Home Infrared Sauna Running Cost: Session & Monthly
Is it expensive to run an infrared sauna at home?
Usually, no—running an infrared sauna at home is typically comparable to (or less than) the cost of running common household appliances for short periods. Most home infrared saunas draw roughly the same power as a space heater, so your real cost comes down to wattage, session length, and how often you use it.
What does it cost per session?
Many 2–3 person far-infrared models run in the neighborhood of 1.5–2.0 kW while heating and during use. As a quick estimate, a 45-minute session at 1.8 kW uses about 1.35 kWh. Multiply that by your electricity rate: at $0.15/kWh, that’s roughly $0.20 per session; at $0.25/kWh, it’s about $0.34. Even if your unit draws closer to 2.0 kW for an hour, the math is still usually well under a dollar per use in most areas.
Monthly cost depends on your routine
Using the same example (about 1.35 kWh per session), 4 sessions per week is around 21.6 kWh per month. That’s roughly $3–$5/month at $0.15–$0.25/kWh. Daily use (30 sessions/month) could land closer to $6–$10/month at those rates. Your actual numbers will vary with your local utility pricing and how long you preheat and sit.
What affects the bill the most?
The biggest drivers are session duration and your electricity rate. Room temperature matters too: a sauna in a cold garage may spend more time at higher output to maintain heat. Solid construction and proper sealing also help stabilize temperature efficiently.
How to keep operating costs low
Keep sessions consistent (avoid extra-long preheats), place the sauna in a temperate indoor space, and follow the manufacturer’s electrical requirements for safe, efficient performance. For a practical walkthrough on choosing and setting up a 2–3 person unit, visit this home setup guide.
FAQ
Do infrared saunas use a lot of electricity compared to traditional saunas?
Infrared saunas typically use less electricity than many traditional electric saunas because they often run at lower air temperatures and use heater panels that draw less total power.
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