• Harvia Forte 4.4 kW 240V 1PH Stainless Steel Sauna Heater With Digital Control Panel
  • Harvia Forte 4.4 kW 240V 1PH Stainless Steel Sauna Heater With Digital Control Panel
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HAFU4502401

Harvia Forte 4.4 kW 240V 1PH Stainless Steel Sauna Heater With Digital Control Panel

Harvia Forte 4.4 kW 240V 1PH Stainless Steel Sauna Heater With Digital Control Panel

$3,758.00
$4,175.00 $3,758.00
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Sauna Stones (Required 5 Boxes)

Embedding Flange

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Bucket & Ladle Set

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Ladles

Bath Brush

Decorative Stones

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The always-ready Finnish Harvia Forte heater provides you with a perfect moment of relaxation in no time at all to punctuate your hectic schedule. The Forte is Harvia’s innovative version of the heat-storing electric heater, combining top-of-the-range heater technology with a sleek design. Just grab a towel, lift the Forte’s cover and climb onto the bench to enjoy humid and gentle steam. Welcome to a stress-free zone 24/7.

The Forte is equipped with a separate splash-Proof control panel. Thanks to the separate control panel, the Forte is extremely well-suited for being embedded into a bench. The Forte’s new Properties provide family saunas with a sense of safety. The heater will turn off automatically if you forget to close the cover, and the control panel has a keypad lock. The new ECO mode saves electricity, as it allows you to adjust the heater’s temperature to a very low setting without turning off the heater.

Click Here To Know More About Sauna

The Heart Of The Sauna

Be it an electric or a wood-burning heater, steamy or dry, one thing is for sure; it heals you. Harvia’s heaters are your traditional source for modern well-being.

From the beginning, Harvia’s heaters have been forged with quality as a priority. With over 70 years of craftsmanship, Harvia heaters are reliably built to last. Easy to use, practical, and safe – you are sure to find a fitting heater for your sauna.

Your Sauna's Powerhouse

The right heater is the heart, and part of the interior and atmosphere of the sauna. From Harvia's selection, you can find the right electric heater and design for your needs. You can also choose the heater based on your steam preferences. A large stone capacity in pillar heaters provides soft steam. If you like dry and hot steam, then a smaller stone amount in Harvia's wall-mounted heater is perfect for you. Harvia's product range offers solutions for both home and commercial use.

The power of the electric heater is based on the size of the sauna and the interior materials used in the sauna. An average of 1 kW of heater power is required per cubic meter of sauna volume. The need for power increases if the sauna has window or glass surfaces or heat-storing surfaces, such as brick or concrete.

Hot and dry vs. a gentle and steamy sauna?

Some like hot and dry saunas, whereas some prefer softer, gentler and more steam room-like saunas. Both ways of enjoying sauna bathing have their own benefits.
Benefits of a hot and dry sauna
  • The strong heat of a dry sauna aids recovery after a workout and is a great way to help muscles to relax
  • The powerful heat increases the heart rate, much like a cardiovascular workout, and is great for your heart.
  • Sweating helps remove dead skin cells and is a gentler way to exfoliate than many abrasive exfoliating skin care products. Just make sure that you take a shower and your skin is clean before you enter the sauna – bacteria and sweat combined aren’t good for your skin.
  • Sweating improves blood flow to the skin, also known as cutaneous circulation.
  • Sweat from the heat will reduce water retention and increase metabolism– just be sure to keep drinking water to prevent dehydration.
Benefits of steam and lower heat
  • For some, the steam and the gentle heat might feel like a more relaxing and therapeutic experience. Not everyone wants to turn a sauna into a competition to see who can outlast others in the 100 degrees Celsius! Well, some Finns do turn sauna into a competition, but more about that later.
  • Some might find the softer ”löyly” more relaxing and therapeutic. The Wall Combi heater, for example, has a stone cup in which you can add fragrances and essential oils to enhance the experience.
  • The steam opens pores, which makes it easier to cleanse and helps skin care products penetrate more deeply into the skin.
  • Steam and humid air cause mucosal secretions and opens up airways, thus relieving asthma and congestion.
  • Steam and lower heat are a better option for people suffering from rosacea, a skin condition in which blood vessels dilate, causing redness. Rosacea is triggered by sudden heat changes, so for those true fans of sauna Harvia recommend lower heat when sauna bathing.

