Having an infrared sauna in your home gives you a great place to unwind any time you want. Since this is a big investment for your home, it’s important to know what to look for and avoid making mistakes with your purchase. Keep the following in mind before buying an infrared sauna.
Getting the Wrong Kind of Sauna
When you decide to purchase a sauna, make sure you get the right type. Traditional saunas use steam or dry heat, which can raise your body temperature. This can lead to an uncomfortable environment in your sauna, causing you to use it less. They also draw a lot of electricity which makes them more costly to run, and less environmentally friendly. When exploring sauna options, look for far infrared saunas. These saunas are able to produce a heated environment without raising your core body temperature. They use minimal electricity and can be run on pennies per session.
Not Comparing Heating Elements
The type of heating element infrared saunas use can differ. Look for infrared saunas that use ceramic heating elements, since these provide a safe and effective way to produce heat. Ceramic elements also emit a more natural feeling because they are made with elemental silica – ie. beach sand. Your skin doesn’t lie. It will let you know if you’re in a sauna with cheap plastic heaters from the Asian construction industry. It will feel harsh. In a ceramic heated sauna, your body will instantly relax from the heat gently emitting from your natural ceramic elements.
Not Checking the Type of Wood
The type of wood used to make saunas is an important factor to consider when purchasing an infrared sauna. Almost 100% of infrared saunas are made from plywood. Even the ones that sya they aren’t. Ask for a “double-my-money-back guarantee….if I find any plywood anywhere in the sauna once I get it home.” Also avoid saunas that are made from aromatic softwoods like Hemlock or Cedar. They can emit a strong odour in your home. Ideally, choose a sauna that is made from Basswood, which is free of toxins and allergens. It’s actually a food grade wood that is commonly used for cheese boxes and popsicle sticks because no one is allergic to it. Medical doctors use it for their tongue depressors. Also, this type of wood holds up well to heat, allowing you to enjoy many years of use.
Not Confirming Where it’s Made.
Most infrared saunas are made in massive manufacturing facilities in Asia. These products are designed to yield an acceptable margin for their manufacturer and a very large margin for their resellers. A sauna built in North America, top to bottom, is most likely going to be built to the standard you expect for such a large purchase. North American manufacturing still maintains a strong reputation, especially when it comes to wood cabinetry and saunas.
The problem is many sales staff are motivated to distract you from asking where it’s made. They will employ phrases like “we’re a Canadian, or American company”. Or “This is assembled in North America” (ie. at your house, after we ship it to you from China.) Demand to know the “Country of Origin”. If there is more than one word in the answer, somebody is not being straight with you.
Buying the Wrong Size Sauna
It’s important to choose the right sauna size for your home. A sauna that is too small won’t get much use if it feels crowded or uncomfortable. A sauna that is too big will take up too much space in your home. You should look for a custom-made sauna that fits perfectly in your home, depending on where you plan to put it and how many people will be using it on a regular basis. A custom-made sauna company will normally consult with you on this important choice, free of charge.
Purchasing Based on Cost Only
When choosing an infrared sauna, don’t let cost be the only factor that drives your selection. Less expensive saunas are known to break down in 18-36 months. Buying one that lasts a lifetime is always less expensive in the long run. Remember, you get what you pay for.
Buying from Any Sauna Company
Sometimes you don’t get what you pay for!
Some re-sellers of cheap saunas will simply raise the price to trick you into thinking it has a higher value, even if it doesn’t. Infrared saunas are a big purchase for homeowners, so you should take the time to choose a reputable company. Look for a company with a long history of selling quality saunas and providing excellent customer service.
Contact Us for a Far Infrared Sauna
If you’re looking into purchasing an infrared sauna, please contact SaunaRay today. We offer several saunas to choose from, including custom saunas.