You’re not alone if you’ve been thinking about bringing the benefits of sauna therapy into your home but feel hesitant about the sauna electricity cost. The truth is, though, sauna heaters are more energy efficient than most people assume!

So how much electricity does a sauna heater use? It all depends on the heater type in question along with a few other factors, which is why we created this guide to help you get a better sense of what you can expect on your monthly energy bill.

Most infrared saunas draw between 1.5 and 4.5 kW per hour (depending on size), while traditional electric sauna heaters range from 4 to 7.5 kW. That means you’re looking at roughly $8-$20/month in electricity with three weekly sessions. Less than most streaming services!

It’s a small price to pay for all the physical and mental wellness benefits the right sauna can bring to your self-care ritual. Plus, that cost can drop even lower if you have the right energy-efficient sauna heater.

Nordica Sauna carries the top sauna heaters from the industry’s most trusted brands, such as HUUM and Harvia. Shop the lowest prices online, guaranteed, with world-class customer service from A to Z.

Do Saunas Use a Lot of Electricity?

Let’s make one thing clear - do saunas use a lot of electricity?Not at all. The reality is, sauna power consumption is more moderate than most expect. 

Essentially all of a sauna’s energy draw comes from the heater. Power is measured in kilowatts (kW), and the higher the wattage, the more electricity it uses per hour. 

It’s important to distinguish between peak and sustained power draw. Heaters don’t run at max draw the entire session, after all. Peak draw happens during heat-up (first 10-15 minutes), but most systems cycle to maintain warmth once they reach the ideal sauna temp. From this point on they’re using only a fraction of their rated wattage. 

Here are the factors influencing sauna electricity consumption rates:

• Heater type and size: Larger saunas need more powerful heaters.
• Insulation quality: Well-insulated saunas retain heat better, in turn lowering the need for constant heating.
• Session frequency and duration: Using your sauna daily for an hour will obviously use more electricity than 2-3 shorter sessions per week.
• Ambient temperature: Colder environments require more energy to reach (and maintain) target heat levels. Heating a sauna in Alaska is tougher than in Arizona.

But since the types of sauna heaters being used shape energy draw the most, we want to narrow our focus to two main types: infrared and traditional. 

Traditional saunas use electric heaters to warm the air within the cabin, usually drawing 4-7.5 kW per session. On the other hand, infrared saunas use light panels to heat the body directly at lower temperatures. They usually require 1.5-3 kW in the same setting. So, all else equal, infrared saunas are way more energy efficient.

How Much Electricity Does a Sauna Heater Use?

Let’s get more specific about the big picture, though. How much electricity does a sauna heater use in actuality? The truth is, there’s just too much variance for us to give you a one-size-fits-all answer. Here’s a quick look based on different sauna sizes and styles:

• 1-person infrared sauna: 1.5 kWh
• 2-3 person infrared sauna: 1.8-2.2 kWh
• 4-5 person infrared sauna: 2.5-3.0 kWh
• Traditional 2-4 person sauna: 4.5-6.0 kWh
• Large traditional sauna (6-8 person): 6.0-8.0 kWh 

These are estimates based on typical session times (30-60 minutes). Energy use drops if the heater cycles on/off once the target temperature is reached. So, what does this mean as far as the sauna electricity cost goes? 

Cost to Run a Sauna Per Session and Per Month

We have to make a few assumptions to give you a typical sauna electricity cost. First, we’ll imagine you’re working with an electricity rate of $0.15 per kWh. 

We’re also going to assume you’re limiting your sessions to 1 hour - which, frankly, is on the high end. A lot of people get by with just 30 minute sessions. At any rate, here’s what you might spend:

• Per infrared sauna session: $0.23-$0.45
• Per traditional sauna session: $0.68-$1.20

Using your sauna 3 times a week over the course of a month, that works out to $6 or $15 at the high end for infrared/traditional sessions, respectively. In other words, you’ll barely notice your sauna on your energy bill.

It’s Worth the Cost to Run a Sauna for the Benefits!

We probably don’t have to remind you how powerful a home sauna can be for your wellness regimen. You’re getting full-body relaxation, muscle recovery, better sleep, and stress relief right at home for less than $20 per month.

Compare the sauna electricity cost and your upfront investment with the ongoing costs you’d incur at a spa or gym, and you’ll see that eventually you start saving money by owning your own sauna. Plus, you can bring prices down even further with an energy-efficient sauna heater!

