Can I Use an Infrared Sauna with Electric Heater?

Compatibility Analysis Between Infrared Sauna with Electric Heater

When discussing whether infrared sauna with electric heater can be used compatibly, we must first analyze their heating principles, which we will explain in detail below.

Heating Principles of Infrared Saunas with Electric Heater

Infrared sauna:Infrared saunas rely on infrared heating panels made of microcrystallized glass carbon fiber, carbon fiber, or mica. Unlike traditional heating methods, this method uses infrared heating to directly heat the body rather than the air. This allows users to quickly feel the heat, but the temperature inside the sauna is not too high.

Electric heater: Electric heater use heating elements such as electric heating tubes to heat the air first, causing the air temperature to rise. The heat from the air then heats the body inside the sauna room. Therefore, the temperature inside the sauna room will be higher.

Can I Use Infrared Sauna with Electric Heater at the Same Time?

In practical use, infrared sauna with electric heater can be used at the same time. The temperature of an infrared sauna room is approximately in the range of 45℃-65℃. The temperature felt at different locations is also different. The higher the temperature felt at the top, the higher the temperature is. However, in fact, the actual heating temperature of the infrared heating plate can be between 80℃-90℃ to make the air temperature in the sauna room reach 65℃. Therefore, using it with an electric heater can quickly heat up and achieve an overall high-temperature sauna environment.
Infrared saunas can also be equipped with microcrystalline glass carbon fiber far-infrared tubes. These are usually backrest designed and can be installed in various positions besides glass. The red light tubes can accelerate heating and can also provide red light therapy for localized body applications.

When designing an infrared sauna, you’ll also need to leave space for an electric heater. Both infrared saunas and electric heaters require high power, so you’ll need to discuss the power settings with your engineer before designing to ensure the voltage is sufficient to support both heaters and ensure safe operation.

It is important to note that infrared saunas usually come with their own control panel. If you use the dual heating system of an infrared sauna with electric heater for a long time, the temperature may be too high, which may cause deformation of the infrared sauna control panel and reduce its service life. Therefore, when using the dual heating system at the same time, it is not recommended to set the temperature too high to ensure the stability and safety of the equipment.

Comparison of the Advantages and Disadvantages of Infrared Heating and Electric Heater Heating

By understanding the heating principles of infrared and electric heaters, the following will more comprehensively compare and analyze their advantages and disadvantages during use.

Advantages of Infrared Sauna Heating

High heating efficiency: It heats up quickly after the power is turned on, the heat acts directly on the human body, and the heat is relatively concentrated, so the overall heating efficiency is high, customers can experience the temperature brought by the sauna faster, and the sauna experience is better.
Suitable temperature: Since infrared saunas act directly on the human body, the air temperature in an infrared sauna is usually lower than that in a traditional sauna. The relatively mild environment is suitable for people who do not like high temperatures.
Long-term use: Because of its suitable temperature, users can stay in the sauna room comfortably for a long time and enjoy the relaxing experience brought by the sauna.
Energy saving: Infrared heating can be directly conducted to the human body, reducing the heat energy consumption of the intermediate air conduction. Therefore, its energy conversion is more efficient. It is usually more energy-saving and environmentally friendly than traditional electric heaters.

Disadvantages of Infrared Sauna Heating

Differences in user experience: For people who are accustomed to using traditional high-temperature saunas, the relatively low temperature of infrared saunas may make users feel that the temperature is not enough. In the initial stage, they need to adapt to the different experience of infrared saunas.
Higher heating equipment costs: The heating elements used in infrared saunas, such as infrared heating panels made of microcrystall glass carbon fiber, carbon fiber, or mica, are generally more expensive than traditional electric heating elements.

Advantages of Electric Heater Heating

High-temperature sauna experience: electric heaters heat the air to a certain high temperature that can be felt by the human body. It is suitable for people who like traditional high-temperature saunas.
Easy maintenance and replacement: electric heaters are a common heating method. They have a simple structure and the related parts are highly universal. They are also convenient for subsequent inspection and maintenance, and the maintenance cost of the heating system is relatively low.

Disadvantages of Electric Heater Heating

High energy consumption: electric heaters need to heat the air first, and then transfer the heat to the human body through the high-temperature air. The time and energy conversion consumed during this process are large.
High temperature: For some people with low heat tolerance, the high temperatures of electric heaters may cause discomfort and reduce the sensory experience of the sauna.

Best Ways to Use an Infrared Sauna with Electric Heater

After understanding the characteristics and differences between the two, let’s discuss how to choose the heating method according to needs, as well as the precautions for the compatible use of the two.

How to Choose the Heating Method According to Your Needs

Temperature preference: If you like a high-temperature sauna experience and have high heat resistance, then an electric heater is very suitable for you. If you like a lower space temperature, then an infrared sauna room is more suitable for you.
Frequency of use: If you use the sauna frequently and are comfortable with high temperatures, an electric heater is a better choice. If you enjoy spending extended periods in the sauna, an infrared sauna can make the experience more comfortable.

Notes on Compatible Use

Power carrying capacity: When using two heating methods together, it is necessary to consider whether the power system of the sauna room can carry the power voltage of the two devices.
Temperature power: The temperature generated by electric heaters is too high. When using an infrared sauna with electric heater, it is recommended that the temperature used should not be too high.
Use in different areas: Infrared heating is most efficient when used close to the human body, so the electric heater should be placed in an area slightly away from the human body to heat the air in the sauna room. By using them in different areas, they can play the ultimate advantage according to the heating objects, and compatible use can quickly reach the sauna temperature.
Equipment cleaning and maintenance: The two heating methods require separate cleaning and maintenance, and technicians should be assigned to perform regular inspections to ensure proper operation. Before daily cleaning, disconnect the power cord. For infrared heating panels, primarily dry-wipe the heating panel to remove dust. For electric heaters, wipe the outer surface with a damp cloth, then dry it with a dry cloth. Remove and clean or replace the sauna stones, and then vacuum or brush the bottom. Regarding maintenance, if any problems with infrared heating panels, such as cracks or malfunctions, are found, contact a qualified technician for replacement. For electric heaters, the internal heating element should be regularly inspected for any abnormalities, and a qualified technician should be consulted for on-site repairs.

Benefits of Using an Infrared Sauna with Electric Heater in Combination

Using an infrared sauna with electric heater allows customers to enjoy the advantages of two heating methods at the same time, improving the temperature control efficiency of the sauna experience, saving energy and maintaining the comfort of the sauna.

Improve Temperature Control Efficiency

The combination of an infrared sauna with electric heater allows users to adjust the sauna temperature to their needs, improving the temperature control efficiency of the sauna. For example, users can experience a low-temperature sauna in the infrared heating area or a lower sauna position, and a high-temperature sauna in the electric heater area or a higher sauna position.

Energy Saving and Comfortable Experience

When using an electric heater alone, it takes a long time for the user to feel the sauna temperature, resulting in high energy consumption. However, an infrared sauna can solve this problem. Using both heaters together can reach the sauna temperature faster, saving energy and providing a more comfortable experience.

About Alphasauna

Alphasauna offers a variety of saunas: outdoor sauna, indoor sauna, infrared sauna, and mobile sauna, allowing you to create customized solutions tailored to your needs, including heaters. As a leading manufacturer of ice baths and saunas, Alphasauna integrates independent R&D, design, production, and sales. We also offer other health and physiotherapy products, including cold plunges, cold chillers, wood hot tubs, and sauna accessories, dedicated to protecting your health. For more product information or customized solutions, please contact us.