Collection: Sauna Heater Size Calculator

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Sauna Heater Size Calculator

Enter your sauna room dimensions and construction details to find the perfect heater size in kilowatts (kW).

🔥 Accurate kW Sizing
Heat-Up Time Estimates
🏆 Product Recommendations
📐 Room Dimensions
🏗️ Construction Factors
⚡ Heater Preferences
Recommended Heater Size
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Acceptable range: 6-8 kW
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Cubic Feet
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Min Heat-Up Time
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Amps (240V)
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How to Size a Sauna Heater

Choosing the right sauna heater size is essential for achieving proper temperatures and efficient operation. An undersized heater struggles to reach target temperatures, while an oversized unit wastes energy and may overheat your space.

🔥 The Basic Rule

For electric heaters, plan for approximately 1 kW per 50 cubic feet of sauna space. Wood-burning stoves typically need 1.5x this amount. Always factor in construction variables like insulation, glass surfaces, and outdoor exposure.

Factors That Affect Heater Sizing

Beyond basic room volume, several construction factors influence your heater requirements. Glass doors and windows add thermal load since glass doesn't insulate as well as walls. Outdoor saunas need more power to compensate for heat loss. Poor insulation or concrete/masonry walls require additional capacity.

Electric vs Wood-Burning Heaters

Electric heaters offer precise temperature control, easier installation, and lower maintenance. They're ideal for indoor saunas and urban settings. Wood-burning stoves provide the authentic Finnish experience with that distinct wood-fired ambiance, but require proper ventilation, chimney installation, and regular wood supply.

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Need Help Choosing a Heater?

Our sauna specialists can help you select the perfect heater for your specific installation and preferences.

Average response time: under 2 minutes

Sauna Heater FAQ

How many amps does a sauna heater need? +
At 240V, divide the wattage by 240 to get amperage. A 6kW heater draws 25 amps, an 8kW draws about 33 amps. Most home saunas require a dedicated 30-50 amp circuit. Consult an electrician to ensure your electrical panel can support the load.
Can I use 120V power for my sauna heater? +
Only very small heaters (under 2kW) work on 120V, suitable for compact 1-person saunas. Most residential saunas require 240V power for heaters 3kW and above. The Harvia Vega Compact 1.9kW is one option that runs on standard 120V outlets.
How long should it take for my sauna to heat up? +
A properly sized electric heater should bring your sauna to 150-175°F in 30-45 minutes. Wood-burning stoves typically take 45-60 minutes. If your sauna takes longer than an hour, the heater may be undersized or there could be insulation issues.
What's the difference between wall-mounted and floor heaters? +
Wall-mounted heaters save floor space and work well for smaller saunas. Floor-standing models typically hold more sauna stones, providing better steam (löyly) production. Tower and pillar heaters offer the best of both with high stone capacity and a smaller footprint.
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