Harvia is a world leader in sauna manufacturing, producing over 150,000 sauna heaters and stoves annually. Harvia saunas have gained popularity in over 65 countries as they offer a wide range of options, including traditional, steam, infrared, and hybrid saunas to suit different preferences and needs.
The Harvia sauna experience goes beyond just relaxation, they also help with detoxification, stress relief, and overall wellness. Many people use saunas as part of their self-care routines.
Harvia saunas are known for their quality and durability and the company has been in business since the 1950s, starting with cast iron wood stoves. Over time, they've expanded their product line to include various sauna sizes and types, meeting the global demand for home wellness solutions.
Understanding Harvia Saunas
Harvia is a big name in saunas, making many types sold globally. Let's look at their origins and why they're so popular.
History and Legacy of Harvia
Harvia started in the 1950s in Finland, with Tapani Harvia making wood-burning stoves that began to earn a reputation. Over time, Harvia grew and started making electric sauna heaters to expand its collection. Now, they make all kinds of saunas, including indoor saunas, outdoor saunas, and infrared saunas.
People trust Harvia because they've been around for so long, with a reputation for making saunas that last and work well.
The Finnish Sauna Culture
Saunas are a big deal in Finland and almost lmost every home has one, providing health benefits and a place for relaxing and spending time with family and friends. In Finland, people often go to the sauna once a week or more and see it as a way to feel better and stay healthy.
Harvia knows all about this culture and they make their saunas to match what Finnish people want and expect. The Finnish sauna is usually very hot and steamy, which is why Harvia ensure their saunas can reach and maintain high temperatures.
Harvia's Global Reach and Presence
Harvia isn't just big in Finland anymore, they sell their saunas in more than 65 countries now, creating different kinds of saunas for different places. In some countries, people like infrared saunas more, while in others, they want traditional steam saunas.
They also make saunas that fit in small spaces which is good for people who live in cities and don't have much room. Harvia tries to have something for everyone, no matter where they live or what kind of sauna they want.
Various Types of Harvia Sauna Heaters
Harvia offers a range of sauna heaters to suit different preferences and sizes. Their options include electric heaters, wood-burning stoves, and infrared solutions. Each type has unique features to enhance the sauna experience.
Electric Sauna Heaters
Electric sauna heaters are popular for their ease of use and efficiency, and Harvia's electric models come in various sizes and power outputs. For every cubic meter of sauna space, about 1 kW of power is needed.
A small 4-6 cubic meter sauna might use a 4-6 kW heater, while larger saunas of around 10 cubic meters would need a 10 kW heater.
Harvia's electric heaters include:
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KIP45W
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KIP30W
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KIP60W
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Vega Compact 1900
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Vega Compact 1700
These heaters are designed to heat saunas quickly and maintain a steady temperature, and they're a good choice for home saunas and commercial settings.
Wood-Fired Sauna Stoves
Wood-burning stoves offer a traditional sauna experience, creating a unique atmosphere with the crackling of wood and the scent of smoke. Harvia's wood-fired stoves, like the Harvia M3, are built to last because they’re made with sturdy materials that can withstand high heat.
These stoves need manual feeding of wood, which some sauna users enjoy as part of the ritual. They're great for outdoor saunas or spaces without easy access to electricity.
Infrared Sauna Solutions
Infrared saunas differ, as Instead of heating the air, they warm the body directly with infrared rays. Harvia offers infrared cabins and heaters for this type of sauna and these solutions are often more compact and can fit in smaller spaces.
Infrared saunas typically operate at lower temperatures than traditional saunas and some people find them more comfortable. They're also known for their quick heat-up times and energy efficiency.
Designing Your Sauna Experience
Creating the perfect sauna involves careful planning and design choices, considering many aspects to craft your ideal sauna space.
Essentials of Sauna Design
A typical sauna fits 2-4 people comfortably and there should be at least 2 feet of bench space per person. Choose materials wisely - cedar is popular for its durability and scent. Lighting matters too, and soft, warm lights create a relaxing atmosphere. Consider dimmable options to adjust the mood, and don't forget about accessories, such as hooks for towels and a water bucket for the stones.
Proper insulation is also crucial as it keeps heat in and saves energy. You need to use specialized sauna insulation behind the walls and ceiling as this helps maintain consistent temperatures.
Selecting the Right Location
Indoor saunas offer convenience and privacy and can fit in basements, spare rooms, or even converted closets. Outdoor saunas provide a natural connection but need weather protection and access to utilities. You'll need electricity for the heater and lights, while water access is handy for cleaning.
Also, think about proximity to showers or a pool for cooling off. Privacy is key too, so choose a spot away from busy areas. If outdoors, use fencing or landscaping for seclusion. Ensure the location allows for proper ventilation too.
Optimizing Heat and Air Circulation
Good airflow is essential for a comfortable sauna and vents should be placed low near the heater and high on the opposite wall. This creates natural circulation, boosted by a small fan to help move air in larger saunas.
Heater placement affects heat distribution and it should be centered on a wall for even heating. Leave space around the heater for safety and follow manufacturer guidelines for clearances. Consider adding a heat reflector behind the heater to bounce heat back into the room and improve efficiency.
Bench layout can impact heat exposure and tiered seating offers temperature options, with higher benches hotter and lower ones cooler. This lets users control their heat experience.
Safety and Maintenance of Your Sauna
Keeping your Harvia sauna safe and well-maintained is key to enjoying it for a long time.
Understanding Heater Power and Safety
Sauna heaters need the right power for safe use so check that your heater matches your sauna's size. An overly powerful heater can overheat the space, while a weak one may not heat enough. Ensure the rocks are placed correctly as this helps spread heat evenly.
Follow the maker's safety rules and keep items and clothes away from the heater. Don't hang clothes on it. Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.
Don't use a wood stove in a small sauna as these can create a lot of carbon monoxide, stick to electric heaters in tight spaces. Install a carbon monoxide detector in your sauna area too, and check it often to make sure it works. If it goes off, leave the sauna right away.
Test the heater before each use and if you smell anything odd, turn it off and have a professional technician check it out.
Maintenance Tips for Sauna Longevity
Clean your sauna 1-3 times a year using mild soap and water, and avoid harsh chemicals as they can damage the wood. Check the wood often, sanding rough spots to keep the benches comfy and splinter-free.
Remember to replace the rocks every year or two, as old rocks can break and damage the heater. After each use, leave the door open to dry out the space and stop mold from growing.
Get in touch to discuss the possibility of installing a Harvia sauna in your home.
