Introduction
Infrared saunas provide an effective way to relax and rejuvenate after a long day. Rather than traditional hot air saunas, infrared technology reaches deeper into your body to improve circulation and relieve stress. As a result, people often wonder how much they will need to invest to enjoy the benefits of an infrared sauna in their homes.
The cost of an infrared sauna will vary depending on its size and features. Generally speaking, prices for a basic model range from $1300-$1800 per unit, with larger models costing up to $15,000. These costs do not include installation or additional accessories such as LED light therapy and music systems, which can also significantly increase the price of your new infrared sauna set-up.
The most important factors to consider when choosing an infrared sauna are its size (which impacts price) and the type of materials used in its construction (including cedar, red cedar, hemlock, basswood, or white spruce). As you can imagine, better quality materials will also cost significantly more than basic wood models while adding tremendous value when it comes time to use your sauna.
Once you’ve determined which size and material you prefer for your new home spa purchase, it’s important that you do your research on which vendors offer the best price for both standard materials as well as any additional features that may be desirable for your unique needs. With these tips in mind, you’ll have no problem finding an infrared sauna at a reasonable price to take advantage of all the many health benefits that await!
Different Types of Infrared Saunas
If you’re looking to invest in an infrared sauna, you’ll be pleased to know that there are various sauna types to choose from. Various sauna types offer different features and amenities, from traditional saunas to portable saunas.
Let’s take a look at the different types of infrared saunas, as well as their prices so that you can make an informed decision:
Traditional Infrared Saunas
Traditional saunas use infrared heaters to create high temperatures, usually from 120°F to 150°F. Infrared saunas rely on near-, mid-, and far-infrared light to make a deep, penetrating heat that is absorbed directly into the skin. This type of heating raises the body’s core temperature while maintaining the comfortable levels of humidity found in traditional saunas. The intense but gentle warmth feels similar to sitting in a sun-filled room on a cool day.
These saunas are often built out of pre-cut parts, making them relatively easy and fast to assemble. Traditional infrared sauna walls are commonly lined with fine sanded cedar wood or hemlock wood for improved aesthetics inside the cabin. Still, aluminum walls are also available in different shapes and sizes – all tailored to your space preferences. Additionally, traditional infrared saunas can come with two or four full-spectrum heaters. Depending on the size of the hardware will determine how much you spend when adding an infrared cabin to your home – prices typically range from $800-$3,000 for these types of cabins.
Near Infrared Saunas
Near Infrared saunas use lamps or heaters that emit infrared energy in the 700 – 1200nm bands, with the peak at 850 nm. This infrared energy range benefits humans and other living organisms, as it is easily absorbed and penetrates deeply into tissue.
Near Infrared Saunas are typically more affordable than far-infrared models due to the materials used in their construction and the type of bulbs used. However, they should not be overlooked when searching for a personal sauna.
Infrared Saunas provide various health benefits, promoting overall well-being by helping your body release toxins and encouraging muscle relaxation naturally. It provides intense heat that penetrates up to 4 inches below the skin without feeling overwhelming or even hot to the touch—great for those who are sensitive or new to using a sauna! Additionally, research shows that this particular type of near-infrared light can improve oxygen metabolism resulting in increased exercise performance and cellular energy production.
On average, an essential near-infrared sauna can cost between $1000-$3000 depending on size and accessories included (such as chromotherapy). Remember that while they are usually cheaper than far-infrared models, you may need additional insulation layers or double glazing if you want a higher temperature inside your sauna – which adds to the cost.
Far Infrared Saunas
Far infrared saunas use invisible light waves to heat an object or space directly, providing a deep tissue sweat at lower temperatures than traditional saunas. The lower temperature in far infrared saunas makes them more comfortable than conventional varieties and is often preferable for those seeking therapeutic benefits from their sauna sessions.
Far infrared saunas come in four general varieties, including:
- Single-person units
- Two-person units
- Large room designs
- Multi-level models
Depending on the type that you purchase, prices can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Factors such as design and size will affect the cost.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Infrared Saunas
The cost of an infrared sauna can vary greatly depending on a few factors. Size, wattage, materials, and installation are just a few of the things that can affect the overall price. Knowing more about these factors can help you determine the cost of your infrared sauna. Let’s take a look at some of the details that can influence the price:
- Size – the larger the sauna, the more expensive it will be.
- Wattage – the higher the wattage, the higher the cost.
- Materials – the wood, glass, and other materials used will affect the price.
- Installation – the installation cost will depend on the complexity of the sauna.
Size
The size of your infrared sauna can significantly affect its cost. Saunas come in a wide range of sizes, from small one-person models to large family-style saunas. Prices for infrared saunas range from a few hundred dollars for small models to several thousand for larger ones. Professional models for health spas are maybe even more expensive.
In addition, the size and coverage of an infrared sauna will vary depending on its type – freestanding, portable, or built-in. Naturally, the larger the unit, the more expensive it will be.
