Optimal temperature and humidity in a Russian bath

Created: 06 Nov 2018

Press onto the stones by hand.

Succumb to the stones. Not by hand.

Use a bowl or water tank.

Evaporator, also known as steam generator. Built-in.

Arrangement of the finished steam room with equipment.

The increase in humidity in the sauna is due to water. During heating, the water begins to evaporate, due to which the “Russian bathhouse effect” occurs. Remember going to the bathroom: after you take a shower, the mirror fogs up. The same thing happens in the kitchen when you cook something. Mechanical hood can compensate for this phenomenon, but you get the point. If you turn on only cold water in the shower, the mirror will not fog up. Using these simple everyday examples, everyone can see in their own home that hot water creates humidity. In a sauna, if there is no water in any form, the heater will only dry the air, because in this case it will act as a heating device that increases the temperature. To create humidity in a steam room, you just need to allow the water to heat up and evaporate. There are many options for this. Let's consider everything.

Press onto the stones by hand.

Wood-burning and electric heaters have a compartment for loading stones. By splashing a ladle of water on the stones, you can get a short-term increase in humidity. You definitely knew about this method. It is better to splash a small amount of water on well-heated stones. The water should be warm. Cold water will make more noise, but the effect will not be enhanced. Our ultimate goal is to heat the water. Which water is easier and faster to heat? Of course it's hot. Cold water will cool the stones more, or even contribute to their destruction. Insufficiently heated stones will not be able to evaporate the water before it reaches the firebox or heating elements. This shortens the lifespan of the heater. For the same reason, you should not pour too much water.

Discussion: is it possible to use an electric oven?

There are cases when they succumb not only to stones, but also to the body of the stove, and even to the walls. This should not be done, because... heating efficiency is much less. This can only ruin the finish and equipment. Think about how much hotter the stones are than the walls. A wall will never heat water as much as stones in a stove. And although the body of the heater heats up much more than the walls, it is not at all designed to be doused with water.

How to create optimal humidity in a bathhouse

Humidity, temperature and ventilation are three interrelated and interdependent characteristics of any bath that determine the comfort and benefits of the steaming procedure. Increasing one of them requires changing the others. By varying these values, an optimal microclimate for steamers is achieved.

Normally, the air humidity in a Russian bath is 80-100%, and the temperature is 50-60 degrees Celsius. Such high humidity is perfectly tolerated by the human body.

When does the need to reduce it arise?

If the stove is incorrectly selected or installed, the temperature in the steam room is disrupted. When the temperature changes above the specified norm in a Russian bath, the steam becomes “heavy” and intense heat is felt. This happens if the power of the stove does not correspond to the volume of the steam room. When operating metal stoves with a tank, complaints sometimes arise about increased humidity at low temperatures in the steam room (40-45 degrees). The water boils early, when the bath has not yet warmed up.

Therefore, even at the design stage it is necessary to select a suitable furnace. An increase in humidity in the bathhouse is possible due to inadequate air exchange.

Ventilation in the log bathhouse was not specially thought out, since the humidity outside and in the steam room was approximately the same. The issue was resolved by the building itself. Now there are various modifications to the construction of baths, and special attention should be paid to ventilation planning. If the bathhouse has already been built, sometimes it is necessary to install a forced fan to eliminate this problem.

There is a method that allows you to reduce the accumulation of condensation on the ceiling and walls in the bathhouse (and, as a result, increase their service life), as well as ensure the creation of an adequate steam pocket.

Hot air collects under the ceiling and settles on it. The tree initially absorbs moisture, and then stops, and a so-called steam pocket is created. To adequately create steam, the ceiling must have a heat capacity.

To do this, at the construction stage of the bathhouse, the following structure should be formed.

When the walls have already been erected, reflective heat-insulating material - penofol - is sewn onto them and onto the ceiling using a construction stapler. It is applied in a specific way: one edge overlaps the other to create a continuous layer. Then wide bars are nailed to which the eurolining will be attached. As a result, an air gap is created between the inner and outer cladding of the walls and ceiling.

The furnace vent is mounted below floor level, and concrete is poured with a slope towards the drain pipe. The logs are installed in the form of a platform, waterproofing material is laid under them, and floorboards are laid on top. An air gap also forms under the top layer of the floor.

