Tylö Inspiration Blog

Combi Heater – The best of both worlds

Written by Tylö | Oct 31, 2024 11:59:38 AM
 

Creating the perfect sauna experience is all about finding what feels best for you. With a Combi heater, you can easily transform your sauna into the best of both worlds – the traditional dry sauna and the gentler, more humid Soft Sauna. In this article, we’ll explore what a Combi heater is, how it works, and why it’s an excellent choice for those seeking flexibility and customization in their sauna.

 

What is a Combi Heater?

A Combi heater combines the functions of a traditional sauna heater with a built-in steam generator. This allows you to control both the temperature and humidity to create a sauna experience that suits everyone’s preferences. Whether you prefer a hot, dry sauna or a softer, more humid experience, the Combi heater gives you the flexibility to adjust the sauna climate to meet your needs.

 

What is Soft Sauna?

Soft Sauna is a sauna style characterized by lower temperatures and higher humidity, creating a softer, more comfortable heat. It’s ideal for those who find the intense heat of a traditional sauna overwhelming. With a Combi heater, you can create this experience by setting the temperature to around 50–70°C and the humidity to 30–40%. The moisture-rich environment transfers heat more effectively to the body, providing a more relaxing sauna experience without the harsh intensity of a dry sauna.

 

How does a Combi heater work technically?

The technology behind a Combi heater is both smart and user-friendly. Here are the main technical features:

  • Steam production: The heater has a built-in steam generator that adds moisture to the air, creating a stable, consistent humidity level. This means you don’t need to keep pouring water over the stones, although you can still do so for a short-term humidity boost.

  • Adjustable settings: With a Combi heater, you can switch between a dry sauna with high temperatures or a gentler Soft Sauna with lower temperatures and higher humidity. The system is designed to ensure that the combined total of temperature and humidity never exceeds 100 (for example, at 70°C, the maximum humidity allowed is 30%).

  • Energy efficiency: Although it may take a bit longer to heat up the sauna with the steam function activated, tests indicate that Combi heaters can be more energy-efficient. For instance, at 65–70°C and 35% humidity, a Combi heater can save up to 27% in energy compared to a traditional sauna heater.

 

 

Advantages of using a Combi Heater

Investing in a Combi heater offers a range of benefits, both in terms of comfort and functionality:

  1. Customizable sauna experience: With the ability to switch between dry sauna and Soft Sauna, you can tailor the sauna climate to suit different preferences. This allows more people to enjoy the sauna together.

  2. Energy efficiency: By lowering the temperature and increasing the humidity, you can reduce energy consumption without compromising on the sauna experience.

  3. Gentler on sauna materials: Dry saunas can cause the wood to dry out and crack due to the low humidity, which often drops below 5%. The increased humidity provided by the steam function helps protect the wood and reduces the risk of cracking.

  4. Compatible with different materials: Combi heaters work well in saunas with glass walls or tiles. The higher humidity reduces the risk of cracks in these materials, which can happen with extended exposure to dry heat.

  5. Versatility and comfort: Combi heaters can be combined with infrared panels, providing even greater flexibility and comfort in your sauna experience.


 

How to make the most of your Combi Heater

To fully enjoy your Combi heater, it’s important to consider a few practical details:

  • Ventilation: Good ventilation ensures that the steam function works optimally and that both the temperature and humidity are evenly distributed throughout the sauna.

  • Choice of sauna materials: If your sauna includes heavy materials like stone or tiles, the heating time may be slightly longer. Be sure to account for this when determining the size of the sauna and the power of the heater.

 

Choosing a Combi heater for your sauna gives you the opportunity to enjoy both traditional dry sauna and the gentler, more humid Soft Sauna experience. By adjusting the humidity and temperature, you can create a sauna experience that suits everyone, while saving energy and extending the life of your sauna materials. Whether you're looking for intense heat or a more relaxing, steamy atmosphere, a Combi heater is the perfect choice for a modern and flexible sauna experience.