Scandia Sauna Heaters

Yes. Scandia Manufacturing is currently the only US-based manufacturer of gas-fired sauna heaters. While many brands offer electric models, we find that Scandia’s Ultra-Sauna gas heaters are unique because they do not require electrical elements and are often preferred for large outdoor or off-grid saunas.

It depends on your utility costs. We have found that gas heaters are more expensive upfront but have significantly lower operating costs over time, especially for daily users. Electric models are easier to install and offer more precise digital control, but gas models heat up larger rooms much faster.

Yes. US safety codes and our warranty protocols strictly require that gas heaters be installed by a licensed HVAC professional. This ensures the gas lines, venting, and pilot light systems are correctly configured to prevent carbon monoxide risks.

The Ultra series is known for its 100 percent stainless steel construction and its elevated rock tray. Unlike most heaters where the rocks sit directly on the elements, we lift the tray. This prevents water from hitting the heating coils directly, which extends the life of the elements and creates a more consistent, soft steam.

Scandia offers one of the longest warranties in the industry because they use heavy 22-gauge brushed stainless steel. While most European imports use thinner metal that can warp or rust over time, we provide US-made frames designed for high-traffic commercial use in gyms and wellness centers.

Most Scandia 240V residential heaters require a two-hot, one-ground connection. However, if you are using our advanced digital external controllers, we suggest checking the specific wiring diagram, as some newer control boxes require a neutral wire to power the low-voltage logic board.

If the heater has power but won't get hot, the high-limit safety has likely tripped. On Scandia models, we have positioned the reset button at the very bottom of the heater. You may need to use a small screwdriver or a pen to press the button until it clicks.

Scandia heaters are traditionally known for their robust mechanical timers, but they are fully compatible with modern external digital controllers. We frequently see owners pair them with third-party WiFi systems to pre-heat their saunas via smartphone apps.

This is often caused by improper venting or a downdraft from the chimney. If the pilot light won't stay lit, we recommend checking the thermocouple, which is a standard safety part that can be replaced by an HVAC technician.

In the US market, we utilize significantly thicker stainless steel than most European imports. This heavy-duty design prevents the metal from warping or creaking during high-heat cycles and allows us to offer an extended warranty on the heater shell.

This is a unique feature where a tray is built into the top of the heater. Instead of pouring water directly onto the heating elements, you pour it into the tray among the rocks. We find this creates time-released humidity and keeps the electrical elements dry, which extends their lifespan.

Yes. Scandia has been manufacturing sauna heaters in the USA since 1964. We prioritize domestic production for our US buyers who prefer easier access to technical support and replacement parts like timers, thermostats, and elements.

Yes, but it must be correctly vented. Scandia gas heaters are designed for sealed combustion, meaning they pull no oxygen from the sauna room and vent all exhaust outside. We require a professional HVAC installation with either a vertical draft hood or a horizontal flue cap.

A standing pilot has a small flame that stays lit 24/7, while a piezo system uses an electronic spark to light the burner only when you turn the timer on. While piezo is more energy-efficient, we often recommend standing pilots for off-grid saunas where electricity is limited.

Yes. We offer LP conversion kits for these gas valves. However, we emphasize that this conversion must be handled by a licensed professional to ensure the orifices and pressure regulators are correctly sized for safety.

Scandia heaters use a partnership system where both the timer and the thermostat must be turned up to activate the unit. If you turn the timer but keep the thermostat at a low setting, the heater will not engage. We note that you should hear a distinct clunk from the contactor box when both are set correctly.

If the room isn't getting hot, you can test the thermostat by turning the dial up and down while the timer is on. If you hear a click as the dial passes the room's current temperature, it is working. If there is no click, we suggest the thermostat may need replacement.

The high-limit is a safety reset that often trips if the temperature sensor is mounted too close to the ceiling or if the rocks are packed too tightly. On Scandia units, the reset button is located at the bottom of the heater and must be pressed manually to restart the unit.

If your unit is slow to heat, it is usually a pressure or ventilation issue. We recommend checking the manifold pressure (typically 3.5 inches wc for natural gas). If the pressure is correct, ensure the rocks aren't packed so tightly that they block the necessary airflow.

Because sauna environments are humid, the piezo igniter can develop oxidation. We recommend a monthly cleaning by wiping the igniter tip with a soft cloth. If the spark is weak, ensure the gap between the electrode and the burner is approximately one-eighth of an inch.

Yes. Our elevated rock tray is designed to catch water before it hits the burner or elements. If you hear a boiling or sizzling sound, it means the water is sitting in the tray and evaporating as intended, preventing the dry, biting heat common in standard heaters.

This typically occurs in rooms with 8-foot ceilings where hot air pools at the top, forcing the heater to stay on longer to reach the thermostat's target near the benches. This extra runtime can overheat the base of the unit; we recommend lowering the ceiling to 7 feet.

Scandia heaters are designed for standard 2x4 or 2x6 framed walls. If you are installing one in a thin-walled kit, we suggest adding extra trim or a mounting board to ensure the heater is securely anchored and maintains all safety clearances.

A rapid clicking or chattering sound in the external control box usually indicates a low-voltage issue. We find this happens if the wire run to an outdoor sauna is too long, causing a voltage drop, or if there is a loose connection at the thermostat.

Yes. We note that Scandia heaters are often bigger and heavier than Finnish imports. We advise buyers to check their dimensions carefully, as these heavy-duty stainless steel units take up more physical footprint in a small sauna.

Since many HVAC technicians are unfamiliar with saunas, we recommend finding a professional who handles gas fireplaces. Their experience with pilot and burner systems is very similar to what is required for a Scandia gas installation.

No. For the Ultra electric series, the contactor box acts as a relay to protect your wall controls from high-amperage surges. We emphasize that every Scandia installation must include the specific contactor box matched to the heater's kilowatt rating to prevent the controls from burning out.