Sauna Electricity Cost: Do Saunas Use a Lot of Power?

The Quick Math

Running cost = power draw (kW) × session length (hours) × your electricity rate ($/kWh). Most U.S. rates fall around $0.12–$0.20 per kWh, though this varies widely by region.

Infrared Saunas

A typical 1–2 person infrared sauna draws about 1.5–2 kW. A 30–45 minute session therefore uses roughly 0.75–1.5 kWh — often around $0.10–$0.30 per session. Infrared also heats up fast, so there's little wasted warm-up energy.

Traditional Saunas

Electric traditional heaters are far more powerful — commonly 6–8 kW — and need 30–60 minutes to heat the room before use. That pushes a session toward $0.75–$2.00+, depending on size and rate. Wood-burning heaters trade electricity for the cost of firewood.

What Affects Your Bill

• Sauna size and heater wattage (bigger = more power)
• Heat-up time before each session
• How often you use it
• Insulation quality and room temperature
• Your local electricity rate

Tips to Lower the Cost

• Choose an appropriately sized sauna — don't over-buy on capacity.
• Preheat only as long as needed; infrared barely needs any.
• Use a timer so it's never left running.
• Keep the door closed and the cabin well insulated.

Bottom line: for most households, sauna electricity is a minor expense — infrared especially. The upfront purchase price matters far more than running cost.