Basic Guide on Sauna Ventilation

Why You Need to Ventilate Your Sauna:

In order to get the most out of your sauna experience, proper ventilation is the key for any kind of quality sauna. Sauna ventilation is important because it will help maintain proper humidity levels in your sauna. In this complete guide on sauna ventilation we will go over how a sauna ventilation system works, the difference between passive and active ventilation, where to place your ventilation system and why it's important to have one for your sauna.

How Sauna Ventilation Works:

A proper ventilation system in your sauna regulates air temperature, bringing fresh air into the sauna and pushing the old stale air out. Most saunas come with two vents that include a lower (Intake) and an upper (exhaust) vent to provide good air circulation. The lower vent brings air in for a comfortable atmosphere, and the upper vent dispels used air.

Passive vs. Active Ventilation:

Passive ventilation systems: also known as natural ventilation consists of letting natural air move into the sauna and escaping through passive vents without the use of mechanical ventilation systems and rely on natural air currents to ventilate your sauna.

Active ventilation systems: do not rely on natural airflow. Instead, it is a system that uses mechanical fans to provide air circulation into your sauna space.

When choosing which one to use, it is completely up to you. Active ventilation may provide a more consistent ventilation system for your sauna.

Where to Place Your Sauna Ventilation System:

When installing your sauna ventilation system you'll need both a lower (intake) and an upper (exhaust) vent to provide good circulation for your sauna.

Another way to ventilate your sauna is to add a ½" crack to the bottom of your sauna door which will act as the lower (intake) vent to allow air to come in and keep your floor dry. This will act as a blow dryer running along the floor to feed air to your sauna.

When placing your sauna ventilation system it all comes down to personal preference on where you want to place it.

• Lower (intake) can be placed under the heater or from the bottom of your sauna door (your preference).

• The upper (exhaust) intake can be placed either under the benches so that it is hidden, 6” under the ceiling level, or on the ceiling (your preference).

Reasons For Ventilating Your Sauna:

A proper ventilation system will supply the sauna heater oxygen needed for good wood burning (If a wood burning stove is used) and circulation (if the sauna has an electric heater).

A well installed ventilation system will also remove sweat from the air which will make it easier to breathe and when you're done with your sauna session or your sauna is not in use, a ventilation system will also help remove moisture and provide fresh air so that the wood in your sauna will dry faster and more efficiently.

If your sauna isn't ventilated or not well ventilated it can be dangerous for your health because the lack of fresh oxygen can cause dizziness and therefore result in an unpleasent sauna experiance.

Conclusion:

A well-constructed and working ventilation system is necessary for a quality sauna. The efficiency of the sauna ventilation system is equally crucial as the sauna heater's capacity. For both the longevity and comfort of your sauna experience, proper ventilation is essential.