Having your own sauna means relaxation, health, and a little luxury in everyday life. To enjoy this comfort without worry—and without constantly thinking about rising energy prices while using the sauna—it’s worth taking a closer look at ways to save energy efficiently. Saunas do come at a cost, and energy consumption can be considerable, especially with older installations or poor insulation. If you want to save money in the long term while also protecting the environment, consider an energy-efficient renovation. In this article, you’ll learn where the biggest energy losses occur and what you can do about them.
How much electricity does a sauna use?
Energy consumption depends on several factors:
- Sauna heater output: Typical heaters range from 6 kW to 9 kW
- Sauna duration: Heating time (approx. 30–45 minutes) + time spent using the sauna
- Sauna insulation
- Outdoor temperature and location (indoors vs. outdoors)
Typical home saunas have a heater output of 6 to 9 kW. An average session, including heating time, uses around 6 to 12 kWh of electricity. With regular use, this quickly adds up:
- 2–3 sauna sessions per week → approx. 600–1,500 kWh per year
- Depending on the electricity rate, this amounts to around €200–600 per year
The biggest sources of energy loss
Older sauna cabins often have inadequate insulation , allowing heat to escape through the walls, ceiling, and floor. In addition, leaky doors and joints contribute to heat loss, as even the smallest gaps let warmth escape. Another factor is the use of outdated sauna heaters, which often operate inefficiently and consume significantly more electricity than modern units. Location also plays an important role: if the sauna is in an unheated basement or a garden shed, for example, its energy consumption is considerably higher than that of an indoor sauna in a heated living area.
Energy-efficient renovation measures
1. Improve insulation
- Use modern insulation materials (e.g., mineral wool or wood fiber boards)
- Install an aluminum foil vapor barrier
- Increase wall thickness
2. Replace the door and seals
- Use glass doors with good seals
- Retrofit silicone or rubber seals
3. Install an energy-efficient sauna heater
- Choose modern heaters with improved energy efficiency
- Use models with controls and timers
- Size the output to suit the cabin size
4. Smart control systems
- Optimize preheating times
- App control for targeted operation
- Avoiding unnecessary operating times
5. Optimize the location
- Prioritize indoor spaces
- Insulate outdoor areas as well
Is a renovation worth it?
An energy-efficient renovation involves upfront costs, but pays off in the long run. Savings of 20–40% are realistic, especially for saunas used regularly. You’ll also improve comfort and reduce CO₂-emissions.
Sustainability in focus
If you want to go a step further, you can Use green electricity orInstall a photovoltaic system. Energy-efficient construction is especially important for outdoor saunas.
Tips for reducing energy consumption when using a sauna
To keep enjoying a carefree, relaxing sauna at home, here are a few tips to help keep your electricity costs down:
- If you use your sauna frequently, replace the used stones. Rearrange your sauna stones once a year and ensure even air circulation in the sauna heater. This helps the sauna heat up faster and use less energy.
- Start your sauna session once the heater has reached the desired temperature in the sauna cabin.
- Switch off the sauna immediately after your final sauna session. Since the heater retains heat for some time, you can also switch it off before your final sauna session.
- Every time the door opens, warm air escapes. So make sure to close the door again as quickly as possible when entering or leaving the sauna.
- After a sauna session, residual heat can be put to good use, for example to dry towels or preheat adjacent rooms.
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Shared sauna use in multi-person households. Saunas are not only more fun together, but also significantly more energy-efficient.
Conclusion
A sauna’s electricity consumption should not be underestimated, but targeted measures can significantly reduce it. Even small changes, such as shorter preheating times or better insulation, can make a big difference. It’s best to start by analyzing your current consumption and then make improvements step by step. An energy-efficient renovation not only improves efficiency, but also enhances the sauna experience itself. Thinking long term saves you money and helps protect the environment.