How does this design work?

Hot steam passes from the room through the eurolining and is retained between it and the foam foam layer, creating a steam pocket. When condensation forms due to temperature changes, it flows onto the floor along the foil. The ash door opens and moist air exits through the chimney.

So, high humidity in the bathhouse will be comfortable if, at the design stage, you choose the right model and size of the stove and think about ventilation. In order for the sauna to last longer and to create the correct steam pocket, you need to create air gaps in the ceiling, walls and floor.

Use a bowl or water tank.

Models of heaters with a built-in tank are available for sale. For wood-burning heaters, the tank can be located on the side or in the front. It has a tap for draining water.

The water tank can also be installed on the chimney.

Electric heaters can be sold with a water compartment built into the stones.

There is also a solution for ready-made saunas: an evaporator that is inserted into the stones. This flask will fit any heater. You just have to remove a few stones to build it in.

Arrangement of ventilation and thermal insulation

The level of heat and its preservation depend on how well the thermal insulation is done and how the bathhouse is built. To keep the heat longer, a heat insulator is placed between the walls during construction. Only then can the optimal temperature for a Russian bath be maintained.

The steam room must be built in such a way that heat cannot escape. For this purpose, the doors are made low and the thresholds high. It is better to place the stove near the door, then the steam room will warm up evenly. To keep the floor surface warm, the floor covering is laid in several layers.

Ventilation in the sauna is needed to maintain equal pressure inside and outside. As for the Russian version of the bathhouse, the air pressure in it is increased, so steam must be supplied carefully so that the doors do not blow out. A bathhouse with high humidity leaves condensation on all surfaces, so dry cleaning and long-term ventilation are required after visiting.

Evaporator, also known as steam generator. Built-in.

When choosing an electric heater, you come across models with the words “combi”, “vapor”, “steam”, etc. Such heaters are equipped with an additional compartment for water, in which it is heated from a separate heating element. On the remote control panel from the heater, not only the temperature, but also the humidity is set. The board is programmed to depend on temperature and humidity. Those. At higher temperatures, less humidity will be required to achieve a comfortable sauna microclimate. At a temperature of 90 °C it will not be possible to withstand 80% humidity, so you will not be able to set such parameters on the remote control.

For special convenience, the heaters can be connected to a water supply for automatic water supply through a flexible hose. Not all models have this feature, so when purchasing, you need to check whether this function is available.

What is the danger of exceeding the indicators?

Scientists have conducted various studies regarding the effect of maximum temperatures in a bathhouse on the human body. The conclusion turned out to be shocking: those who like to steam at 110°–130°C develop cancer cells, and the risk of oncology increases.

High temperatures are also dangerous due to other changes in the body:

• increased blood pressure;
• redness of the skin, the appearance of rashes;
• rapid dehydration of the body;
• fainting, nausea, vomiting;
• general weakness, convulsions, spasms.

Rules for visiting a Russian bath:

1. The maximum time spent in the steam room for experienced bathhouse attendants is 30 minutes. At the same time, it is important to carefully monitor your well-being. If it worsens, you need to leave the steam room.
2. To ensure that the body warms up evenly, it is recommended to periodically change your position.
3. You cannot get up from the bench suddenly. This can lead to dizziness and falling.
4. In the steam room you need to breathe only through your nose.
5. It is strictly forbidden to stand in the steam room. This can lead to heatstroke.
6. After each visit to the steam room, it is recommended to take a contrast shower.

Before leaving the bath you need to wait until your body cools down.

Arrangement of the finished steam room with equipment.

For those cases where the sauna is already installed, you can install a separate device, similar to the one found in a heater with a built-in steam generator.

This solution is also suitable for a sauna with a wood stove. You can set the humidity on the remote panel. The device also has a temperature sensor, so the system will tell you what humidity can be limited at a given temperature.

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Optimal performance

The bath complex consists of several rooms, each of which has its own indicators:

Depending on the temperature, the time a person can spend in the steam room changes:

• 70°C – up to 60 minutes;
• 82°C – up to 49 minutes;
• 93°C – up to 33 minutes;
• 104°C – up to 26 minutes.

This is the maximum time. It is dangerous to spend so much time inside the steam room. It is better to sit in the steam room several times for 5–7 minutes than to go once and for a long time.

