Sauna running cost calculator

By the Home Sauna Guide Team · Updated

Filled in for a 1-person infrared sauna used three times a week at the October 2026 average electricity price. Change anything and the costs update.

1. Your sauna

On the spec sheet or the heater's label. Ask the seller if it isn't listed.

2. How you use it

Once a traditional sauna is hot, its thermostat switches the heater on and off. We assume 50% for traditional and 100% for infrared.

3. Electricity price

The Irish average was 40.64c per kWh in October 2026.

See breakdown

Electricity cost

An estimate: heater power × warm-up time, plus heater power × time in use × the share of time the heater is on, × your unit price. It leaves out standing charges, lights and any outdoor shower or plunge pump. Cold weather and a poorly insulated or outdoor sauna lengthen warm-up.

How it works

A sauna heater uses its rated power, in kW, for every hour it's switched on. So a 6 kW heater on for an hour uses 6 kWh. Most of a session's electricity goes on warming up. Infrared saunas warm up faster, in about 15 to 25 minutes, and have smaller heaters. Traditional saunas usually take 20 to 45 minutes to reach temperature.

The figures assume 4.33 weeks in a month. For a full explanation, with typical costs for each type of sauna, see sauna running costs.

Common questions

How much does it cost to run a sauna in Ireland?

At the October 2026 average of 40.64c per kWh, a small infrared sauna costs well under €1 a session in electricity, and a traditional sauna with a 6 kW heater about €2.50. Use the calculator with your own heater size and tariff for your figure.

Where do I find my electricity price?

On your latest bill, as the unit rate in cent per kWh. If you have a day and night or smart tariff, use the rate for the time you usually use the sauna.

Why does a traditional sauna cost more to run?

Its heater is larger, often 6 to 9 kW against 1.4 to 3.4 kW for infrared, and it has to heat the air and the stones before you go in, which takes longer.

Sources

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