Key Takeaways:

• Why Sauna Type Matters for Energy Use: Traditional models consume up to 10 kW per hour, while infrared saunas use as little as 1.5 kW, making the right choice key for long-term savings.
• What Really Drives Up Your Power Bill: Sauna size, insulation, heating tech, usage frequency, and ambient room temperature all affect how much electricity your setup requires.
• How to Cut Costs Without Compromising Heat: Shorter sessions, off-peak use, smart heating features, and routine maintenance can help lower your bill while still delivering full wellness benefits.

 

A home sauna should feel like a well-earned investment in your health. For many people exploring at-home wellness tools, though, rising electricity costs can become a cause for concern. The good news is that costly energy bills can be avoided. 

While some models are notorious for inefficiency, doctor-designed models by Medical Saunas are built to combat this problem. Our saunas feature rapid internal heating systems, energy-smart design, and high-grade hemlock wood construction that naturally retains heat. These elements work together to shorten heat-up times and reduce electricity use per session. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what actually affects indoor sauna power consumption and how to keep your bill low.

 

 

Comparing Traditional and Infrared Sauna Energy Consumption

The sauna type you choose will have a major impact on your energy bill. For example, traditional and infrared models operate very differently. One warms the air around you, while the other heats your body. This crucial distinction matters when cutting costs without cutting corners on your wellness routine. Let’s take a closer look at how traditional and infrared saunas compare when it comes to energy use.

How Traditional Saunas Use More Power

Traditional saunas rely on a central heating element to warm the air inside the cabin. That air, in turn, heats your body, an indirect process that requires high wattage and longer preheat times. Most models use between 6 to 10 kilowatts per hour, depending on the sauna’s size, material quality, and how well it’s insulated.

This kind of setup works well for large communal spaces or occasional weekend use, but in an at-home setting, these power demands can escalate quickly. For example, running a traditional sauna for an hour every day could add $30 to $50 per month. Additionally, other factors like a poorly insulated room, cold starting temperatures, or leaving the unit on longer than needed can make matters worse. For homeowners using older models or oversized units, energy waste can burden your utility bills.

Why Infrared Saunas Use Less Electricity

The best home infrared saunas offer a gentler, more targeted heat compared to the intense, ambient warmth of traditional models. Instead of heating the air around you, they use infrared panels, thin, energy-efficient heaters that emit radiant heat waves. These waves penetrate the skin and warm your body directly, similar to the comforting sensation of sunlight on your skin.

This direct heating method is what makes infrared saunas so efficient. Most models use only 1.5 to 2.5 kilowatts per hour, significantly less than traditional units. Sessions also tend to feel more breathable and less stifling, making it easier to stay in longer without cranking the heat.

Consider the math: using an infrared sauna for 30 minutes three to four times per week may only increase your electricity bill by $10 to $15 a month, a modest cost for consistent relaxation. At Medical Saunas, we take that efficiency even further. Our infrared models include rapid internal heating systems to reduce warm-up times and hemlock wood construction that locks in heat. Together, these features help minimize power use without sacrificing performance.

 

Factors That Affect Your Sauna's Electricity Usage

Several variables can affect how much electricity your sauna consumes. From size and insulation to heating technology and ambient temperature, each element plays a role in the total energy draw. Here's a closer look:

• Size of the sauna: Larger saunas naturally require more electricity to heat. A two-person unit heats up faster and uses less energy than a spacious model built for eight people. 
• Insulation quality: Well-insulated saunas retain heat more efficiently, reducing the amount of time the heating system needs to stay active. Our Medical Sauna models are constructed with high-grade hemlock wood and designed to minimize heat loss through features like tempered glass doors and built-in roof vents.
• Heating technology: Traditional saunas rely on electric heaters and hot rocks to warm the air, which demands higher wattage. Comparatively, infrared saunas use radiant heat that consumes less energy. Our Medical 4 through 7 Plus models include energy-efficient heating systems and rapid internal warming to reduce power usage, even in larger units.
• Usage frequency and session length: Electricity use depends on how often and how long your sauna runs. Short, consistent sessions three to four times per week will have a much lower impact on your bill compared to daily hour-long sessions. 
• Ambient temperature of the room: Saunas placed in colder or poorly insulated rooms require more electricity to reach and maintain the desired temperature. If your sauna is located in a basement or garage, expect slightly higher energy use.

 

 

How Much Electricity Does an Indoor Sauna Really Use?

If you're thinking about adding a sauna to your home, power usage is one of the most important details to consider. While saunas offer powerful health benefits, the added cost to your electricity bill can vary widely depending on the model, setup, and how often it's used. Let’s walk through standard energy ranges for indoor saunas and highlight how different habits affect your monthly bills.

Estimated Electricity Use For Traditional Saunas

Traditional saunas use electric heaters and heated stones to raise the air temperature inside the cabin. Because this method heats the entire space, it typically requires 6 to 10 kilowatts per hour. That’s similar to running multiple space heaters at once, which adds up fast when used regularly.

Frequent use of a traditional sauna, especially in a large unit or one with poor insulation, can contribute to a noticeable jump in your monthly bill. For example, using a traditional model for one hour per day may increase energy costs by $30 to $50 per month, depending on your local electricity rate.

How Infrared Saunas Use Less Power

Infrared saunas warm your body directly using radiant heat panels rather than heating the surrounding air. This method typically requires only 1.5 to 3 kilowatts per hour, making infrared saunas a more energy-conscious choice for frequent use.

