Hvordan ventilere en badstue?

How to ventilate a sauna?

Why do I need to ventilate my sauna?

To get the most out of your sauna experience, proper ventilation is essential for any quality. Sauna ventilation is important because it helps maintain the correct humidity level in your sauna. In this comprehensive guide to sauna ventilation, we will go over how a ventilation system works, the difference between passive and active ventilation, where to place your ventilation system, and why it is important to have one for your sauna.

How Sauna Ventilation Works

A proper ventilation system in your sauna regulates the air temperature by supplying fresh air to the sauna and pushing out old, stagnant air. Most saunas are equipped with two valves: a lower (intake) and an upper (exhaust) valve to provide good air flow. The lower vent supplies air for a comfortable atmosphere, while the upper vent removes used air. The picture above shows a slightly different setup, as long as you have different valves that do the two jobs, you should be fine.

Passive vs. Active Ventilation

  • Passive Ventilation: Also known as natural ventilation, this consists of allowing natural air to flow into the sauna and leave through passive vents without mechanical ventilation systems. It depends on natural air currents to ventilate your sauna.
  • Active Ventilation: This type of system uses mechanical fans to provide airflow into the sauna area. It does not rely on natural airflow and can provide more consistent ventilation for your sauna.


When you choose between passive and active ventilation, it is entirely up to you. Active ventilation can provide a more even ventilation system for your sauna.

Where to Place the Ventilation System

When installing the ventilation system in the sauna, you need both a lower (intake) and an upper (exhaust) valve to ensure good circulation.

Another method of ventilation is to add a 1.3cm slot at the bottom of the sauna door, which acts as the lower (intake) vent. This allows air to enter and keeps the floor dry. It works like a hair dryer that blows air along the floor and is supplied to your sauna.

The location of the ventilation system is a matter of personal preference:

  • Lower (intake): Can be placed under the stove or from the bottom of the sauna door (your preference).
  • Upper (outlet): Can be placed either under the benches so it is hidden, 15 cm below ceiling level, or on the ceiling (your preference).


Reasons To Ventilate Your Sauna

A proper ventilation system provides the sauna stove with oxygen, which is necessary for good wood burning (if you use a wood stove) and circulation (if the sauna has an electric stove).

A well-installed ventilation system will also remove sweat from the air, making it easier to breathe. When you have finished your sauna session, or the sauna is not in use, the ventilation system will also help to remove moisture and supply fresh air, so that the wood in the sauna dries faster and more efficiently.

If your sauna is not ventilated or poorly ventilated, it can be harmful to your health due to the lack of fresh oxygen, which can cause dizziness and thus make for an unpleasant sauna experience.


Conclusion

A well-designed and functioning ventilation system is necessary for a quality sauna. The efficiency of the sauna ventilation system is as important as the capacity of the sauna heater. For both longevity and comfort in your sauna, proper ventilation is essential.

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