Saunas

Saunas are normally small rooms that are paneled with wood. A heater (or stove) is placed under a bed of rocks. The stove is normally powered by electricity, natural gas or even burning wood, and users control the sauna's humidity by pouring water on the rocks. Some modern saunas use infrared waves to deliver concentrated heat.

Heat sources that use combustion - such as wood and natural gas - need to be properly ventilated to prevent the accumulation of deadly gases such as carbon monoxide.

Sauna dealers should be able to compare energy usage for the types they sell. Be sure to base estimates on local energy prices and the amount of time you expect to use the sauna, and not just on rough numbers provided by the dealer.