However, there’s no need to choose between the two. The Wall Combi, has an adjustable integrated steamer for those who prefer the humidity, but can also be used as a traditional sauna heater when the steam function is turned off. It’s a versatile heater that can be adjusted to each’s preference – a handy quality when your sauna companions share different tastes.
The sauna treats the mind and body

Harvia have compiled some of the most important benefits offered by the use of the sauna.

The Finns have always known that going to the sauna is good for you. After the sauna you feel good and relaxed.

Sauna studies show that frequent sauna bathing has many health benefits. These types of studies have been carried out around the world, and Finland has also turned up the heat in science, particularly in recent years.

In other words, Harvia have an even better understanding of the effects of sauna use and why these effects are positive. The soft warmth offers you many health benefits: improved blood circulation and immunity, relief from muscle pain, stress relief, and physical and mental relaxation.

To your health!
Sauna and the heart
20% - 65%

Going to the sauna 2 to 3 times a week reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by more than 20% when compared to people who use the sauna once a week. The more frequently you use the sauna, the more you can reduce the risk, even up to 65%.
< 60%

Those who use the sauna 4 to 7 times a week are over 60% less at risk of dementia
70%

In one of the few studies on the connection between sauna use and sleep, it was discovered that deep sleep increased by over 70% within the first two hours and by 45% within the first six hours. There was a statistically significant decrease in the amount of time spent awake after sauna use.
80​°C (176°F)

The best health effects can be attained by using the sauna 4 to 7 times a week at a temperature of approximately 80°C (176°F), for approximately 20 minutes at a time.
Key health benefits of increased sauna bathing
  • Reduced risk from several illnesses (including coronary heart disease, hypertension, venous thrombosis, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease)
  • Improved blood circulation and immunity
  • Relief from muscle pain
  • Stress relief
  • Improved sleep
  • Physical and mental relaxation
  • Increased social connection
  • Offline space
Healing with Heat -  All about Sauna

Sauna Hearts You

If you love going to the sauna, so does your heart. Going to the sauna 2 to 3 times a week reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by more than 20% when compared to people who use the sauna once a week. The more frequently you use the sauna, the more you can reduce the risk, even up to 65%.

Harvia have yet to find out the mechanism through which frequent sauna use exactly protects the heart. Heart rate and blood pressure change during sauna use in a manner comparable to physical activity, as the changes in the body are of a similar type. Sauna use can, at least, lower blood pressure and maintain the flexibility of blood vessels.

Enjoy the Steam and Heat of Your Dreams

Why do so many people say that you sleep more deeply after going to the sauna? In one of the few studies on the connection between sauna use and sleep, it was discovered that deep sleep increased by over 70% within the first two hours and by 45% within the first six hours. There was a statistically significant decrease in the amount of time spent awake after sauna use.

Researchers suppose that the process of the body warming up, and then cooling down affects Harvia's hormone activity so that Harvia become sleepy approximately a few hours after going to the sauna.

Do You Have Sauna in the Veins?

Heat affects the body in the same way exercise does: it makes the heart pump more blood. When the surface blood vessels simultaneously expand, the heart’s job actually becomes easier. At the same time, the warming of the tissues releases substances which the arteries and blood vessels of the heart need to function properly.

The heat therapy enabled by the sauna may therefore provide everyone with the benefits of exercise – even persons for whom exercise is difficult or impossible for some reason.

Reduce the Risk of Memory Disorder

Did you know that dementia can be slowed down and even prevented? Going to the sauna twice a week is already enough to reduce the risk of dementia by one fifth compared to those who only use the sauna once a week. Those who use the sauna 4 to 7 times a week are over 60% less at risk of dementia.

These interesting observations pertain to the Finnish sauna specifically. The best health effects can be attained by using the sauna 4 to 7 times a week at a temperature of approximately 80°C (176°F), for approximately 20 minutes at a time.

Nourish Your Skin in Steam

Do you think that frequent sauna use will dry your skin? In truth, it is quite the opposite. Skin metabolism improves when the heat in the sauna multiplies the amount of blood passing through the surface blood vessels. The skin is nourished, retaining moisture more effectively and therefore staying more elastic.

Many people like to go to the sauna daily or almost daily in the summer. This may be a contributing factor for why the skin does not dry as much in the summer as it does in the winter, even for people with dry skin. Frequent sauna use is beneficial for people suffering from psoriasis and many other skin diseases, such as seborrheic dermatitis and an infected eczema.

Loosen up Your Muscles in the Heat

The sauna is a good place to relax strained muscles after a run or going to the gym. But going to the sauna BEFORE you exercise may be an even better method. According to studies, sauna use before strenuous exercise prevents the muscles from becoming sore and increases muscle mobility after the workout.

