Types of Home Saunas: Which Sauna Styles Would Work Best for You?
Both custom commercial saunas and saunas built for the home have a lot in common. Several types of home saunas are known to help people fuel their health and wellness. Moderate heat exposure is studied to benefit people in detoxification, stress reduction, pain relief and cardiovascular health improvement. These health benefits are one of the primary reasons they want an authentic sauna experience.
They have the options between going out for an outdoor sauna or having a built-in sauna directly into their house. Orange County homeowners commonly prefer the indoor sauna over the outdoor one because it is accessible and convenient anytime. It also adds value to their home.
They have two options for purchasing: one is to have custom home saunas, and another is to buy a modular sauna. Custom sauna builders offer two main types of saunas: the dry sauna and the infrared sauna. If you consider investing in Orange County saunas, how do you choose the right one?
Create an Authentic Sauna Experience with Dry Saunas
Dry saunas are considered a classic style of heat bathing since it was a therapeutic practice long ago. A dry sauna uses the heat conductivity of the wood structure and employs dry heat from a heater inside it. It uses a hotter temperature other than any other type of sauna, with an average of 194 °F.
The wood types used for constructing dry saunas are commonly Western Red Cedar and Hemlock due to their smooth finished surface, with the light wood finish softening any room. Additionally, they are non-allergenic and non-toxic wood, making them suitable for every sauna lover.
A well-constructed sauna typically achieves a temperature of 150-160ºF at head level in about 30-40 minutes. It will stay dry until water sprinkles over hot rocks. A dry sauna provides a more consistent heat experience. It creates a gradual warming sensation that is typically not as strong as in a steam room. Custom sauna builders create proper ventilation and adjustable heat source to profuse surface sweat.
With dry saunas, you can relax in your comfort zone at your own pace. In hotter weather, the room may need to heat for a more extended period. Once they reach room temperature, the heater will cycle on and off, typically operating 50% of the time. You can relax and stay inside for about 10-15 minutes.
The heated rocks and the insulated walls will keep the room hot and stable. Also, it has a positive impact on your health and wellness.
Dry saunas are ideal for people looking for an authentic sauna experience. Despite the newer technology, many people stick with dry saunas because they believe that “the hotter, the better” for their well-being and health.
Hop in the Trend by Getting Infrared Types of Home Saunas
The infrared sauna is the latest and most high-tech type in today’s market. While some types of home saunas use heat and steam, infrared saunas use infrared radiant heat. The temperature it produces ranges from 125-155°F, which is way more relaxed than a dry sauna. You will experience an entirely dry session with average humidity inside it. Some models that use particular technologies have electromagnetic radiation and electrical field levels lower than the ambient levels in your home.
In terms of construction, an infrared sauna is more labor-intensive and more expensive than a dry sauna. It takes 7-10 days to install, depending on the size and design. It is bound for indoor use. Yet the advantage is that it creates a private and relaxing space for you.
Through electromagnetic energy and infrared lamps, warmth is formed and gives a therapeutic advantage to the body.
When infrared radiation enters the skin, it helps dissolve unwanted substances accumulated in the body. Infrared rays can rejuvenate your cells and metabolism.
Compared to a dry sauna, you can have a more extended session inside for 30-40 minutes due to its cooler temperature. That is why many homeowners request this sauna type from custom sauna builders. Because of its current trend, some models have Bluetooth sound systems and light therapy. Many prefer this because of its convenience and ease of use.
Other Considerations Before Choosing Between the Types of Home Saunas
Aside from the enticing features of different home sauna designs, you may still ponder which type of home sauna fits you. These considerations may help you decide:
Use of heat. How do these saunas produce heat? A dry sauna makes you comfortable in a wood-lined room heated by an electric sauna heater filled with rocks. Meanwhile, in an infrared sauna, the temperature is induced by infrared radiant heat. Once your infrared sauna has been heating for about 15 minutes, you’re ready to get in. As your body absorbs the infrared heat, this will increase thermal energy, inducing a deep and relaxing sweat.
Span of heat-up. How long do they heat up before it is ready to use? A classic, dry sauna takes between 30 and 40 minutes to heat up. During this time, the rocks are heated to the ideal temperature for a soothing heat. At the same time, the infrared sauna takes between 10 and 15 minutes to heat up. Since far infrared saunas heat the body directly, you can get in the sauna as soon as the heaters are up to full temperature.
Operational cost. Which one can save you more from running bills? The sauna cost varies on your local cost per kilowatt-hour (noted on your electric bill). The kilowatt rating of your heater could measure it and how much you use your sauna. Infrared saunas cost less to run than dry saunas because they operate at a lower temperature and take less time to heat up. Hence, they use less electricity per session.
Maintenance. Which is less likely to maintain? Along with installing a home sauna comes the responsibility of cleaning it. Yet, the cleaning maintenance is reasonably low. For brief orientation, infrared saunas provide dry heat. Hence, the only moisture produced is from your perspiration- reducing the chances of mold or mildew and making for a cleaner, healthier environment. In contrast, dry saunas are hot, steamy spaces that tend to form molds and mildew. After all, both should be kept hygienic and sanitized at all times.
Orange County’s Top Custom Sauna Builders: Let the Experts Help You!
Custom home saunas are in demand across California, including Orange County. The types of home saunas above are enticing enough to make you install one for your house. With over 30 years of established projects, Vintage Cellars guarantee the best custom sauna builders to help ease your worry about setting up your dream Orange County saunas.
Talk to us at (800) 876-8789 and build your dream home sauna with our steam experts!