Yes, it is possible to heat a sauna using gas instead of traditional wood burning or electric heaters. Gas-fired sauna heaters provide an efficient and convenient way to quickly heat up your sauna. There are a few considerations when using gas to power your sauna, but overall it can be a great heating option.
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How Gas Sauna Heaters Work
Gas sauna heaters work similarly to gas stoves or furnaces. A gas burner ignites and burns propane or natural gas, directing the flame into a specially designed rock compartment. The rocks become super-heated, radiating dry heat into the sauna room.
Gas heaters heat up a sauna much faster than electric models. They can bring a sauna up to temperature in about 30-45 minutes, while electric heaters often take 90 minutes or more. The intense radiant heat also more closely mimics the effect of traditional wood-burning sauna heaters.
Types of Gas Sauna Heaters
There are two main types of gas sauna heaters:
Vented Gas Heaters
Vented gas heaters require ducting to the outside, just like a gas furnace. Combustion gases are vented out through metal ducting. This type of heater requires professional installation but provides an efficient heating solution.
Unvented Gas Heaters
Unvented gas heaters do not require venting to the outdoors. Instead, they use catalytic combustion to burn gas very cleanly without producing carbon monoxide. Unvented heaters are easier to install as they only need a gas line hooked up.
Fuel Options for Gas Sauna Heaters
The most common fuel source for gas sauna heaters is propane, which is available in tanks. However, natural gas can also be used with the proper set-up and piping.
Here are the key differences between propane and natural gas for heating a sauna:
Propane
- Self-contained in tanks, making it portable and requiring no fixed piping
- Provides more heat output per unit compared to natural gas
- Tanks need to be monitored and replaced/refilled periodically
Natural Gas
- Requires professional installation of fixed gas lines
- Provides an unlimited fuel source as long as gas line is active
- Lower heat output than propane but more economical overall
So propane offers a simpler set-up, while natural gas provides greater long-term convenience.
Cost of Heating a Sauna with Gas
Exactly how much it costs to heat your sauna with gas will depend on several factors:
- Size of the sauna – Larger rooms require more heating power
- Insulation levels – Well insulated saunas retain heat better
- Ambient temperature – Heat loss increases in colder external temps
- Usage frequency – Infrequent use reduces average costs
- Fuel source – Propane vs. natural gas costs
- Efficiency of the heater – Newer heaters tend to be more efficient
As a rough estimate, expect to pay $2-$4 per hour to heat an average home sauna with a newer gas heater. So heating your sauna three times per week for an hour each time might add $25-$50 per month to your gas bill. The costs are very reasonable compared to electric heating.
Gas Sauna Heater Sizing
It’s important to size your gas sauna heater correctly based on the size of your sauna. Undersizing leads to insufficient heating, while oversizing wastes energy.
Follow these general sauna heater sizing guidelines:
| Sauna Volume | Minimum Heater Size |
|---|---|
| 100 – 150 ft3 | 18,000 BTU/hr |
| 150 – 250 ft3 | 24,000 – 36,000 BTU/hr |
| 250 – 375 ft3 | 36,000 – 45,000 BTU/hr |
| 375 – 750 ft3 | 45,000 – 60,000 BTU/hr |
Always match the heater capacity to the size of your sauna for the best functionality.
Ventilation Requirements
Proper ventilation is critical for any sauna, but especially when using a gas heater. There must be adequate fresh air circulating to support combustion.
Vented gas heaters require 4-6 inches of lower ventilation and upper ventilation. Unvented heaters still require 2-4 inches of ventilation at floor level to bring in fresh air. Outdoor air should be drawn in from the bottom, while stale air escapes out the top.
Poor ventilation results in oxygen depletion, uncomfortable air temperatures, and unsafe carbon monoxide buildup.
Safety Tips for Gas Sauna Heaters
Gas sauna heaters are generally safe when operated properly, but be sure to follow these precautions:
- Always install according to manufacturer specifications
- Vent properly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
- Turn off gas supply when not in use
- Locate the heater away from benches and flammable surfaces
- Place a protective barrier or guard rail around the heater
- Inspect regularly for signs of damage or leaks
- Never modify or override factory safety devices
Also be sure to follow the standard sauna safety tips like hydrating and limiting time inside to 15-20 minutes.
Maintenance for Gas Sauna Heaters
Gas heaters require very little routine care and maintenance:
- Inspect the rocks – Occasionally check the condition of the rocks, replacing any that are cracked or crumbling. This prevents debris from clogging burner tubes.
- Clean the burner – Use a wire brush to gently clean soot deposits off the burner once or twice per year.
- Wipe down exterior – Wipe down any exterior surfaces with a damp cloth to keep clean.
- Check connections – Verify all gas connections are tight and leak-free before each sauna session.
Always refer to the owner’s manual for the most up-to-date maintenance recommendations.
Finding the Right Gas Sauna Heater
If you’re interested in upgrading to a new gas-fired sauna heater, keep these tips in mind when selecting one:
- Choose an appropriate BTU rating based on your sauna’s size.
- Look for safety certifications from ETL, CSA or UL.
- Select a model with good reviews from other buyers.
- Consider bells & whistles like digital controls or timer functions.
- Choose stainless steel construction for maximum durability.
- Find a heater that matches your preferred fuel source.
- Pick a reputable brand known for quality like HARVIA or Almost Heaven.
Investing in a good gas-powered sauna heater can provide years of soothing dry heat and aromatherapy infusions. Just be sure to educate yourself on proper installation, ventilation and safety practices when making the switch from traditional sauna heating methods. With the right precautions, gas-fired heaters can be an efficient, cost-effective way to enjoy your home sauna.
Conclusion
Yes, gas-powered heaters can provide an excellent heating solution for saunas. They heat up quickly, produce radiant dry heat like wood-burning stoves, and provide a cost-effective operating option compared to electric heaters.
The keys are using properly sized heaters for your sauna size, providing adequate ventilation for combustion air and safety, and following the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation and maintenance. With appropriate safety precautions, gas heating is a great way to conveniently enjoy your home sauna.