You should also use the time spent in the sauna to stretch and maintain your joints’ ranges of motion.

What's Included

  • Sauna Heater with Built-in digital control panel
  • Installation and operation manual
  • 2-Year Warranty (Consumer use)

Not Included (Sold Separately)

  • Sauna Stones (Requires 5 Boxes)
  • Embedding Flange

Features

  • Floor model
  • Stainless Steel housing
  • 4.4kW
  • For sauna rooms from 178 to 283 cu. ft.
  • Requires a minimum of 220 lbs of stones (5 boxes-AC3020)
  • Please note that each natural stone is unique in shape and size. We recommend purchasing an additional box of sauna stones to allow you to choose the highest quality of stone for fit, form, and function (Additional freight charges will apply). 
  • Equipped with a separate splash-proof control panel
  • Designed, engineered, and made in Finland
  • Dimensions: 20" W (500mm) x 21" D (530mm) x 35" H (880mm)
  • 2-Year Warranty (Consumer use)
  • Manufacturer's Note: Sauna heater stones are significant to the unit's safety. In order for the warranty to remain valid, the user is responsible for proper maintenance.

Specifications

Model AF450
User Group Households
Power Output 4.4 kW
Control Type Controlled by a stand-alone digital control panel
Installation Location Floor
Installation Orientation Vertically
Technical documentation languages EN FR
Color Stainless Steel
Main Material Steel
Construction Material Stainless Steel
Certifications & Listing ETL
Mountable Inside Sauna Room? Yes
Contains Wood? No
Hardwired Yes
Ambient temperature min 0 °C
Ambient temperature max 60 °C
Control panel type EE
Use environment Interior-wet area
Remote use options No
Prime energy/fuel Electric (high voltage 240V 1~)
Warranty Consumer (months) 24
Warranty Professional (months) 12
Warranty Community (months) 12
Product Height (mm) 35" (880mm)
Product Width (mm) 20" (500mm)
Product Depth (mm) 21" (530mm)
Product Weight 74 lbs

Distances

Safety distance front (non-combustible materials) 2"
Safety distance side (non-combustible materials) 2"
Safety distance behind (non-combustible materials) 2"
Safety distance (Ceiling) 45"
Room min. recommended volume 5 m³
Room max. recommended volume 8 m³
Room min. height(depends on connections and therefore from output, star/delta) 79"

Electrical

IP Class IPX4
Electrical Frequency 60Hz
Fuses (400V3N~) pcs x ampers 3 x 10 A
Supply cable (400V 3N~) mm2 5 x 2.5 mm2
Electrical group options 240VAC, 1PH, 60Hz

Logistics

EAN 6417659027519
Customs tariff number EU 85162999
ETIM number EC001884
UNSPSC number 40101800
Sales Unit pcs
Quantity 1
Packaging Materials Cardboard
Package Height 520 mm
Package Width 930 mm
Package Depth 550 mm
Gross Weight 35.5 kg
Cardboard Weight 2.3 kg
Sales lot 2 Quantity 4
Sales lot 3 Quantity 8

Warranty

Documents & Files

Videos





Frequently Asked Questions

Have the health effect of sauna use been studied scientifically?

Individual studies have been conducted in Finland and elsewhere in the world, in which the test group has typically consisted of a few dozen people. A study published by the University of Eastern Finland, which found sauna use to be beneficial to the circulatory system and the memory, involved over 2,000 Finnish men and lasted for over 20 years.
Is sauna use always good for you?

Many experts say that if you are able to walk into a sauna by yourself, it is safe for you to use the sauna. However, always keep moderation and good sauna habits in mind. If you do not feel normal or if you have been diagnosed with heart problems, you should first consult your doctor about using the sauna. In general, it can be said that if going to the sauna feels good, then it is good for you. This rule does not apply to joint pains related to rheumatism, as they are often alleviated in the sauna but may come back stronger the next day. You can try to avoid this by cooling yourself properly after the sauna.
From a health point of view, what is the recommended amount of time spent in the sauna?

All sauna use that does not feel good or causes unwanted effects afterwards is excessive. But those who are used to going to the sauna frequently can easily do so as often as every day. In the study published by the University of Eastern Finland, the greatest health effects were observed when the sauna was used 4 to 7 times per week for approximately 20 minutes at a time.
I have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. Is it safe for me to use the sauna?

