Rich with history spanning over two thousand years, saunas have played an integral role in humanity. In the olden days, they were used as an agricultural establishment and helped in drying flax, preparing malts and curing meat. Over time, saunas began to be utilized for their many health benefits such as helping to reduce stress, clear skin, and induce weight loss. As early as the 1900s, many Finnish pregnant women gave birth in saunas because it was considered one of the cleanest places in the home. Saunas have been around for a very long time and because of their health and wellness benefits, will continue to be utilized for many years to come.
With the increased use of saunas, there have been developments of heaters you can choose from when building a sauna. Below is a further look at the different types of heaters:
The Electric Sauna Heater is the preferred choice for residential and commercial environments. These tend to be the most commonly purchased, the most affordable option and also easier to use and clean. Its design is more modern and compact and may offer key features that the other heater units lack – such as digital controls. A key element to remember about electric saunas is that they are built to be used three times or more a week.
The Gas Sauna Heater is the perfect pick for saunas that are stationed in places where electricity supply is limited but natural gas is available. Due to its requirement of gas lines and venting installations, the costs may run higher to install this heater. Gas sauna heaters are not produced by a lot of manufacturers and are typically not as easily available. Generally speaking, they are meant to be used for larger spaces like hotels, spas, etc. since they are primarily made for saunas that will run for twelve to twenty-four hours a day.
The Wood-Burning Sauna Heater is the best option for those looking for the most traditional sauna install. These are a favored choice for outdoor saunas or cabins where electricity is not available. The increasingly popular lifestyle of living off-the-grid has helped to increase its demand. If you love the smell of wood-smoke and the toasty atmosphere that comes with it, this is the heater for you. They are also a great option as many of them come with the option of hot water tanks, which gives the sauna heater a dual purpose. Wood-burning sauna heaters are most compatible with medium to large spaces as the heat they exude can be difficult to regulate. They are relatively inexpensive for their size – especially compared to a gas sauna heater.
Whichever heater you choose, it will become the heart of your sauna. It’s important to conduct research and consider factors such as size, frequency use, etc. when making your decision.
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