In general, you should consider purchasing a larger model if you plan on using it with more than one person at a time or if you are tall and need extra room to sit comfortably inside the unit. A large model will also provide increased heat coverage across your body and ensure maximum benefit from your purchase.
Quality
When evaluating the cost of an infrared sauna, it is essential to consider the quality of the product. Quality differs based on several factors, such as the materials used, construction craftsmanship, and availability of features. Higher quality materials and attention to detail can increase a sauna’s price.
For the interior walls and seating, many infrared saunas are available with different types of wood, such as Canadian hemlock or environmentally-friendly poplar. Additionally, some models come with advanced features such as auto-on/off functions, multi-zone controls for individual temperature settings, oversized benches designed for taller people, built-in MP3 hookups with speakers, or custom flooring or tile. Of course, the availability and selection of these features will also determine your overall cost.
Features
Several factors can affect the price when considering the cost of an infrared sauna. Generally, the size and features of a sauna will determine its cost. The more features you add to an infrared sauna, the more expensive it will be.
- Size: Typically, larger saunas cost more than smaller units, so when picking a size, start with your budget and how much space you have available. If space is an issue, remember that corner models provide a good solution for small spaces. A standard unit can accommodate three or four people at once; however, lower-priced versions are now available for two people.
- Materials: Infrared saunas come with walls made from various materials like cedar and white spruce. The type of wood determines insulation qualities which affect overall costs – cedar provides better insulation than white spruce and is generally the most expensive option; vinyl-covered particle board is more economical but not as durable as wood walls, while ceramic and other composite materials may also be available on higher-end models.
- Features: Models also differ in features such as seating arrangements and sound systems (radio/CD/MP3) that can add to the atmosphere and luxury feel of your infrared home spa experience – these components will naturally increase prices as well. Some models include heated benches or headrests designed explicitly for comfortable reclining positions during your session; others come with adjustable air vents that allow for better circulation within your cabin space; lastly, some sauna heaters have “warming temperatures” settings that enable you to customize your experience according to their individual needs.
Average Infrared Sauna Prices
Purchasing an infrared sauna can greatly improve your health and well-being. But how much do saunas cost? The answer is that there is a wide range of prices regarding infrared saunas. Prices will vary based on the sauna’s size, material, and features.
Let’s take a look at the average price ranges for different infrared saunas:
Traditional Infrared Sauna Prices
Traditional Infrared Saunas are popular among those who want to experience the relaxing and detoxifying effects of infrared saunas. They are typically constructed with wood, often made from hemlock, pine, or cedar. These saunas tend to be larger than stand-alone models, requiring more space to operate safely.
The cost of a traditional infrared sauna can vary depending on the size and number of heaters being used, your geographic location, where you purchase the unit, additional items or accessories that you may need, shipping costs, and taxes. Generally, traditional infrared saunas range from $300 to over $5000. Here are some approximate prices for various sizes:
- One person ($400 – $1500)
- Two people ($800 – $3000)
- 3+ people ($1500 – $5000+)
It is essential to keep in mind that purchasing a quality infrared sauna does not mean paying top dollar. When considering the price, consider factors such as performance power output and ergonomic design before choosing your unit.
Near Infrared Sauna Prices
Near-infrared saunas use rays that penetrate the body, allowing for increased circulation and deeper light penetration. However, this type of sauna tends to be more expensive than far-infrared because they require more sophisticated materials, such as ceramic heaters.
Near-infrared saunas are typically portable and start at $1000, while the higher-end models can cost up to $3,500.
Far Infrared Sauna Prices
Far infrared saunas use light waves to emit heat and are known for providing the most therapeutic experience. Prices range quite dramatically, with options ranging from low-cost portable saunas that may be used to target specific areas of your body to large full-body units created out of premium materials like hemlock and spruce woods. When considering an infrared sauna purchase, you should know three main pricing considerations:
- The unit’s size
- The type of infrared emission being used.
- Any other features or customization desired
- Size: Portable far infrared saunas designed for single users cost between $200-$400, while larger models designed for multiple users cost around $3,000-$5,000.
- Infrared Emission: Near Infrared (NIR) heating elements will be more economical than Mid Infrared (MID) or Far Infrared (FIR) elements due to their narrower spectrum of light waves.
- Features & Customization: Features such as digital control panels or color therapy lighting can add additional expense. Customizations such as adding benches or altering the size may also affect pricing.
For a basic far infrared sauna room built from hemlock wood with greater than 80% efficiency, you can expect to pay approximately $2,500-$4,000, depending on your choices.
Conclusion
When deciding how much to pay for an infrared sauna, it’s important to consider its features, size, and quality. An essential 1-2 person infrared sauna can range from $1,499 to over $5,000, depending on the brand and the number of features. Heating up more quickly than traditional saunas and providing deeper heat penetration into your muscles, investing in a quality infrared sauna is well worth the cost.
In addition to its many health benefits and convenience, you can enjoy your infrared experience for years.