and we have a helpful sizing chart so you don’t have to stress about picking the right model. You can also get a recommendation from our customer service team if you get stuck.
It’s pretty simple, though. Match the heater’s power to the cubic volume of your sauna. Too small a unit will always lag behind, while oversizing may waste energy. Take a look at the collection and reduce wait times today!
Preheat Smartly Based on Your Routine
You can plan ahead, preheating your sauna before you’re ready to enter so that when you are ready, it’s ready!
Turn the sauna on 20-30 minutes before use, or set a timer if your model allows. Smart controls and Wi-Fi apps make this process easier and help you step into a sauna that’s ready when you are.
Improve Sauna Insulation and Seals
Check for gaps around doors or poorly sealed joints that let heat escape. Adding weatherproofing or upgrading to thermally treated wood helps hold warmth more effectively, particularly in outdoor saunas.
In the same vein, airflow is necessary for comfort, but too much can slow heating. Adjust vents to let air circulate without letting too much heat out of the room.
Use Accessories to Retain Heat
Small additions like thermal covers, shingled roofs, or floor mats reduce heat loss as well. You can also be more strategic in how you place your stones in traditional heaters to improve heat distribution.
Take Care of Your Heater
Routine maintenance keeps your heater performing at its best. Clean stones in traditional units, replace infrared panels when needed, and follow manufacturer care guidelines.
A well-maintained heater is faster, more efficient, and safer to use. Our blog has more tips on how to clean sauna heater and keep it working smoothly if you’re interested.
Final Words on How Long For Sauna to Heat Up
In summary, how long does a sauna take to heat up? Traditional models usually need 30-45 minutes, while infrared designs are ready in 10-20.
Remember, though, there are quite a few moving pieces to take into account when setting expectations for how long for sauna to heat up. Heater type, size, insulation, and location all play a role.
It might take a few sessions, but eventually, you’ll get a better idea of how long it takes your specific sauna to heat up. Warm-up time is part of the ritual - but you can reduce it as much as possible by getting a more powerful, energy-efficient heater at Nordica Sauna.
Talk to our team today for a personalized recommendation, and you can start enjoying shorter warm-up times and better sessions!