Since infrared heat is more targeted, these units often require shorter warm-up periods and slightly lower operating temperatures, resulting in lower electricity consumption. Many users who sauna three to four times per week for around 30 minutes see an estimated increase of just $10 to $15 on their monthly bill.

Medical Saunas designs its infrared units to take this efficiency even further. For example, our Medical 3 model operates at 1500 watts and includes a full-spectrum heater system, detox mode, and hot/cold cleansing routines that deliver results without high energy demands. On the higher end, the Medical 7 Plus runs at 3400 watts and features advanced upgrades like rapid internal heating, mood lighting, Bluetooth integration, and silent heater systems.

Other Variables That Impact Power Consumption

Keep in mind that energy use depends on more than just sauna type. Additional factors include:

• Session frequency and length: Longer or more frequent sessions naturally draw more power. A quick 20-minute sweat every other day uses far less energy than daily hour-long routines.
• Room temperature: Cold starting temperatures require more time and power to reach the desired heat level.
• Insulation and size: Larger or poorly insulated models lose heat more quickly, which forces heaters to work harder to maintain temperature.

 

 

How to Keep Sauna Costs Low Without Sacrificing the Heat

Looking to get the most out of your sauna without running up your electricity bill? With a few smart adjustments, you can enjoy the warmth and wellness benefits while keeping energy use in check. Here are practical ways to lower your sauna’s power consumption:

• Focus on insulation: Proper insulation keeps heat from escaping, which means the heater doesn’t need to work as hard or stay on as long. Well-sealed doors and insulated walls help trap warmth inside the cabin.
• Limit session length: It’s easy to lose track of time, especially during longer recovery or relaxation sessions. Setting a timer helps you stay consistent and avoid using more electricity than necessary.
• Take advantage of smart heating technology: Some sauna models can be pre-programmed or automatically adjusted based on use patterns. Medical Saunas include rapid internal heating systems that reach full temperature in around 40 minutes, compared to the 90-minute average for many standard units. 
• Keep up with routine maintenance: A clean, well-functioning sauna runs more efficiently. Regularly check heating elements, clean filters, and make sure your system is operating smoothly. 
• Use off-peak electricity hours: Many utility companies offer discounted rates during non-peak times, such as late evening or early morning. Planning your sauna sessions around these hours can help reduce overall energy costs. Check with your electricity provider to confirm your local rate schedule.

Final Thoughts

Indoor saunas can raise your electricity bill by a significant margin, especially when using an oversized or inefficient model, or when sessions stretch on in an under-insulated space. But with the right setup and smart usage habits, those costs can stay surprisingly low.

Medical Saunas are built with that balance in mind. Our doctor-designed models feature rapid internal heating, tight-sealing hemlock wood construction, and energy-conscious engineering that lowers power demands without compromising on performance. Whether you're focused on muscle recovery, relaxation, or daily wellness, you can enjoy the full benefits of sauna therapy without the burden of high energy bills.

Read more: 

• Where Can You Put A Sauna? How To Scout Your House
• What Is a Far Infrared Sauna? Benefits and Uses Explained
• Why Venting is Crucial for Your Indoor Sauna and How to Do It Right

Frequently Asked Questions About Indoor Saunas and Electricity Bills

Does the size of an indoor sauna impact the electricity bill?

Yes! Larger saunas require more energy to heat and maintain temperature. More space means more surface area for heat to escape, which increases the workload for the heater. Medical Saunas are built with heat-retaining materials like hemlock wood and tempered glass, so even our larger models are designed to reduce excess energy use.

Can frequent use of an indoor sauna lead to a significant increase in electricity bills?

Daily sessions can increase your electricity bill, especially with traditional saunas that run on high wattage. However, infrared models from Medical Saunas operate more efficiently and warm up faster, which helps offset the cost of regular use. Most users see a modest monthly increase, depending on session length, frequency, and their local electricity rate.

How does sauna wattage affect electricity consumption?

Wattage determines how much energy your sauna draws per hour. Higher-wattage units naturally use more electricity. For example, a model running at 6 to 10 kW per hour can significantly raise your bill with frequent use. However, infrared saunas like the Medical 3 or Medical 7 Plus, run between 1.5 and 3.4 kW, offering powerful heat with lower energy demands.

Are there ways to make indoor saunas more energy-efficient?

Absolutely! Proper insulation, heating technology, and usage habits all play a role. Our saunas are constructed with tight-sealing doors, roof venting systems, and smart internal heating to reduce warm-up time and heat loss. You can also set timers, perform regular maintenance, and sauna during off-peak hours to further reduce energy use.

Is there a peak time when running an indoor sauna is more expensive?

Yes! Many utility companies charge higher rates during peak demand hours, usually late afternoon into early evening. Using your sauna early in the day or late at night, when rates are lower, can help keep energy costs down.

Is insulation important for minimizing sauna electricity consumption?

Absolutely. Strong insulation helps the sauna retain heat, allowing the heater to run more efficiently. All Medical Saunas are designed with high-grade insulation materials that preserve warmth and reduce the need for frequent reheating. 

Does converting to a solar power system affect sauna operating costs?

Using solar energy can significantly reduce your overall electricity expenses, including those related to sauna use. Homeowners with solar panels may be able to offset most or all of the energy needed for regular sauna sessions.