The heat in the sauna accelerates the heart rate and increases the amount of blood pumped through the surface blood vessels in particular. Similarly, the blood vessels expand, which causes blood pressure to decrease. This decrease in blood pressure is temporary and only lasts for a few hours. However, the warming of the tissues apparently releases substances which boost the normal functioning of the arteries and blood vessels. In other words, moderate sauna use can usually be considered to be safe, but as with all matters related to the circulatory system, you should always consult with your own doctor whether sauna use is recommended.
Does sauna use alleviate asthma?

Some people suffering from asthma feel that it is easier for them to breathe in the moist steam, while others do not. It has no effect on the disease itself.
I would like to use the sauna every day, but some say that it dries the skin. Is this true?

On the contrary, going to the sauna is good for your skin. The increase in surface blood flow caused by the heat transports building materials to the skin’s cells, helping them regenerate and remove metabolic wastes more effectively. Healthy and clean skin retains moisture better and stays elastic.
Can you cure a cold in the sauna?

Having a cold and a fever means that there are viruses in the blood. For example, exercise is not recommended when sick, as exertion may lead these viruses to cause a serious infection in the heart. And as the effects of sauna use to the heart are similar to the effects of exercise, sauna use is not recommended for someone with a cold. By themselves, a stuffy nose or a sore throat are not usually obstacles to sauna use.
Does going to the sauna help with sleep problems?

In the sauna, the heart rate may increase to up to 150 beats per minute, so sauna goers may not necessarily feel sleepy immediately afterwards. But when the body begins to cool down, hormones are released that make it easier to fall asleep. Studies have also found that sleep may be deeper than normal after sauna use. You can only find the manner of sauna use suitable for you by trying.
Should I go to the sauna after exercising?

Many athletes think that going to the sauna helps to remove lactic acids that have accumulated in the muscles. However, as heat directs blood flow to the surface blood vessels and away from the muscles and organs, sauna use may not be beneficial to muscles in this sense. Nevertheless, you should take advantage of the moments spent in the sauna by stretching your muscles and maintaining your joints’ ranges of motion. It has also been noted that heat therapy performed before exercising may reduce muscle pains caused by the workout.

Designing And Building A Sauna

How do I design and build a sauna?

These instructions are designed to give you basic information about the structure and building stages of a sauna. In these instructions, the sauna is built into a ready-made room with walls made of concrete blocks and a tiled floor. The ventilation system is mechanical. The walls are panelled throughout in order to keep the heater power at a moderate level. However, a glass door is installed – when determining the right heater power level, the door must be taken into account as 1.5 m3 of additional room volume.

Planning Stage

Requirements Set By The Heater

  • Carefully read the heater installation instructions, especially the safety distances. No combustible materials may be located inside the indicated safety distances. Not adhering to the safety distances causes a fire hazard. The safety distances of a wood-heated stove can be reduced with a protective sheath (see the stove installation instructions).
  • If the electric heater features an external sensor, you must be able to place it precisely as prescribed in the installation instructions.
  • If you have chosen a Combi heater with a steamer, the sauna room must have a floor drain. If you choose a Combi model with automated water dispensing, there must be a water supply near the heater. Furthermore, when planning the electrical wiring, it must be taken into consideration that Combi heaters are always controlled with a separate control panel.

Cables

Familiarise yourself with the wiring required by the lights, the heater and the control panel or unit and decide whether you want to have the cables under or on the panelling boards.

Sauna Decoration

  • These instructions describe the installation of straight Formula benches. Harvia offers a wide selection of bench models.
  • Note that the bench supports require reinforcements in the walls. The locations of the supports depend on the chosen bench model.

Floor And Ventilation

Floor

Waterproof the floor in accordance with building regulations. When selecting the flooring material, note that water thrown onto the heater washes off eroded stone that may stain white materials. Therefore, we recommend choosing a dark flooring. Pillar heaters must always be installed onto a non-combustible floor, as hot stone fragments may fall through the steel frame.

The flooring material must also cover 10–20 cm (3.93" - 7.87") of the walls. You can attach the material either directly onto the wall or onto plywood attached to the wall.

Ventilation 

A. Placement of the supply air vent. If mechanical exhaust ventilation is used, place the supply air vent above the heater. If gravity exhaust ventilation is used, place the supply air vent below or next to the heater. The diameter of the supply air pipe must be 50–100 mm.

Heaters with a separate temperature sensor: the supply air vent of the sauna must not be near the temperature sensor!

