How to Maintain Your Sauna Heater (Electric & Wood-Burning) – Tips for Harvia, HUUM, Saunum & More

There’s nothing quite like stepping into a perfectly heated sauna after a long day. But behind every soothing steam session is a heater doing some heavy lifting. Whether you own a Harvia, HUUM, or Saunum heater, regular maintenance is key to keeping your unit running efficiently, safely, and for years to come.

At SaunaRealm.com, we offer a premium selection of electric and wood-burning sauna heaters from the top brands. And because we want your sauna experience to be as stress-free as possible, we’ve created this practical guide for maintaining your heater.

1. Inspect the Heater Regularly

Just like a car, a sauna heater benefits from regular check-ups. Whether it’s an electric model like the HUUM DROP 7.5 or a wood-burning unit like the Harvia M3, visual inspections help catch early signs of wear and tear.

What to look for:

• Electric heaters: Check for rust or corrosion on heating elements, loose wires, and accurate timer/temperature controls.
• Wood-burning stoves: Inspect the fire chamber, chimney, and seals. Look for cracks or smoke leakage.
• Saunum Air climate systems: Make sure air circulation vents and fans are free from obstruction.

If you notice anything unusual, consult your owner’s manual or reach out to our team for help.

2. Clean the Heater (Inside & Out)

Dirt and debris can accumulate on both electric and wood-burning heaters, affecting both performance and appearance.

Cleaning tips:

• Electric heaters: Use a vacuum or soft brush to remove dust from heating elements. Wipe the exterior with mild soapy water or a vinegar-water solution.
• HUUM models: Due to their open stone basket design, pay special attention to dust or debris between stones.
• Wood-burning stoves: Remove ash from the firebox, clean the glass window if applicable, and vacuum chimney vents.

3. Take Care of the Sauna Stones

Stones are not just decorative; they’re central to heat retention and steam production. Brands like Harvia and HUUM even specify compatible stone sizes to ensure proper airflow.

Best practices:

• Remove and clean stones annually with warm water and a brush.
• Check for cracked or crumbling stones and replace them as needed — about every 300 hours of use.
• Restack stones loosely for airflow. Use larger stones on the bottom, smaller ones on top.

Need stones? See our Sauna Heater Stones Collection.

4. Ensure Proper Ventilation

Ventilation affects not only comfort but also safety. Poor airflow can lead to overheating, excess moisture, and heater corrosion.

Tips for better airflow:

• Always leave the sauna door open post-session to air it out.
• Clean exhaust fans and air inlets.
• For wood stoves like the Harvia Pro 20, ensure the chimney and flue are unblocked.
• Check the Saunum Air system’s circulation fans for lint or dust buildup.

5. Seek Professional Help When Needed

Some issues are best left to experts. If your heater shows signs of electrical failure, uneven heating, or severe structural damage, contact a professional.

At Sauna Realm, we support our customers well beyond purchase. If you suspect a problem, send us a message or call for guidance.

6. Use Your Sauna Regularly

Regular use keeps your sauna environment dry and discourages mold or mildew that could harm your heater.

Pro tip: Try to use your sauna at least twice a week. This also allows you to keep tabs on heater performance and catch issues early.

Troubleshooting Table: Common Sauna Heater Issues

Wrap-Up: Protect Your Investment

A sauna heater is an investment in wellness and relaxation. Whether you’ve chosen a minimalist HUUM, a powerful Harvia, or an advanced Saunum climate solution, maintenance is your best path to long-term performance.

Ready to upgrade or replace your sauna heater? Explore Electric Sauna Heaters or Wood-Burning Sauna Stoves at Sauna Realm.

Have questions? Our team is always here to help you get the most out of your sauna experience.

Contact us here. Disclaimer: The content on our site is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before using a sauna, particularly if you are pregnant or have any existing health conditions. Every individual is different—what works well for one person may not be appropriate for another.