by nordicenergy | Mar 1, 2017 | Articles, Sauna
Before determining what type of heater is required you first need to determine how often you will be using it, where it will be located and how many people you need to accommodate.
You have several options, and one type may be better than the other for your family’s situation.
OUTDOOR SAUNAS
If your sauna will be outdoors, typically a wood burning sauna heater is the recommended unless you are in the city. Always check with your insurance company prior to committing to a wood burning sauna to ensure they will provide insurance coverage. Outdoor saunas can be larger in size to accommodate more people, and are great by the lake to extend your swimming season.
When an outdoor sauna is preferred, but your insurance company is not in favor, then a sauna heated with electric is your next best option. In Northern Ontario, with rising electric costs, you want to ensure that your outdoor sauna room is well insulated, floor and ceiling included, if you plan on year-round usage. Electric also provides convenience, no need to chop firewood, or stoke a fire. Just setting the thermostat and timer for your sauna will ensure it’s ready in 30-45 minutes depending on outdoor temperatures. Sizing the heater correctly, will ensure you have plenty of heat and steam to relax in.
INDOOR SAUNAS
To make it even more convenient, why not have a sauna indoors. You can choose from a traditional electric sauna or an infrared sauna. Again depending on your purpose for the sauna, one may be better than the other for your family. If you prefer heat and sizzling steam to relax in, then an electric heater would be in order.
If you enjoy a mild, dry heat for detoxing and soothing aches and pains, then an infrared will be more to your liking. These run at lower temperatures but penetrate heat much deeper, providing excellent therapy and toxin removal.
If you like both and can’t decide, then opt for a combination electric and infrared sauna together in one room, using one or the other based on your mood and general well being.
Visit us in your planning stages of the sauna and we would be happy to help choose the right sauna heater for your situation and help develop a construction plan for your ideal sauna.
by nordicenergy | Feb 9, 2017 | Articles
Dreaming of a fireplace but think it’s beyond your budget? Masonry wood fireplaces are majestic and beautiful but costly to build, inefficient and difficult to add after initial home construction. However there are economical and efficient alternatives available today that are relatively quick and easy to install almost anywhere.
DESIGN FLEXIBILITY
Typical masonry wood fireplaces need a proper foundation to carry their weight, making them difficult to add after initial home construction. Zero-clearance fireplaces are much lighter in weight, not needing any special foundation, allowing placement almost anywhere, at anytime. Finishes can go beyond brick or stone to include contemporary plaster, tile, or cultured stone.
EASE
Unlike masonry fireplaces that required skilled masons to install, zero clearance wood burning fireplaces can be a DIY project with basic skills provided you follow the manufactures installation guide and have the fireplace WETT inspected upon completion. The insulated firebox can be framed in with wood or steel studs, drywall or cement board prior to adding finishing layer. Installation time is 1-3 days depending on your final finishing material
CONSTRUCTION COST SAVINGS
Less expensive material, less specialized trades, less installation time, means savings on the bottom line versus a typical masonry unit, plus the added savings that come with efficient wood burning deriving more heat from less wood.
EFFICIENCY
These prefabricated zero clearance wood burning fireplaces are built to the same heating standards as an air tight woodstove, meaning you get the same heating output with more aesthetic appeal. Wood burning zero clearance fireplaces all have glass doors to keep the cold out when not in use, and improve burn times. Wood burning zero clearance fireplaces are engineered to meet the latest emissions ratings, meaning less smoke and more heat from the same load of wood. Most are now airtight also, with secondary burn to keep the glass doors clean just like a wood stove. Some have heat dump capabilities to move excess heat to harder to reach areas like the basement or adjacent rooms.
So whether you are building a new home or cottage, or if you would like to renovate your existing one, a zero clearance wood burning fireplace is a great option. A zero clearance wood burning fireplace can supplement your heating bills, add ambiance and decor while adding resale value to your home or cottage. Stop by our showroom to find to pick out your style. We’ll help you choose the proper size for your space so you get maximum enjoyment.
by nordicenergy | Sep 4, 2013 | Articles
Welcome To the nordic energy Blog!
