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How Much Does an Infrared Sauna Cost?

New age medicine and therapy techniques are increasingly becoming a hot topic all around the world. Being able to leverage these techniques can have positive effects on the quality of one’s life. Among some of the common technologies being used by DIY health enthusiasts and athletes are the infrared saunas. Yes, that’s right! Saunas nowadays heat up differently. A recent study showed that nerve cells respond well to IR therapy, which makes them ideal for medical applications as well.

A commonly asked topic is “how much does an infrared sauna cost.” This is a challenging question to answer on its own because there are various vital factors to consider. Thus, this guide goes deep down into multiple sections to help you determine the best possible costs for your needs.

Look at it this way, if you were to ask “how much does an infrared sauna cost?” What if I was to answer, that`s $900? Well, it is clear that you will still come back with more questions about the factors that come into play into such a cost.

At this point, a better question would be to determine the type of sauna you want first. Also, identify factors such as installation costs and some of the basic design features of a good sauna.

What is Infrared?

It is a term that refers to a section of the electromagnetic spectrum and classifies between 750nm to 1000 μm. The spectrum will lead to heating when absorbed by an object because some of its energy triggers the atom through which it passes. While most types of energy can move through conduction or convention, infrared can also move through vacuums such as space.

What Infrared Size is Best?

Perhaps the most critical factor to consider when you want to buy a sauna relates to its average size. These are electrical appliances which are available in different sizes, and price ranges, which relate to various design factors. Furthermore, aspects such as the arrangement of your home are also crucial. It might seem obvious, but there is no benefit in getting a 2-person sauna when you live in a small apartment. Thus, learning about the types of saunas available is essential.

Who is A Sauna Suitable For?

When you come across this question, the first step is to determine the specific users of the electrical appliances. Is it your family, personal use or perhaps for a business? Do you have a business or many friends who visit and want to enjoy the sauna?

Any savvy homeowner should that saunas are available in multiple sizes. Typically, a sauna size ranges in between a 1 to 4 or 5-person sauna. You can go for a larger size, but you might have to get custom sauna metrics.

Installation Factors

These factors are also important when you want to determine the cost of a sauna. Once you buy the sauna, you will need various aspects of installation to be covered. They include:

Where Should I Install a Fauna?

Well, this is among some of the critical questions to consider when buying a sauna. The installation location determines the size and basic features you can select in a sauna. More so, you also want to establish a convenient location for installation, without compromising the functionality of your home.

What are the average installation costs?

An important aspect of buying a sauna also relates to understanding the average cost of installation. The benefit of owning such an electrical appliance is that you can easily install it with DIY tools. On the contrary, other models such as a steam sauna might require professional installation due to procedures such as plumbing. Thus, when it comes to installing a sauna, determine the average costs of tools such as wrenches, nails, screw drives and more. If you already have these tools in your toolbox, then the better for you.

Furthermore, a key factor to consider relates to the running cost of the sauna. While the average cost of running a sauna differs, you can easily calculate by noticing differences in energy consumption bills. Also, aspects such as design features and functionality of the sauna come into play.

What Is the Average Price of An Infrared Sauna?

Below is a compilation of the basic prices of some of the best-infrared saunas on the consumer market. The price ranges from a portable sauna to as large as a three-person sauna.

Portable Infrared Saunas Price Range – $100 to $600

If you are searching for a small and personal infrared, then this is by far the best option for your needs. On average, the price here ranges between $100 to $600. While this price range seems somewhat large, it does well to depict the quality you can expect from such products. If you are searching for a cheaper option, then consider going for the lower-priced version. That said, remember that quality goes as far as your pockets can go when it comes to infrared saunas.

1-2 Person Infrared Sauna Price Range – $850-$1700

The average price of a 1-2-person infrared sauna varies significantly. For an average of $800, you should gain access to a high-quality sauna for your needs. The higher-priced versions of these types of saunas come with a host of auxiliary features which we shall cover in this list.

3-4 Person Infrared Sauna $1500-$3000

The large size of such an infrared sauna makes it inherently experience, regardless of the auxiliary features that it has available. With an average of $2000, you should easily get a high-quality 3-person sauna to suit your needs. However, top it up to about an average of $2,500 and get one with a host of unique design features.

Features of A Good Sauna

Heating Material Construction

• Carbon fiber – A relatively modern type of material when it comes to infrared saunas. It features a large and flexible carbon panel, which provides many benefits. The main reason behind the unique performance of carbon-based sauna is that it is compact, slim and safe to use. The compact size of the carbon material means that it takes up a small footprint within your space. The carbon wave panel often consists of carbon material designed to produce infrared rays at an average of 9.4 microns. More so, using this approach means that even higher and more calibrated levels of infrared can be realized. This will provide a safe and even surface temperature that is ideal for a user. Also, no unhealthy emissions will be emitted, or will the user experience issues such as fevers.
• Ceramic/quartz tube heaters – Another common alternative to carbon fibre panels is ceramic materials. This material is relatively common because of its exceptional heating ability, and reasonable cost as well. The electrical and ceramic conductors feature small heaters that make use of waves emitted from an infrared spectrum. Thus, you will enjoy much hotter operating temperatures, and also makes up for an excellent solution for infrared heating. However, since ceramic material tends to get relatively easy, it’s vital that you maintain optimal safety.