Temperature and humidity

The peculiarity and main difference from the bath are the conditions under which dry air is extremely important. Humidity should not exceed 15%, and the temperature in the sauna can rise to 130°C. But the increase in degrees must necessarily take place gradually in order to prepare the body for subsequent loads and not put it into a stressful state. Otherwise, dry air can provoke a cough, because it has a strong effect on the mucous membranes.

If it becomes difficult to breathe in the steam room or you begin to feel dizzy, then this is not suitable and you should immediately leave until a lower temperature is established.

Based on the state of your body, you should choose the right type of sauna. It must be taken into account that for a certain type, be it Japanese, Finnish or Turkish, there are certain indicators that correspond to the preferences of the residents of a particular country. Each type has its own individual temperature and humidity characteristics.

The most famous species is, of course, But there are other species that are no less attractive for recreation and wellness. So, the following types are distinguished:

Mini sauna

Home saunas are quite popular because they offer the opportunity to visit at any time you wish. The mini-sauna has many modifications, so you can easily choose the right option. The design allows it to be disassembled and subsequently transported to a new location. It is possible to purchase a mini-sauna already fully equipped, so there will be no need for additional purchases. It has certain protection, decorative cladding and all the necessary equipment. Over time, the sauna in the house becomes an integral part of it.

Chimney design

Each individual building and each fireplace requires a suitable chimney with individual parameters and characteristics.

Parameters by which you should select a chimney:

• Chimney material;
• The location of its structure;

1. Chimney made of steel. The steel chimney design includes pipes, insulation and an external circuit. Stainless or galvanized steel is used to make pipes. The steel chimney design is easy to install and lightweight.

Galvanized steel pipe has a lower cost, but it is less reliable than the previous model. Accordingly, the best chimneys are made of stainless steel.

1. Ceramic chimney design. Installing a ceramic chimney requires certain specialist training and, very important, accuracy. Ceramics provide excellent thermal insulation. The service life of the material is approximately 30 years. The ceramic structure consists of an internal ceramic liner, lightweight concrete blocks are located on the outside and, of course, a heat-insulating gasket that must be laid between the layers. (See also: )
2. Glass construction is considered the most expensive and is very difficult to install. Some installation experience is required, but the glass fits perfectly into the interior of the house and looks very impressive and irresistible. Glass is very resistant to the formation of corrosive plaque, heat from the resulting combustion products and any exposure to moisture. Undoubtedly, these advantages of the design bring it to a high level of use.

Modernization

Only in the 20th century did the construction of saunas with stoves equipped with chimneys begin. And in the 30s, saunas and steam rooms appeared with a metal partition that separated the flames and stones. The temperature remained high for as long as possible. A huge advantage of this type was the absence of soot. In the 50s, saunas with separate changing rooms began to be built, and as development progressed, the steam room area began to be separated. The next stage of development was the emergence of electric ovens, which turned out to be easy to use and safe. Since this option does not require a chimney, this type of stove can be installed almost anywhere.

Sauna + cabin

Also suitable for installation in a private house or apartment is the option of a combined mini-sauna with a shower. A large number of models that have an incredibly attractive design and fully meet all safety measures are available to buyers. Such a sauna cabin is usually made of cedar, which is considered one of the best trees for the construction of such facilities. This type of wood is completely resistant to rotting and has antibacterial properties, and the essential oils it contains have a beneficial effect on the body.

A sauna in the house will bring maximum comfort, pleasure and create a unique atmosphere.

Brief description and dimensions of the metal stove

Our design will have a separate tank for heating water and a heater built into the top of the stove. The flame heats the heater from all sides, this significantly increases the efficiency of the stove. You can take arbitrary sizes, take into account the parameters of the steam room and the number of people washing at the same time. We give the dimensions of our stove as an example.

1. External heater. Width 50 cm, length 50 cm, height 80 cm.
2. Internal heater. Width 40 cm, length 40 cm, height 50 cm. The distance between the walls of the inner and outer heater is five centimeters around the perimeter.
3. Bake. Width 50 cm, length 90 cm, height 50 cm. You can change the length of the stove, make it only for an external heater 50 cm long (then the water tank will have to be mounted on the side on stops) or increase the length to increase the volume of the tank.
4. Water tank. Width 40 cm, length 50 cm, height 60 cm. The tank holds 120 liters of water, which is enough to wash three or four people. Of course, hot water needs to be diluted with cold water.

