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How Much Does It Cost to Run a Infrared Sauna in the UK? (2026)
Infrared saunas heat the body directly with panels drawing 1.2 to 3 kW, and need only 10 to 15 minutes of warm-up. A 45 minute session uses about 1.5 kWh, a third of a traditional sauna.
A typical infrared sauna (1,800 W) costs £0.47 per hour, or about £10.53 per month at 0.75 hours a day in United Kingdom. Average running cost
| Wattage | Per hour | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low (1,200 W) | £0.31 | £0.23 | £7.02 | £85.41 |
| Typical (1,800 W) | £0.47 | £0.35 | £10.53 | £128.12 |
| High (3,000 W) | £0.78 | £0.58 | £17.55 | £213.53 |
Formula: watts ÷ 1000 × hours × price per kWh. Typical use is 0.75 h/day ≈ 493 kWh per year.
In the UK, with electricity at £0.26 per kWh (source: Ofgem price cap 1 Jul–30 Sep 2026, 2026-07), a typical infrared sauna costs £0.47 per hour and about £128.12 per year at 0.75 hours a day. Each £1.00 of electricity buys roughly 2.1 hours of use.
How to lower the cost of running a infrared sauna
- Start the sauna 10 minutes before use, not 30.
- Keep the panels clean and unobstructed.
- Use a lower temperature setting for longer sessions.
In standby it draws about 1 W, which adds roughly 9 kWh (£2.28) per year if it is never unplugged.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an infrared sauna cost to run?
About 1.5 kWh per 45 minute session. Check the daily figure above.
Is an infrared sauna cheaper than a traditional sauna?
Yes, by roughly two-thirds per session.
Does an infrared sauna use power when off?
About 1 watt for the control panel.
Compare with
Cost by region
- United States (average)
- California
- Texas
- New York
- Florida
- Canada (average)
- United Kingdom
- Germany
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