How Much Electricity Does a Sauna Use?

On this page (7 sections)

1. How do you estimate how much electricity a sauna uses?
2. What affects a sauna’s electricity use?
3. Do infrared saunas use less electricity?
4. How do you estimate electricity for a sauna blanket?
5. What should you check before choosing a home sauna?
6. How can you keep sauna electricity use predictable?
7. Which sauna should you choose for your electricity needs?

A sauna’s electricity use depends on its power draw and how long it runs. Multiply kilowatts by hours to estimate kilowatt-hours (kWh), then use the rate on your electric bill to estimate the cost.

For example, a 2 kW heater running for 1 hour at full power uses 2 kWh. Preheating and longer sessions add time, while a heater that cycles off and on may draw less than its full rating for the entire session.

How do you estimate how much electricity a sauna uses?

Multiply the sauna’s kilowatt rating by its operating time in hours. The result is an estimate in kWh, the unit utilities use to measure household electricity.

A simple formula is:

Power in kW × hours running = estimated kWh

A 2 kW heater running for 45 minutes would use up to 1.5 kWh if it drew full power the whole time. This is an estimate, since actual use can change as the heater warms the room and cycles.

To estimate cost, multiply estimated kWh by your electricity rate per kWh. Your utility bill shows that rate, though some bills include separate delivery charges or time-based rates that can affect the final amount.

Does the heater run at full power the whole session?

Not always. A heater may draw full power while heating, then cycle as it maintains temperature, so multiplying rated power by total session time can overestimate energy use.

The estimate is still useful for comparing options. For a more accurate reading, use a properly rated energy meter only when the sauna’s plug and electrical setup support one; for hardwired equipment, ask an electrician about measuring its circuit.

What affects a sauna’s electricity use?

Heater power, warm-up time, session length, and heat loss all affect electricity use. A larger room or cooler starting conditions can also mean the heater runs longer before the sauna reaches its target temperature.

A well-insulated room can help retain heat, while frequent door openings let warm air escape. Follow the sauna maker’s installation and ventilation instructions, and avoid changing wiring or controls to try to reduce consumption.

The heater also needs to suit the room. Read what size sauna heater you need and how to buy a sauna heater before choosing one.

How much electricity does a 2 kW sauna heater use?

A 2 kW heater uses up to 2 kWh per hour at full power. A shorter run uses proportionally less at that same draw, while preheating and temperature maintenance can change the total.

The VEVOR 2 kW heater is specified for 120 V and rooms of 52.9 to 88.2 cu ft. It requires 22 to 33 lb of sauna stones, which are not included, and its instructions say it must be hardwired by a licensed electrician.

Check that your sauna room fits the heater’s stated range and that the electrical installation meets its requirements. See how long a sauna takes to heat up for the separate question of warm-up time.

Do infrared saunas use less electricity?

Compare the actual power rating and run time of each model; the sauna type alone doesn’t determine its electricity use. An infrared cabin and a traditional heater can have different ratings, warm-up needs, and session patterns.

For a straightforward comparison, estimate each unit’s kWh using its rated power and the time it runs. Keep the room size, target temperature, starting conditions, and session length as similar as possible.

The Albott 1-person infrared sauna uses 110 V and is described as reaching up to 149°F (65°C). Its stated footprint is 6 sq ft, which may help when space is limited.

Albott notes that cold winter conditions can require extra preheating time. That added operating time can affect total electricity use, so include it in your estimate.

How do you estimate electricity for a sauna blanket?

Use the blanket’s power draw and session length in the same kWh formula. A standard outlet does not tell you how much energy it uses; you need its wattage or kilowatt rating.

Lifepro’s BioRemedy Plus blanket plugs into a standard 110 V outlet, has adjustable settings from 86°F to 158°F, and allows sessions from 20 to 60 minutes. Its product details here do not give a wattage, so you can’t calculate a specific kWh estimate from the voltage alone.

Follow the included manual and the maker’s safety instructions. A blanket is a different format from a cabin, so compare it based on your available space, session habits, and the electrical details you can confirm.

What should you check before choosing a home sauna?

Check the heater’s power, voltage, room-size range, and installation needs before buying. Those details help you estimate energy use and confirm whether the sauna suits your space and electrical setup.

A corner infrared cabin, for example, may list a higher voltage or current requirement than a compact single-person model. The OUTEXER 2–3 person corner sauna specifies 120 V and 20 A; have an electrician confirm that your circuit and installation are appropriate.

Think about where the sauna will go, too. Our guide to putting a sauna in a garage covers location questions, while home saunas explained outlines common types, space, and power considerations.

How can you keep sauna electricity use predictable?

Estimate each session using its power rating and run time, then compare that estimate with your bill. Track preheating separately if it varies with the season or starting room temperature.

For a plug-in unit, check the manual before using any energy meter. For hardwired heaters, rely on an electrician for circuit questions and measurements.

If you’re deciding between a cabin and a smaller-format option, compare your space and session routine first. A power rating gives you a starting estimate; run time and real conditions shape the total.

Which sauna should you choose for your electricity needs?

For estimating electricity, choose a model with clear power and electrical requirements, then calculate kWh from the hours it runs. The VEVOR heater has a stated 2 kW rating; the OUTEXER cabin specifies 120 V and 20 A, while the Albott cabin specifies 110 V.

Choose the Lifepro blanket if a portable format suits your routine, but confirm its wattage before estimating energy use. For any sauna, include warm-up time and check the electrical installation requirements before use.

To plan the rest of your setup, read how to buy a sauna heater and how long a sauna takes to heat up.

Frequently asked questions

Do saunas use a lot of electricity?

It depends on the sauna’s power draw and how long it runs. A 2 kW heater running for 1 hour uses 2 kWh at full power; a session with preheating may use more time overall.

Check the heater’s power and your local utility rate to estimate the cost.

How do I calculate sauna electricity use?

Multiply the sauna’s kilowatt rating by the hours it runs to estimate kilowatt-hours. For example, 2 kW multiplied by 1 hour equals 2 kWh at full power.

Actual use can vary if the heater cycles, so a plug-in energy meter or electrician-installed meter may provide a more useful reading.

Does an infrared sauna use less electricity than a traditional sauna?

There is no single answer for every model because power, warm-up time, room size, insulation, and session length differ. Compare each unit’s rated power and expected run time, then estimate kWh using the same formula.

Infrared and traditional sauna heaters also have different heat goals and operating patterns.

Does a sauna blanket use electricity?

Yes. A sauna blanket uses electricity to warm its heating elements, and its energy use depends on its wattage and session duration.

Check the manual or product specifications for power draw, then multiply kilowatts by hours to estimate kWh.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and care.