Electricity is the main ongoing cost of an electric sauna. Infrared cabins use far less than barrels, because their heaters are smaller and they warm up faster.
Calculate your cost
Estimates. Infrared assumes a 1.88 kW cabin running for a 15-minute warm-up plus your session. Barrel assumes a 6 kW heater at full power for a 40-minute warm-up, then cycling about half the time. Cold weather and poor insulation raise both.
How we calculate it
Energy is power multiplied by time. For infrared, we assume a 1.88 kW cabin (the Sun Home Equinox 2's rating) running for a 15-minute warm-up plus your session. For a barrel, we assume a 6 kW heater (the Dundalk Luna's Harvia Kip) at full power for a 40-minute warm-up, then cycling on about half the time to hold temperature.
Real costs vary with outside temperature, insulation, how hot you run it and your electricity rate.
How to lower it
- Don't overheat: a few degrees lower saves energy.
- Keep the door closed during warm-up.
- In winter, shelter outdoor saunas from wind.
- Check for time-of-use rates and sauna off-peak.
Questions
Does a sauna raise my electric bill much?
For most households, a few dollars to about $20 a month, depending on type and use.
