How much electricity do portable saunas use?

On average, most portable saunas operate within a range of 1000 to 1500 watts.

Portable saunas are a convenient way to enjoy all the benefits of a sauna at any place you go. However, people who plan to purchase a portable sauna often have questions about the amount of electricity that these saunas consume. Understanding how much electricity a portable sauna uses will help you assess its impact on your energy bills and overall energy efficiency.

The Basics of Portable Sauna Energy Consumption

On average, most portable saunas operate within a range of 1000 to 1500 watts. To put this into perspective, this is roughly equivalent to the power used by a standard hair dryer or a microwave oven. There are several factors which influence the energy consumption:  

  • Type of Sauna: For example, infrared saunas are known for their energy efficiency as they heat the body directly rather than warming the air around. These types of saunas  require less energy compared to traditional steam saunas.
  • Session Duration: The amount  of time you spend in the sauna will also affect the total energy usage.
  • Power: The higher the power of the heater, the more electricity it will use per hour of operation.
  • Temperature Settings: Higher temperatures require more energy to maintain.

Calculating Your Sauna's Electricity Usage

To estimate how much electricity your portable sauna uses, you can follow this simple formula:

Electricity Usage (in watt-hours)=Wattage×Time (in hours)

For example, if your portable sauna has a 1300-watt heater and you use it for one hour, it will consume approximately 1300 watt-hours of electricity.

Night Time Superior North Shore near Duluth Minnesota - Custom Cabin Sauna, portable saunas

Cost Implications

To translate energy use into cost, check your latest electricity bill for the rate charged per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Here’s how you can calculate it:

Cost per Session= ( Wattage × Duration / 1000 ) × Cost per kWh

If electricity costs $0.13 per kWh in your area and you use the sauna for an hour, the cost per session would be:

( 1300 × 1 / 1000) × 0.13 = $ 0.169

This calculation shows that using a portable sauna can be quite cost-effective, adding only a small amount to your monthly electricity bill.

Maximizing Efficiency

To maximize energy efficiency, consider the following tips:

  • Use the sauna during off-peak hours if your utility offers lower rates.
  • Maintain your sauna well to ensure optimal performance.
  • Preheat for the minimum necessary time.

As You Finish your sauna time

Portable saunas offer a significant wellness benefit without heavily impacting your electricity usage. If you understand and monitor their energy consumption, you can enjoy the health benefits of a sauna without worrying about excessive electricity bills.

If you plan to purchase an outdoor sauna in Minneapolis, feel free to visit our website and  explore range of our outdoor custom saunas or contact us directly at BW Sauna Co. 

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