Constant Heat Thermostats
Many infrared sauna customers ask the question: what about constant heat therapy? Do I need it? What's the difference? The truth is that, for the most part, discussion about "constant heat" is usually just marketing and product differentiation. Below we will describe a few different types of constant heating systems in various infrared saunas and how they work. The important thing to remember is that as long as the surface of the heater (whether power is running to it or not) is at least 100° F, it will continue to produce infrared heat in the 7 to 14 micron range.
PATENTED CONSTANT HEAT SYSTEM
A few infrared sauna companies sell a patented constant heat system which they claim is the only way to get the true therapy benefits for the entire session. The heaters stay running for the entire session, but the amount of power running to the heater gets reduced. What the patent actual describes is that once the heater reaches a specific temperature of 120F, the power box will drop voltage to the heater and only send half the normal current.
SAUNAS WITH STANDARD THERMOSTATS
Far infrared saunas with thermostats will allow the sauna cabin to reach your desired temperature setting and then shut off temporarily until the sauna unit cools down a few degrees. The goal of designing these infrared saunas with thermostats is to allow users to set a specific temperature for their session. When the heaters shut off the emitters will continue to produce infrared heat. As the heaters cool down the infrared wavelength will actually become longer and more beneficial.
Again, it's important to remember that as long as the temperature of the heater is above 100° F, the heater will continue to produce infrared in the 7-14 micron range. Almost all heaters will meet this qualification, so much of the information listed about constant heat ends up being the result of marketing strategies.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Now that we know a little more about the heating systems of a far infrared sauna it's time to look into the safety of the sauna. The next part of our guide takes a look at world wide safety certifications and how they are applied to infrared saunas.