What Makes a Sauna Heater Energy Efficient?

Energy efficiency in a sauna heater isn’t just about wattage. How effectively that power is used to heat your space matters most. The right combination of heater technology, insulation, and control systems can bring the sauna electricity cost down to a more comfortable range. 

Heater Design and Technology

Not all sauna heaters are made equal. Those from top-tier brands, like Harvia vs HUUM, use stainless steel resistors or carbon fiber panels to convert electricity into heat more efficiently.

For instance, Harvia’s Cilindro series and HUUM’s DROP line are both known for high thermal mass and fast heat-up times with reduced cycling. They’re two of the best sauna brands anyone should consider if they want a more efficient heater. 

Insulation and Cabin Construction

The heater itself is just one piece of the puzzle. Your sauna’s insulation plays a role, too. A well-insulated sauna with quality wood and tight seals will retain heat longer so the heater doesn’t have to work as hard to hold its temperature. Translation: less energy used per session.

Smart Controls and Timers

Digital control panels with pre-set timers and temperature thresholds prevent energy waste. Look for heaters with smart features that automate warm-up and shut-off timing.

Whether you’re building your sauna from scratch or looking to upgrade to a more energy-efficient sauna heater, you really can’t go wrong with Harvia sauna heaters or HUUM sauna heaters. Shop Nordica Sauna for the best prices on both brands today!

Get the Most Energy-Efficient Sauna Heater Today!

Nordica Sauna is your trusted retailer for all things saunas. We’ve curated an unbeatable selection of brands and their most popular models, so you can shop with confidence knowing you’re getting the latest and greatest.

From Harvia’s Cilindro or Spirit series for rapid, even heating to HUUM’s stylish DROP and HIVE heaters that blend modern aesthetics with advanced thermal performance, there’s a heater for everyone in our handpicked collection.

Or, if you prefer the traditional experience, browse our wood burning sauna sauna stoves for sale! Those with access to free or low-cost firewood will find these to be even more efficient (virtually free in some cases). They’re super rustic and enjoyable, too.

You gain access to price matching, free shipping on select orders, and you can even use FSA/HSA funds in some cases. We also offer financing options to help you make the upgrade to a more energy-efficient sauna heater.

Our customer service team is available to help you weigh your options and choose the right heater. Get in touch today for one-on-one support or use our sauna heater size chart!

Tips to Use Your Sauna Heater More Efficiently 

Running a sauna doesn't have to mean running up your electricity bill. Other than getting a more energy-efficient sauna heater, here are some ways to maximize performance and minimize waste.

Preheat Wisely

Most modern sauna heaters reach optimal temperature in 30-45 minutes. Resist the urge to preheat for an hour or more. Instead, turn the heater on only when you know you’ll be using it soon. You may even consider getting in the sauna before it reaches peak temperatures.

Use Session Time Strategically

Short, focused sessions are more energy-efficient than excessively long sauna cycles, especially when you avoid unnecessary preheating. You don’t need to spend an entire hour in the sauna - be smarter with your session time!

Maintain Your Heater and Sauna Interior

Dust and mineral buildup on heating elements can reduce efficiency. Clean the heater regularly and wipe down benches and walls to maintain airflow. 

You should also check for gaps or poor insulation that might let heat leak out of the cabin, forcing the heater to work harder and costing you more than necessary. Our blog has more sauna heater maintenance tips. 

Upgrade to a More Efficient Model If Needed

Older heaters lack the tech to control energy use precisely. If your unit is slow to heat or inconsistent in temperature, a modern replacement (especially one with built-in smart features) can pay for itself over time through energy savings. Make the upgrade at Nordica Sauna today!

Final Words on the Sauna Electricity Cost

So, how much electricity does a sauna heater use? As we bring our sauna electricity cost conversation to a close, we hope you have a better understanding of what you can expect on your monthly energy bill.

Sauna heaters don’t use nearly as much electricity as most people think, especially when properly sized and efficiently used. Whether you’re running a compact infrared unit or a larger traditional heater, the average cost per session is often lower than your daily coffee habit!

The key is investing in the right heater, optimizing session times, and maintaining your setup. We can help you with most of this at Nordica Sauna. Shop now or get in touch for one-on-one support!