The Surface Heating Area

The infrared rays originate from the heaters on the unit itself. Thus, a good surface area level will offer the ideal surface through which you can experience the rays. Usually, these surfaces are placed in different locations. For instance, some saunas comprise of heaters which are placed behind the sides and back. Such an approach leads to minimal heating on the other sides of the body. Other machines have small panels that leave the sauna with a small coverage.

Recent studies have shown that carbon fiber heaters have a much better heating surface area than ceramic brands. However, ceramic brands are much more affordable and are also easier to maintain. Thus, when investing in an infrared heater, ensure that you evaluate the quality of the heater. Also, remember to assess your specific needs. The ceramic heaters tend to have a smaller surface area for heating due to their excessive temperatures.

Wavelengths Emitted

Various recent studies have shown that the human body produces a significant amount of radiation. In fact, NASA recently mentioned that the peak emissions from the body averages at 10 microns, which is optimal for body functions. Any compromise to the natural emissions from the body can easily lead to various health issues. Thus, when investing in an infrared sauna, ensure that you evaluate the material to avoid compromising your health. Infrared has an exceptional range in the infrared spectrum. Thus, evaluate the device to determine its output emp range and peak output level as well. Also, consult with your sauna suppliers, and search for an output level that is medically approved for human consumption.

Material Type

• CedarWood – Cedarwood is considered a higher-end material, and it’s also used as part of enhanced infrared sauna aesthetics. It is a material that provides dimensional stability, optimal insulation and decay resistance as well. The material is also famous for its fine, ultra-chic and durable grains, which makes it a top selection for saunas. Furthermore, cedar does not have any issues such as discolouring and it also resistant to scratches. Cedar has been a common material in saunas over the past few years for various other benefits. For instance, it is a material with a unique cellular structure, and it improves the insulation ability of the sauna.
• Basswood – Another excellent alternative to cedar is basswood, because of its affordability, and its ability to mold into different finishes. Aside from infrared saunas, cedar material is also common among various other types of interior design projects. Otherwise referred to as limewood or linden, basswood makes up for an excellent addition to any infrared sauna. The wood has a unique grain, and its physical properties are suitable for intricate carving. Some basswood materials are even incorporated with hypoallergenic properties that surpass FAS standard to guarantee the best performance

Programmable Temperature

Usually, an excellent sauna allows users to customize the heater settings to suit their needs. It is a convenient feature that lets you set the sauna to be ready in time for your arrival. Without preheating, you will not necessarily enjoy the best heating results. Thus, ensure that you evaluate the preheater settings and whether it can suit your specific needs. Ideally, the heater should be simple to use, and it should also remember your particular settings. This way, you only need to turn on the machine for it to heat automatically next time. Usually, an infrared sauna lets users customize the heaters at 5-degree intervals, which is also highly convenient.

Programmable Timer

Also, ensure that you choose sauna features a mechanism that will stop automatically once your session is through. Usually, the sauna features a digital control system that helps to monitor the time you spend in the sauna. It is an excellent safety measure, especially since the sauna tends to produce an extremely relaxing effect on the body. If you are relatively new to using saunas, try customizing the device to shut down or operate in between 5-minute increments. This way you always stay alert as to when you should stop using the sauna.

Other Features to Consider

• Removable and ergonomic backrests – a detachable backrest makes it easy to adjust the position of the sauna. Such a feature is ideal for tall or short users. Furthermore, you will also enjoy the benefit of using a sauna with ergonomic backrests. The advantage of an ergonomic backrest is that its comfortable. Even more, such a design enhances the quality of your experience in the sauna.
• Large internal benches – even though this might be a commonly overlook feature, the ideal bench will provide optimal comfort for your sauna session. Thus, ensure that you evaluate the dimensions of the bench, and ensure the depth of the bench is suitable for your needs. Most solar saunas have a bench depth that averages at 46mm, which can accommodate as many as four users.
• Adjustable roof vent – this is an auxiliary feature that you should consider. The vent makes it easy to open and allow the fresh air to move around the sauna without having to open a door or perhaps lose any heat.

Overall

Being able to determine the cost of any useful appliance that you want to purchase is a good decision. More so, when it comes to buying medical solutions such as infrared saunas, getting the best value for your money is always an exceptional feeling. In this, if someone asks “how much does an infrared sauna cost?” Well, you should know that various vital factors come into play when you want to purchase such an appliance. On average, expect to spend between $600 to $2,500, with the latter price guaranteeing a top-notch machine for your needs.

Also, remember to evaluate various other critical features of the sauna such as heaters, the material construction, the brand, the heater setting and more. Get a good infrared heater and instantly take your overall health and well-being to the next level.