Should I choose Carbon Fibre or Ceramic heater elements?
This is a question we are asked by many prospective sauna users. There is no simple answer, as both types have their benefits. We encourage you to give us a call on 0800 255888 and we can help you make this decision. Here is some basic information about the two different heating systems: Carbon fibre panels are much larger than ceramic heater tubes, and have a lower surface temperature. Lower surface temperature allows the infrared waves to penetrate tissue more thoroughly, and the carbon fiber heaters heat the interior of the sauna more evenly. However, this means you will feel less "hot" in the sauna. For those with considerable experience of traditional saunas, the ceramic heater sauna may be more desirable as it feels hotter to use than carbon fibre panel saunas. Also, ceramic heaters warm up faster than carbon fibre elements.
No Wires Heater. Ultra-conductive carbon fiber heater with silver strips are more efficient and longer lasting than their ceramic counterparts. Carbon fiber heaters have a life of about 15 years, ceramic heaters have a 10 year life. Additionally, the ceramic heater has a wire inside that gets very hot. If used continuously for multiple sessions, the wire may burn out. This is not an issue with the carbon fiber heater.
Surround Heating. 360° surround heating allows for a complete infrared sauna session.
Additional safety. Each carbon fiber heater is controlled by it's own thermostat. If it gets too hot, it simply shuts that heater off. The ceramic saunas are controlled by one thermostat for the entire unit.
What wood are the infrared saunas made from?
Our infrared saunas are made from Hemlock. Hemlock is a stable wood that does not produce toxic resins under heat, is not prone to cracking or splitting, and has a low proportion of knots. But as a natural wood product, there may be some small knots, color variations, or even small cracks in the wood. This is a natural part of the drying process that occurs in wood, especially where heat is involved, as in a sauna. These things are normal in a natural wood sauna, and nothing to worry about.
What is the thickness of the wood in the wall panels?
Each wooden panel for the sides, front and back, is about 5mm thick. Other manufacturers get by with a much thinner wooden panel, some as thin as 3mm. We feel that this is far too thin and is not as structurally sound as our thicker panel.
How hot does an infrared sauna get? How long should you stay in?
60 degrees C is normal "maximum. Because the temperature sensor is on the ceiling, far from any heater element, the temperature on your sauna control panel may not register as high as 60 deg C. But the temperature in front of the heater elements where you sit will go far higher than that showing on the control panel. You should not stay in the sauna for longer than 90 minutes. We have also found that differing input voltage can also affect the actual temperature. Lower input voltage can cause the sauna to not reach full potential temperature.
Can I plug the sauna into a normal household power point?
Yes! No special wiring is needed, just plug into a normal power point.
Is any plumbing required?
No! An infrared sauna uses no water, requires no plumbing or other installation work to your house.
What maintenance is needed?
Because no moisture is produced in an infrared sauna, mould or mildew is not a problem. They simple require dusting and a vacuum every so often, like any other piece of furniture. We recommend using a towel on the seat and a bath mat or thick towel on the floor to soak up perspiration, but it will be absorbed by the wood in any case. Infrared saunas do not get smelly.
How much electricity does an infrared sauna use?
Our saunas range in power from about 1600w to 2300w, so about the same as a toaster. If, like most people in NZ you pay around 2oc per kilowatt / hour for electricity, you can run an infrared sauna for about 30c - 50c an hour.
Can my children use the infrared sauna?
If they are supervised at all times, yes. The sauna can get very hot and people, especially little ones, can become dehydrated. CHILDREN SHOULD NOT USE AN INFRARED SAUNA UNSUPERVISED.
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