Video installation of a sandwich chimney with your own hands

A feature of modern sauna stoves is their heating temperature, which can reach 400 degrees. An important indicator of the efficiency of the furnace is instant heating of the body and maximum heat transfer.

The entire heating process is accompanied by the release of infrared radiation, which is distributed on surfaces adjacent to the furnace. Under the influence of high temperatures, the wooden structure of the bathhouse can char or ignite.

This is why it is so important to ensure that wooden surfaces are reliably insulated from the heat of the stove. A protective screen and lining made of fire-resistant materials are suitable for this.

Advantages and disadvantages of ceramic chimneys for fireplaces

The advantages of a ceramic pipe include the following characteristics:

• the material is very quick to install and assemble;
• is a guarantee of high efficiency;
• long service life;
• the range of blocks is large, which makes it possible to mount a chimney opening with any configuration;
• the presence of a special hole that makes it possible to clean the chimney;
• the condensate that appears drains away thanks to the hole located at the bottom of the chimney.

Among the disadvantages of block ceramic pipe systems, it is customary to highlight the following:

• relatively high price;
• Due to the fact that most of these chimneys are manufactured abroad, the delivery time is sometimes very long.

Key points to consider when choosing a chimney

When choosing a chimney design, you need to pay attention to the following factors:

• The chimney exhaust material needs to be stable so that it can withstand the high temperature of the exiting products; (See also: )
• Must withstand a mixture of soot and condensation;
• The design of the chimney must fully comply with all required standards (construction, fire, technological, operational).

For a fireplace that will be fueled by gas, a chimney made of stainless steel is perfect; for coal, it is better to choose a chimney made of brick, and for firewood, a design made of ceramics, brick, and stainless steel is suitable.

First visits to the bathhouse

A trip to the bathhouse requires careful preparation of brooms and other things necessary for effective steaming. There are several main types of brooms:

• Birch trees have a beneficial effect on the human bronchi, heal the skin, and help restore muscles and joints.
• Oak - have a calming effect, perfectly restore the skin, reducing its oiliness.
• Eucalyptus - are a good prevention of respiratory diseases.

For convenient use of a broom, it is recommended to acquire special mittens. When the optimal temperature for the bath is reached, everyone sits on shelves on which sheets need to be laid. You also need a second sheet to wrap yourself in. It is mandatory to have a hat that will protect your head from overheating and keep your hair in normal condition. Treatment headgear is made from felt and comes in a huge variety of shapes available. Terry towels are used for drying, and it is best to walk here in slippers that are not afraid of water.

Before your visit, you can steam your feet, which will allow the blood to drain from your head and relieve your heart. All preparations for the visit should take place at a calm pace, since the bustle that arises during preparations can negatively affect the mood in the steam room. You should not expect that the steam room will become the place for a grand feast, since drinking alcohol and overeating during the steam room is prohibited.

A few rules for beginners who don’t know at what temperature they can steam in a sauna:

• Before entering the steam room, it is recommended to warm up or swim in the pool for 10-15 minutes.
• It is worth remembering that you need to breathe through your nose here, since the sinuses in the nasopharynx reduce the heat of the air before it enters the bronchi and lungs.
• Do not rush to use a broom until your body gets used to the humidity and heat.
• The broom needs to be soaked for a few minutes, or doused with boiling water.
• After leaving the steam room, you should wash yourself with cold water and rest for a period of time that is twice as long as the time spent in a hot room with a high temperature.

If a person wishing to warm up has health problems, then before the procedures you should consult a doctor.

How to simplify the choice of chimney

What is a chimney for fireplaces? This is a set of pipes, one end of which is connected to a heating device, and the other is brought outside. Its installation is a rather complex and labor-intensive process that requires certain knowledge and professionalism. Chimneys can be made of brick, stainless steel, ceramics. Each of these types has its own advantages, disadvantages, as well as installation features. Of course, in order to make the right choice, it is better to seek advice from professionals. However, in order to have some idea about the design of chimneys, we provide below a brief description of the most common types.