Sauna running costs in Ireland are lower than most people expect: about €2–€3 a session for an electric sauna, under €1 for an infrared sauna and a few euro in logs for a wood-fired sauna.
Sauna running costs per session
These figures assume electricity at about €0.35 per kWh. Your own tariff will change them slightly.
| Sauna | Time on | Energy | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infrared sauna (2 kW) | 45 min | 1.5 kWh | €0.50 |
| Electric sauna (6 kW) | 1 hr 15 min heat + use | 5–7 kWh | €1.75–€2.45 |
| Electric sauna (9 kW) | 1 hr 15 min heat + use | 7–10 kWh | €2.45–€3.50 |
| Wood-burning stove | 1–1.5 hrs | 8–12 kg logs | €3–€6 |
Monthly cost
Used three times a week, an infrared sauna costs about €6–€8 a month, and an electric barrel sauna about €25–€40 a month. So even a regular sauna habit costs less than a gym membership.
How to cut sauna running costs
- Choose a well-insulated sauna with a tight door seal.
- Size the heater properly: too big wastes power, too small runs flat out.
- Use a timer so it is hot when you are ready, not an hour early.
- Use night-rate electricity if your tariff has one.
For energy-saving tips, see SEAI. Compare infrared saunas and barrel saunas.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a sauna?
About €2–€3 a session for an electric sauna and under €1 for an infrared sauna in Ireland.
Is an infrared sauna cheaper to run?
Yes. It uses about a quarter of the electricity of a traditional electric sauna.
Does a wood-fired sauna cost anything to run?
Only the cost of logs, typically €3–€6 a session.
Does a sauna use a lot of electricity?
Less than many people think. A 6 kW sauna used for an hour uses about the same as running an electric shower for 40 minutes.
Low-cost home saunas
Infrared, electric and wood-fired saunas delivered across Ireland.
