When it comes to relaxation and wellness, infrared saunas have emerged as a top choice for health-conscious individuals. But beyond their impressive health benefits, they also provide an energy-efficient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional heating methods. Unlike conventional saunas, which require intense energy to heat the air around you, infrared saunas use targeted radiant heat, making them a more sustainable and cost-effective option.
In this blog, we’ll break down why infrared saunas are the greener choice, how they save energy, and how they contribute to a more sustainable future.
Infrared Saunas vs. Traditional Saunas: A Sustainability Breakdown
Saunas have been used for centuries, but not all saunas are created equal when it comes to energy consumption and environmental impact.
Traditional Saunas
Traditional saunas rely on convection heat, warming the air inside a sealed room. This requires:
- A large heating element that raises temperatures to 180-200°F.
- 30-60 minutes of preheating time before use.
- Constant energy output to maintain high temperatures.
While effective, this method is energy-intensive, leading to high electricity consumption and increased environmental impact. It can also be too hot to handle for many, potentially leading to health issues.
Infrared Saunas
Far Infrared (FIR) saunas, like those from Rocky Mountain Saunas, work differently. Instead of heating the surrounding air, infrared panels directly warm the body through radiant heat. This results in:
- Lower operating temperatures (115-140°F), reducing energy demands.
- Zero preheating time — infrared saunas start working almost immediately.
- Targeted heating, ensuring energy isn’t wasted on warming empty space.
This efficiency makes infrared saunas the smarter, greener choice for both your home and the planet.
Energy Efficiency: Using Less Power for Maximum Benefits
One of the standout features of infrared saunas is their ability to deliver powerful results while using minimal electricity.
1. Lower Wattage, Higher Efficiency
Infrared saunas require significantly less power than traditional saunas. A standard infrared sauna operates at 1.2 to 1.6 kW per hour, whereas a traditional sauna can consume up to 6 kW per hour — nearly four times the energy usage!
Annual Cost Savings:
- Using an infrared sauna for five 45-minute sessions per week costs about $4-$5 per month in electricity.
- A traditional sauna, in contrast, can cost upwards of $20 per month due to higher power demands.
Over time, these savings add up, making infrared saunas a smarter financial and environmental choice.
2. No Wasted Heat
Traditional saunas must heat the entire room, leading to energy loss as heat dissipates into the air. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use direct radiant heat, meaning almost 100% of the energy goes toward warming your body, not the air around you.
This efficiency ensures that less power is required to achieve the same (or better) health benefits.
3. Faster Warm-Up Times
A traditional sauna takes 30-60 minutes to reach the desired temperature, requiring continuous power during that time. Infrared saunas heat up in just 15-20 minutes, significantly reducing energy consumption before and during use.
Sustainable Materials: Responsible Manufacturing
At Rocky Mountain Saunas, we prioritize sustainability not just in energy efficiency but also in responsible sourcing and eco-friendly materials.
Sustainably Harvested Wood
We use Grade One Canadian Hemlock and Western Red Cedar, sourced from responsibly managed forests. Unlike mass-produced saunas that rely on lower-quality materials, our wood is:
- Slow-growing, making it stronger and more durable.
- Naturally resistant to mold, bacteria, and decay (reducing the need for chemical treatments).
- Kiln-dried for stability, ensuring longevity and preventing waste from warping or cracking.
Non-Toxic Manufacturing
Many sauna manufacturers use chemical sealants, adhesives, and stains that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. These toxins can contribute to indoor air pollution and pose health risks.
At Rocky Mountain Saunas, we take a chemical-free approach:
- No preservatives, drying agents, or pesticides in wood curing.
- Non-toxic water-based finishes instead of harsh chemical sealers.
- Low-EMF, shielded wiring to protect against electromagnetic field exposure.
This ensures that your sauna is not only sustainable but also safe for long-term use.
Lower Carbon Footprint: A Green Alternative to High-Energy Wellness
Reduced Energy Demand on Power Grids
By using less electricity, infrared saunas reduce overall demand on power grids, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable Home Wellness vs. Commercial Energy Use
Using a home sauna means less reliance on commercial spas and wellness centers, which consume significantly more electricity due to large-scale heating systems.
By switching to a home infrared sauna, you contribute to:
- Lower energy waste.
- Less strain on public utilities.
- A more self-sufficient, eco-friendly lifestyle.
Longevity and Waste Reduction: Built to Last
Unlike cheaply made sauna models that break down after a few years, Rocky Mountain Saunas are designed for decades of reliable use.
Durable Design, Less Waste
- Nano-Carbon™ infrared heating panels have a lifespan of 32,000+ hours (over 80 years of regular use!).
- Reinforced wood paneling prevents cracking, extending the sauna’s life.
- Quality craftsmanship reduces landfill waste from discarded units.
Easy Component Replacement
Instead of replacing entire units, Rocky Mountain Saunas keeps replacement parts in stock for essential components like heaters and controls. Our plug-and-play design allows users to easily replace parts themselves — no electrician required. This ensures your sauna stays in top condition for years without unnecessary waste or costly replacements.
Infrared Saunas: A Greener Future for Wellness
With growing concerns about climate change and energy consumption, making sustainable choices is more important than ever. Investing in an infrared sauna allows you to:
- Reduce energy consumption with low-wattage, efficient heating.
- Lower carbon emissions by using a home sauna instead of energy-heavy spas.
- Support eco-friendly materials with sustainably sourced wood and non-toxic manufacturing.
- Minimize waste with long-lasting craftsmanship and upgradeable components.
At Rocky Mountain Saunas, we believe in wellness that doesn’t come at the cost of the environment. Our infrared saunas are designed to support your health while minimizing impact on the planet.
A Smarter, More Sustainable Choice
Owning an infrared sauna is more than just an investment in health and relaxation — it’s a step toward a greener future. With lower energy consumption, sustainable materials, and long-term durability, infrared saunas provide an eco-friendly wellness solution that benefits both you and the environment.
Ready to upgrade to a smarter, greener way to sauna? Explore Rocky Mountain Saunas today and experience the difference of sustainability without compromise.
