Unlike traditional or classic saunas that use steam or dry heat to warm a room, infrared saunas use advanced infrared heaters to warm your body directly. As your body absorbs the infrared heat, this increases thermal energy, inducing a deep and relaxing sweat.
DIFFERENCE COMPARED TO TRADITIONAL STEAM SAUNA
- Heating Method
The circulating air temperature is less important compared to traditional steam sauna. Since the heater panel is directly warming your body, it is ideal to locate the panel(s) as close to the user as possible. - Temperature
On average, infrared saunas operate between 46 to 57 degrees while traditional saunas can get up to 85 degrees. - Health benefits
Traditional Sauna is always better on this one. - Heat-up time
A traditional ‘hot rock’ sauna takes between 30 and 40 minutes to heat up. During this time the rocks are heated to the ideal temperature for soft heat and soft steam.
An infrared sauna takes between 10 and 15 minutes to heat up. Since far infrared saunas heat the body directly, you can get in the sauna as soon as the heaters are up to full temperature. - Running costs
Overall, infrared saunas are more energy-efficient than traditional saunas as you don’t have to wait as long before the sauna is ready to use.
On average, if you use your infrared sauna three times a week you could expect to spend around $10 a month on electricity.
In contrast, a traditional sauna with a 6kW element being used for an hour, three days a week, would be over $20 per month. - Sauna cost and prices
The cost of an Infrared Sauna depends on the number of Heating Panels. One panel cost roughly $2500.
Traditional steam saunas are generally a lot more expensive than infrared saunas, largely because (as explained above) they need to be professionally installed.
ARCHITECTUAL DOCUMENTATION
Generally speaking, the Sauna suppliers will have their own Contractor to source and install the Sauna for you, yet it is possible to give the job to the already assigned Contractor of your project. The interior layout is subjective to the client liking and it is advisable to hold workshops with both the clients and the Sauna’s person to configure the general arrangement. If you are assigning the installation job to the Sauna Contractor, the labouring and material cost should be subtracted from the original pricing. However, keep in mind that there are several things not included in the installation package:
- Flooring Finish
- Power connection
- Basica framing & required Structure
- Wall cavity allowing for natural ventilation
Notes:
- The lower the Ceiling height the better.
- Sauna door has to swing externally.
- A small vision panel is required.
- Mechanical exhaust is not needed.
- Lighting to be small LED downlight or linear strip lighting.
- Floor waste is not mandatory.
- Typical Sauna Wall Build-up:
