An electric bill with cost information
December 07, 2022

Are saunas energy efficient? 

Light Science

We understand the importance of responsible use of our energy resources. A Sunlighten infrared sauna is super energy efficient, and you’ll be surprised to learn just how inexpensive it is to run one. It actually takes less energy to run than most household appliances.

A product that is “energy efficient” uses the majority of the power supplied to accomplish its purpose. An average standard of 90% or more is considered energy efficient. Our saunas are nearly 100% energy efficient. We created this guide to help you calculate your estimated energy cost for a Sunlighten infrared sauna, plus show you how we design and construct our saunas to be energy efficient so you can feel good about adding one to your home or business.  

3 Reasons Sunlighten Infrared Saunas are Energy Efficient 
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In order to believe how inexpensive it is to run a Sunlighten infrared sauna, you’ll want to understand the components of their design that make this possible. Sunlighten Electrical Engineer Steven Bell explains three key points: 

  1. Resistive Heating - Sunlighten’s infrared saunas work using resistive heating, which is close to 100% efficient, meaning all the energy being used is converted to heat and nothing is lost. 
  2. Quality Construction - Our solid, extra thick construction and tight, magnetic seals results in very little heat loss. 
  3. Heating Technology – Our patented heaters don’t waste energy producing wavelengths that bounce off your body. Our highly emissive heaters are designed to produce wavelengths your body absorbs.  
How to Figure Energy Cost of Infrared Sauna 
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One session in a 1-person Sunlighten sauna will cost an average of about 32 pence. How do we come up with that amount? Let’s do the math: 

To figure out how much it will cost on average to run one sauna session, you multiply 3 numbers: your sauna’s power, your electricity rate, and your sauna and heat up time. There are energy calculators you can find online that make it easy. Here’s a link to an energy calculator.

The Signature 1-person sauna runs on 1350 kw or 1.35 kW/hr. Multiply that by the national average electricity rate of 30 pence/hour. That gives you your energy cost of 41 pence per hour.

For one 45-minute sauna session, including 45-minute heat up time, you’d spend 61 pence to heat your sauna up and enjoy a session in it.   

This is an example estimate. To figure the cost for the Sunlighten sauna you’re considering purchasing or already own, you can find the sauna’s wattage use in the Sunlighten sauna owner’s manual or on the product specs on our product website pages, and reach out to your energy provider to get your exact local energy rates.  

Electricity Cost Comparison 

For comparison, here’s a list of other items and their average energy consumption for some perspective. An infrared sauna is much cheaper than running a hot tub, plus infrared will provide all the great health benefits like detoxification, a boost in your immunity, heart health and more! 

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WRITTEN BY: Sunlighten

Shining light on infrared technology, Sunlighten® is the #1 choice for personalized infrared light treatments. Since 1999, we have been committed to innovating wellness products and services that empower our customers to improve their quality of life. Our patented SoloCarbon® technology rejuvenates the body by delivering the highest dose of infrared energy to the body - proven up to 99% effective. Our technological innovations are fueled by our passion to make a difference. And we are building a global community of businesses, consumers, and trusted experts to support each other along the way and make the world a healthier, happier place.

Sunlighten saunas are not a medical device as defined by Section 201(h) of the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act. Sunlighten provides general information relating to various medical conditions for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for advice provided by a doctor or other qualified health care professional. Please consult with your physician regarding diagnosis or treatment.