Saunas have been a source of enjoyment and therapeutic heat for centuries. The Finnish saunas, which most closely resemble saunas found in hotels and gyms today, have been in existence for at least a thousand years, according to the Cankar website. While people have generally used wood or another fuel to generate heat in saunas, infrared heaters are expanding in the sauna marketplace. Infrared heaters give invisible spectrum light to generate heat without fire hazards. While infrared saunas are increasing in popularity, they pose several problems.
Cost
An infrared sauna is more expensive than a comparable traditional sauna. As of June 2010, a traditional sauna started at about $1,000, while an infrared sauna started at about $4,500 at most retailers. The difference may make purchasing an infrared sauna cost-prohibitive for the average person, notes the Diet Spotlight website.
Heat Distribution
In a traditional sauna, the heat radiates from the heat source and is distributed fairly evenly throughout the interior of the sauna. In an infrared sauna, the occupants need direct exposure to the infrared bulbs in order to receive optimal therapeutic heat, according to the Westcoast Comfort website.
Ineffectiveness
Many people use saunas because they believe they can lose weight. According to the Diet Spotlight website, using an infrared sauna is ineffective for weight loss. A person may lose water through perspiration, but the infrared rays will not help shed fat.
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