How Much Electricity Does a Sauna Use?

Struggling with high electricity bills? Your sauna might be the culprit. Traditional saunas can be energy guzzlers, while infrared models promise efficiency, but how much power do they really use?

Without the right insights, you could be overpaying. In this guide, we break down sauna energy consumption and share expert tips to help you save on electricity.

• Infrared vs. Traditional Saunas: Infrared saunas use less electricity (1–3 kWh per hour) compared to traditional electric saunas (4–6 kWh per hour).

• Efficiency Matters: Proper insulation, heater efficiency, and session planning help reduce energy consumption.

• Smart Heating Strategies: Keeping the door closed, minimizing preheating time, and using smart controls save electricity.

• Cost Considerations: Running a home sauna can cost $10–$50 per month, depending on type and usage.

• Renewable Energy Options: Solar, wind, and geothermal energy can power saunas for a sustainable alternative.

A sauna’s electricity usage depends on its size, type, and power rating. Measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), it tells you how much energy a sauna consumes per hour.

On average, a small home sauna uses around 1.1 to 8.3 kWh per hour, while larger or commercial saunas may use more.

Infrared saunas typically consume the least electricity, operating at 1.1–8.3 kWh per hour , whereas traditional electric saunas use around 9–13 kWh per hour.

Other factors, such as insulation, heater efficiency, and session length, impact power consumption. Additionally, infrared saunas heat up faster and have lower operating costs compared to traditional saunas.

Depending on electricity rates, running a sauna can cost between $0.20 and $2 per hour. The table below provides a comparison of power usage and key differences between infrared and traditional saunas.

The type of sauna plays a major role in energy consumption. Traditional wood-burning saunas rely on firewood rather than electricity, making them cost-effective in areas where wood is abundant.

Electric saunas vary in efficiency based on their heater power, while infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures and use the least electricity.

Steam saunas consume more energy since they require constant boiling of water. Hybrid saunas, which combine infrared and traditional heating, use more electricity than single-method saunas. If energy efficiency is the goal, infrared heating is often the best choice.

The longer and more frequently a sauna is used, the more electricity it consumes. A single extended session can use less power than multiple shorter ones since the heater doesn't need to reheat as often.

Planning sauna sessions efficiently, such as scheduling back-to-back use, reduces unnecessary preheating time and overall energy costs.

Proper insulation reduces heat loss, improving energy efficiency. High-quality insulation, such as fiberglass or mineral wool, helps retain warmth, requiring less electricity to maintain temperature.

Larger saunas need more power to heat up, making a compact, well-insulated design the most efficient.

Investing in thicker walls or reflective insulation can further reduce heat loss and overall energy consumption.

A sauna’s energy usage is affected by its surrounding environment. In colder climates, heaters work harder to maintain the target temperature, making insulation essential.

Ventilation plays a key role as well—too much airflow leads to heat loss, while inadequate ventilation traps moisture and affects efficiency.

Seasonal changes impact power needs, with saunas requiring more energy in winter. Adjusting ventilation strategically can help optimize heat retention and reduce power consumption.

Sauna heaters vary in efficiency based on their design and wattage. A high-wattage heater may seem like an energy drain, but it can be more efficient if it heats the sauna quickly and then maintains the temperature with minimal effort.

Choosing the right heater size for the sauna ensures efficient performance without excess power usage.

How you use your sauna affects its energy consumption. Keeping the door closed prevents heat loss, while minimizing preheating time avoids wasting electricity.

Saunas made from heat-retaining materials like cedar or hemlock maintain warmth longer, reducing the heater's workload.

Ensuring that the door seals properly and adjusting ventilation to maintain temperature stability also contribute to efficiency.

Modern saunas come with smart features that reduce electricity costs. Programmable thermostats allow precise temperature settings, preventing wasted energy.

Smart sensors adjust heating based on usage, while automatic shut-off features prevent unnecessary power draw.

Some models include Wi-Fi-enabled controls, allowing remote scheduling so the sauna is only heated when needed. These features help maximize efficiency without sacrificing comfort.

Preheating a sauna consumes electricity, but how much depends on heater type, insulation, and duration.

A well-insulated sauna retains warmth better, reducing power consumption. While preheating at a lower temperature may seem energy-efficient, it often extends heating time, using just as much electricity.

Turning the sauna off immediately after use prevents unnecessary power drain. Instead of keeping it warm all day, heating only when needed is the smarter way to save electricity while still enjoying the benefits of a sauna.

A sauna uses more electricity than many household appliances. 

For example, a refrigerator typically runs on 350–780 watts , while a sauna requires 1,000 to 6,000 watts.

While an air conditioner runs for longer, making overall energy costs comparable, a sauna consumes more power in a short time.

Other appliances, such as electric stoves (1,000–3,000 watts ) and clothes dryers (1,500–5,000 watts ), use similar wattage, though their operation time is usually shorter. 

Below is a comparison of power usage for various household appliances, including saunas, to illustrate their energy demands.

The cost of running a sauna depends on type, size, and frequency of use. To estimate expenses, multiply the sauna’s wattage by the hours used, then by your local electricity rate.

Home saunas typically cost between $10 to $50 per month, with infrared models being the most energy-efficient.

Winter use can drive costs up due to longer heating times. Factors like insulation, heater efficiency, and session structure all influence the final electricity bill.

Long-term sauna costs depend on electricity rates, frequency of use, and efficiency measures.

Running a sauna at night may lower costs if off-peak rates are available. Poor insulation leads to heat loss, increasing power consumption, so upgrading insulation helps reduce expenses.

Using timers prevents unnecessary heating, and energy-efficient heaters optimize electricity use.

Simple strategies like smart preheating and proper ventilation significantly impact energy savings, making sauna use more cost-effective over time.

Renewable energy can power a sauna, but the best option depends on location and energy needs.

Solar panels are a popular choice, especially in sunny areas, though sufficient panels and battery storage are needed for cloudy days.

Wind energy works well in areas with steady wind speeds. Geothermal heating is another efficient solution, using the Earth's heat to warm the sauna naturally.

For off-grid options, a combination of solar and wind energy ensures a consistent power supply, making sauna use sustainable without relying on the electrical grid.