Comparing Traditional And Infrared Saunas
Comparing the standard sizes of traditional and infrared saunas one finds that the traditional is most often larger. This results in more energy use in a traditional steam sauna. An infrared sauna warms faster than a traditional sauna. This means the infrared user will be able to begin sitting sooner than a traditional steam sauna user. Less energy is used during infrared use because of the early start time.
Infrared Saunas vs. Traditional Saunas
Before we compare traditional saunas to the infrared saunas designed by Good Health Saunas®, we’d like to first explain what a traditional sauna is and how they work.
With traditional saunas, water is heated by the stones or stove to heat and humidify the room through the release of steam. Traditional saunas work by heating the surface of the skin, which then warms the underlying muscles and tissues. Too much time in a traditional sauna can cause heat-related exhaustion and dehydration.
In contrast to traditional saunas, the infrared energy in infrared saunas directly heats the skin, tissues, and muscles without the need to dramatically warm the air around you. This ensures the radiant energy goes to the areas of the body where you need it the most, without stifling the user with hot steam. Plus, since the inside of an infrared sauna is cooler than a traditional, steam-based sauna, you can spend more time enjoying all the health and relaxation benefits that come with the experience.
Sitting time in an infrared sauna, and how it affects energy cost
An infrared sauna is an intimate experience. The cozy size will reduce the time it needs to warm up. An average user may only sit for 15 minutes a day. If they choose to socialize during their time in the sauna they may feel more comfortable inside because of the low temperature and lack of clogging steam.
Low temperature in an infrared sauna
The low temperature in the infrared sauna reduces energy consumption. Infrared saunas do not have to create a steam-filled room or space to warm the air as in a traditional sauna. The infrared heat can be lower because it penetrates deeper than steam. This results in the user not having to turn the heat up too high which will save on the energy bill.
Break down the numbers
A kWH of energy for an hour in most US states on average is less than 12 cents. Using our infrared sauna based on 12 cents per kilowatt hour the average cost to operate a 20 amp sauna is 20 cents per hour. Always check your local prices when determining final numbers for your budget. Infrared saunas are affordable to run and will not break the bank.
Best Infrared Sauna For Space And Comfort.
For overall size and comfort, the Good Health Saunas Signature Series 4-Person Infrared Sauna (GSE-4) is the best and biggest. The spacious size measures 48” x 48” x 75”. The GSE-4 has all the comforts one could need, including chromotherapy lighting, and an oxygen ionizer. The sauna is also made of hypoallergenic forest Stewardship Certified Canadian wood. There are two options, Canadian Hemlock and Canadian Red Cedar.
Best Infrared Sauna for EMF rating.
The lowest EMF (Electromagnetic field) rating comes with all Good Health Saunas models. GHS infrared saunas have virtually no EMF emissions and meet all federal, state, and industry standards. This exceeds many of these standards and has been independently tested and approved by Vitatech Electromagnets.
Best Infrared Sauna for ease of use.
The Good Health Saunas 4-Person Infrared Sauna (GSE-4) comes with an easy-to-use digital control panel. This includes a few comforts such as lighting and the entertainment center. The entertainment center includes a CD player, FM Stereo, and MP3.
Are All Infrared Saunas The Same?
There are many different types of saunas (traditional, steam, etc.), but when it comes to infrared saunas specifically, the differences are few, but important to note.
Infrared Sauna Differences
Price and Size of Saunas
One of the places you’re going to find infrared sauna differences is in the size and price of the sauna. As far as size is concerned, saunas are available for 1 person, 2 people, 3 people, and 4 people. Depending on how many people you would like to fit in your sauna (either daily or if you have company over), will determine the size of the sauna and what infrared sauna type you purchase.
With price, depending on the size of the sauna the price will go up. The price also differs between different brands of infrared sauna types. Do your research to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck (GHS are some of the most affordable on the market, so be sure to compare and contrast).
Heaters Used In Sauna
One of the other main differences between infrared saunas is the material used to make the emitter: carbon or ceramic. While both types effectively work, the size of the heater and the heat intensity can differ. Although both types work effectively, the main difference comes in the size of the heater and the heat intensity experienced.
When the two emitters are compared, the slightly higher choice is a carbon sauna. Although some people may opt for the ceramic one, the carbon one is generally considered to be superior. (Thankfully for you, our GHS saunas include both – with carbon being the more predominant!) However, carbon heaters spread heat more evenly and have the advantage of penetrating your body more evenly. have the advantage of spreading heat more evenly around the sauna unit. When it comes to choosing ceramic heaters, some saunas offer solid ceramic and Incoloy. Steer towards the solid ceramic, as the quality is generally higher.
At Good Health Saunas, our heaters have been third-party tested by Vitatech Electromagnetics, LLC, and they have been proven and certified to emit very low electromagnetic fields (EMF). This testing is important for quality assurance, as the infrared sauna industry is still unregulated. With a GHS infrared sauna, you know you’re receiving a quality, safe, and enjoyable system.
Tips for Purchasing An Infrared Sauna
Purchasing a sauna is a big investment; so it’s important to know all you can about what infrared sauna you plan on buying. Companies typically can provide you with an infrared sauna buying guide to help you along. However, we’ve compiled a few infrared sauna tips that you should know before making your big purchase.
Verify EMF Rating
EMF stands for Electromagnetic Fields, and they are the waves of energy that are emitted out of infrared saunas. When you purchase a sauna, you should make sure that the sauna you buy has absolutely no (or virtually no) EMF emitted from it. Be sure to find out if they have an EMF report (all companies should), to verify these facts.
Check out the Company’s Infrared Sauna Ratings
There are so many different companies that sell infrared saunas, so it’s important to check out their ratings before buying from them. You can typically find out their ratings on social media or through the Better Business Bureau. As a rule of thumb, sauna companies (like most reputable companies) should have high ratings and great reviews consistently.
Made of Quality Materials
When it comes to a sauna, the last thing you want is for it to be cheaply made. Keep a close eye out for the word “certified” when it comes to the materials used to make the infrared sauna. This applies to the ceramic/carbon heaters used in saunas as well as the tempered glass and wood used. Remember, as infrared saunas use intense heat, the construction of the saunas is imperative to maintain your health.