Selecting Optimal Home Sauna Depending on Your Area and Financial Limit
From enjoying improved immunity to enhancing skin health, the perks associated with sauna use are numerous. If you're contemplating setting up a sauna in your abode, you might be overwhelmed by the plethora of information available. This guide offers a comprehensive rundown on everything you need to know about home saunas, including the different types and the average costs to assist you in making an informed decision.
Understanding Home Sauna Installation
Installing a home sauna provides you with quick and easy access to numerous potential health benefits. However, there are several factors to consider before diving into the process, such as location, type of sauna, and budget.
Deciding on a Location
One critical decision when selecting a home sauna is whether to install it indoors or outdoors.
Indoor Home Saunas
Many homeowners convert spare closets into saunas or construct them within basements, garages, bathrooms, or unused spaces. This setup makes sauna usage convenient regardless of the outdoor weather conditions.
However, installing an indoor sauna can be more complicated than installing an outdoor sauna, taking into account plumbing, electricity, and ventilation logistics. The positioning of the sauna in your home and the type of sauna selected may impact indoor sauna installation costs significantly.
Outdoor Home Saunas
Outdoor home saunas are becoming increasingly popular additions to patios and outdoor spaces. If you lack indoor space or prefer the aesthetic and charm of an outdoor sauna, opt for an outdoor installation.
While running electricity to an outdoor sauna can be costly, ventilation isn't an issue due to the unit's outdoor location. Some opt for wood-burning saunas for outdoor installations, which don't require electricity and represent a more traditional choice.
Home Sauna Electrical Considerations
If you opt for an electrically-heated sauna, you'll likely need access to a 220V power supply, which is uncommon in most household areas. To secure this power supply, you'll need to hire an electrician, which can cost between $300 and $800.
Some electric saunas don't require a 220V power supply and will operate on a standard 110V circuit, especially those that utilize electricity solely to regulate temperature or circulate heat.
Home Sauna Plumbing Considerations
Depending on the type of sauna you select, additional plumbing may be required. Many indoor saunas, particularly steam saunas, need floor drains, especially when they produce steam during heating. Steam saunas may also require a water supply for steam creation.
The installation of a floor drain can be labor-intensive and usually requires the service of a professional plumber, which can significantly increase the overall cost of the home sauna installation. Plan on spending between $45 and $200 per hour for a professional plumber, plus any material expenses.
Types of Home Saunas
Not all saunas are alike. Before selecting a sauna, invest some time in learning about the various types. The two most common are dry saunas and infrared saunas.
Dry Saunas
A dry sauna is the traditional Finnish sauna and can reach temperatures between 160°F and 200°F. Dry saunas use a variety of heating methods, including wood, electricity, or gas, and often feature heated stones. By pouring water over the hot stones, users can improve the dry sauna's humidity.
Infrared Saunas
An infrared sauna relies on infrared light to directly heat your body rather than warming the surrounding air, like traditional saunas. While infrared saunas are typically cheaper to run and easier to install than traditional saunas, they can only reach temperatures of 140°F, which is significantly lower than their traditional counterparts.
Due to lower temperatures, infrared saunas require longer session duration for comparable benefits. This can lead to inconvenience if time is already limited.
Prefab vs. Custom-Built Home Saunas
Regardless of the type of sauna selected, you'll have to choose between prefab and custom-built options. Pre-fab saunas offer quick installation options, especially if they can be easily positioned.
Custom-built saunas are more costly but allow for tailoring to your home and specific requirements.
Estimated Home Sauna Costs
On average, home saunas cost $3,100. However, this figure can range from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on various factors such as type of sauna, installation location, and additional features. Luxurious saunas cost more due to size, materials, and advanced features.
While adding a well-constructed home sauna may increase your property's value, it is not guaranteed. Saunas, like spas or hot tubs, will only add value to specific buyers.
- If you're considering setting up a sauna in your BHG, you might be overwhelmed by the various Home Improvement Ideas available.
- When deciding on a location for your sauna, consider installing it in Bathrooms or unused spaces for convenience.
- However, installing an indoor sauna can be more complicated due to plumbing Installations Repairs and electricity logistics, which may impact the overall cost.
- If you opt for an electrically-heated sauna, you might need to hire an electrician for a 220V power supply, with costs ranging between $300 and $800.
- For outdoor installations, ventilation isn't an issue, but running electricity can be costly or opt for traditional wood-burning saunas.
- Before selecting a sauna, learn about the different types available, such as dry saunas, infrared saunas, and their respective pros and cons, including energy consumption and installation costs.
