When enjoying a sauna at home, have you ever calculated an "invisible bill"? Both are for thermal therapy and relaxation. The steam sauna consumes 3 liters of water per hour, while the infrared sauna operates at a power of 800W. The long-term cost difference between the two may exceed your imagination. Today, we will help you calculate this "sauna economy account" from energy consumption, usage cost to applicable scenarios.
First, let's take a look at the "water account" of the steam sauna. Its core is the steam generator, and water must be heated to boiling to produce steam. Actual measurements show that each use lasting 15 to 20 minutes consumes 1 to 1.5 liters of water. If used continuously for one hour, the water consumption will exceed 3 liters. In northern winters, the cost of heating tap water is higher. Calculated at a residential electricity price of 0.5 yuan per kilowatt-hour, heating 3 liters of water from 15℃ to 100℃ consumes approximately 0.3 kilowatt-hours of electricity just for the heating process. Adding the energy consumption during equipment operation, the total electricity consumption per hour is 1 to 2 kilowatt-hours, which translates to a cost of 0.5 to 1 yuan. Over the long term, if you do it three times a week for 20 minutes each time, the monthly water and electricity bill will be about 25 to 40 yuan.
The "electricity account" of infrared saunas is simple and straightforward. It is heated by an infrared emitter and does not require boiling water. An 800W device consumes 0.8 kilowatt-hours of electricity per hour. Calculated at the same electricity price, the cost per hour is only 0.4 yuan. Due to its high heating efficiency, it usually reaches a comfortable temperature within 10 minutes. In actual use, it only consumes 0.2 kilowatt-hours of electricity in 15 minutes, with a cost of 0.1 yuan. Just three times a week, the monthly electricity bill is only 5 to 8 yuan, saving nearly 80% compared to a steam sauna.
The root cause of the energy consumption difference lies in the heating method. A steam sauna is like "boiling water in a large pot". The heat first heats the water and then diffuses through the steam. During this process, about 30% of the heat is lost into the air. Infrared sauna, on the other hand, features "precise heating". Infrared rays directly penetrate the skin and are converted into heat energy, with a heat utilization rate of over 70%. This is also the key to its energy conservation. Just like the principle that when it comes to heating, air conditioners (similar to infrared) consume less electricity than electric heaters (similar to steam).
Maintenance costs also affect long-term expenditures. The water tank and steam pipes of a steam sauna are prone to scale and mold growth. They need to be cleaned with citric acid 1-2 times a month, and the annual cost of consumables is about 50 yuan. If cleaning is neglected and equipment malfunctions, the repair cost may be as high as several hundred yuan. The infrared sauna is designed without a water tank. It only requires regular wiping of the surface of the transmitter, with basically zero maintenance costs, making long-term use more worry-free.
The cost differences are further magnified in different usage scenarios. The low energy consumption advantage of infrared saunas is obvious for daily household use. However, for users who pursue a traditional hot and humid experience, the cost of a steam sauna might be worth the investment. Steam saunas are commonly used by athletes for post-competition recovery. The hot and humid environment can quickly relax muscles. Although the cost per session is high, it meets the immediate recovery needs. The infrared sauna used during the lunch break in the office, with its low-power design, will not trigger circuit load issues. The cost of a 15-minute "fragmented heat therapy" is almost negligible.
The usage cost for special groups also needs to be taken into account. Elderly people need to replenish water frequently when using steam saunas, which indirectly increases their water bills. People with sensitive constitutions can avoid discomfort caused by damp heat by using infrared saunas and reduce the waste resulting from interrupting the use due to discomfort. In addition, the fast heating feature of infrared saunas makes them suitable for office workers with tight schedules, avoiding the waste of energy due to waiting for heating.
When making a choice, there is no need to blindly pursue low cost. It is more important to consider your needs: if you like the damp and hot feeling and need to improve respiratory problems, the cost of a steam sauna is a necessary investment. Emphasizing energy conservation and pursuing deep heating effects, infrared saunas are more economical and practical. No matter which one is chosen, developing scientific usage habits can reduce costs - steam saunas avoid dry burning, and infrared saunas control the duration, which can not only ensure the effect but also reduce waste.
After calculating this energy consumption account, it will be found that there is no absolutely cost-effective option; there is only a solution that suits you. The "water and electricity" costs of steam saunas have brought traditional experiences, while the "low power consumption" of infrared saunas has brought modern convenience. Only by choosing based on the frequency of use, health needs and budget can sauna become a comfortable and economical lifestyle, allowing people to enjoy the benefits of heat therapy while keeping the cost within a reasonable range.