How to Use a Wood Stove in a Sauna
Installing a wood stove in a sauna is an excellent way to achieve an authentic, traditional experience.
Installing a wood stove in a sauna is an excellent way to achieve an authentic, traditional experience. However, burning wood can be dangerous and tricky for those unfamiliar with the process. This guide will outline how to use a wood stove in a sauna safely and efficiently.
How does a wood stove work in a sauna?
A wood stove uses convection to circulate air. The hot air from the fire rises and replaces cooler air from below. This air movement creates a draft that pulls more oxygen into the fire, making it burn hotter. The heated air also warms the sauna's rocks, which helps maintain the sauna's temperature even after the fire has died down.
Installing a wood stove in a sauna
Here are the steps to follow when installing a wood furnace into a sauna:
Choose the right location for the stove. It should be away from any walls or other obstacles.
Mark the location of the flue pipe on the ceiling. The smoke from the wood stove will exit through it, so ensure it's in the correct position.
Create a hole in the ceiling for the flue pipe.
Install the flue pipe through the hole in the ceiling and secure it in place with screws or brackets.
Place the wood stove in its desired location and connect it to the flue pipe. Ensure all connections are tight and secure before lighting a fire in the new wood stove.
While DIY installation may be ideal for crafty individuals, contacting a professional to install the stove is suitable for most people.
How to use a wood stove in a sauna
After the stove is all set, it's time to use it. Let's explore a few simple guidelines for using a wood stove in a sauna safely and efficiently:
The wood stove should be on a level surface before lighting it. Ensure that it is close to the ground and has enough open space around it.
Use dry, seasoned wood when burning in the wood stove. Wet or green wood will produce more smoke and will be less effective in heating the sauna. It might not even burn at all if it's too damp.
Use small pieces of kindling to get it going when lighting the fire. Then, after lighting the fire, add larger pieces of wood to maintain the flame.
Keep the damper open when lighting the fire to help get good airflow. Then, once the fire is going, one can adjust the damper to control the heat output.
Don't overfill the wood stove. Instead, leave enough room for air to circulate the fire for proper combustion.
After using the sauna, extinguish the fire completely before leaving.
What to watch out for when using a wood stove in a sauna
There are a few concerns when using a wood stove in an area as small as a sauna. First, ensure the furnace receives adequate ventilation. If it isn't, the fumes from the fire can build up and cause asphyxiation.
Second, keep an eye on the fire. Don't let it get too big or too small.
Third, be careful of sparks. They can easily ignite any flammable materials in the sauna, so keep them away from anything that could catch fire.
Hire the experts
Installing a wood stove into a sauna can be daunting and time-consuming. Moreover, dealing with fire presents numerous potential risks to the residents and the property. Therefore, it's best to contact a professional service and take advantage of their skills to achieve a comfortable and worry-free sauna experience.
Sauna One is a nationwide barrel sauna sales company with years of experience. All of our relaxing saunas promote a multitude of health benefits and are low maintenance. Regardless of the size or construction materials, we provide trusted workmanship and customer satisfaction. While a barrel sauna can be installed by a homeowner, we also offer installation and repair throughout the greater Phoenix area. Call us at (602) 691 - 5553