B. Exhaust air vent. Place the exhaust air vent near the floor, as far away from the heater as possible. The diameter of the exhaust air pipe should be twice the diameter of the supply air pipe. If the exhaust air vent is in the washroom, the gap underneath the sauna door must be at least 100 mm(3.93"). Mechanical exhaust ventilation must therefore be used.

C. Optional vent for drying (closed during heating and bathing). The sauna can also be dried by leaving the door open after bathing.

Framing 
  • Attach framing studs (50 x 50 mm) to the walls. Space the studs by 600 mm (23.62") or in accordance with the width of the insulation material.
  • Attach the ceiling frames to the wall frames. The room height of a sauna is typically 2,100–2,300 mm. The minimum height depends on the heater. The distance between the upper bench and the ceiling should not exceed 1,200 mm (47.24").
Heat Insulation 

Set the insulation materials between the framing studs. Make sure that there are no gaps in the insulation. The ceiling insulation is a particularly significant factor in energy efficiency, so install a double insulation (at least 100 mm / 3.93") to the ceiling.

Humidity Proofing (Aluminium Foil)

The purpose of aluminium foil used as humidity proofing is to keep the humidity inside the sauna. The humidity proofing must be sealed throughout in order to prevent humidity from entering the structures. The aluminium foil is attached sparsely with staples, for example. Set the shiny side of the foil towards the sauna interior.

  • First, attach the aluminium foil to the ceiling and fold the edges onto the walls, so that the ceiling and wall foils overlap well. Tape the seams carefully with aluminium tape.
  • Install the aluminium foil onto the walls and tape the seams. We do not recommend placing seams in corners, as this makes the taping more difficult.
  • Tape the lower edges of the aluminium foil onto the upper edge of the floor tiling or onto the waterproofing.
  • Tape all feed-through openings so that they are sealed!
Nailing Battens, Bench Supports And Heater Support 
  • Attach nailing battens (e.g. 22 x 50 mm) onto the ceiling where the framing studs are placed.
  • Attach battens onto the walls. Measure the battens so that the upper ends are approximately 20 mm (0.78") below the ceiling battens. The battens must be installed vertically to allow air to travel up from the bottom behind the panelling boards. If you wish to install the panelling boards vertically, install another set of battens horizontally onto the vertical battens.
  • Check the bench heights from your bench plan and install reinforcements into the planned locations on the bench support attachments. Build the reinforcements from wood that matches the thickness of the nailing battens. The width can be 90 mm(3.54"), for example. Attach the reinforcements to the frame.
  • If you have chosen a wall-mounted heater, install a support (A) onto the wall for the heater mounting screws. The support can be made of plywood, for example. See the heater’s instruction manual for the locations of the mounting screws.
  • Make sure that the cables are taken into consideration. (See section 1. Planning stage.)
Panelling Boards 
  • Nail the panelling boards onto the nailing battens. Begin from the ceiling.
  • Nail a few rows of panelling boards onto one wall and then move on to the next wall. By going around like this, you can make sure that any width differences in the panelling boards do not affect the end result.
  • Drill holes for the electrical wires into the boards where needed, and insert the wires through the holes.
  • Leave an air gap of a few millimetres between the upper edge of the panelling boards and the ceiling.
Finishing The Interior Surface 

Attach the air vents.

Bench Supports And Light 

Install the bench supports in accordance with the bench plan. We recommend installing the light at this stage (if necessary, turn to a professional electrical engineer).

Benches 

Lift the benches onto the bench supports. Follow the installation instructions supplied with the benches.

Heater 

Install and connect the heater in accordance with the installation instructions.
I am about to start panelling my sauna – what do I need to take into account?

1. If you have selected a wall-mounted heater, there needs to be a supporting structure for it behind the panelling boards. The mounting screws will not hold on panelling boards alone and the heater may fall onto the floor. In practice, sturdy boards for the mounting screws or a similar solution will suffice as a supporting structure. See the heater’s instruction manual for the locations of the mounting screws.

2. Familiarise yourself with the wiring required by the lights, the heater and the control unit (if one is used) and decide whether you want to have the cables under or on the panelling boards.

  • A. Wires for the temperature and/or humidity sensors of the heater
  • B. Electrical wiring for the heater
  • C. Wiring for the sauna lights
  • D. Any other wiring (special lights etc.)

3. Note that the benches require supports on the walls. There must be sturdy supporting structures behind the panelling boards for the bench supports.
Ventilation in the sauna

Sauna With An Electric Heater

The air in the sauna should change six times per hour.

A. Placement of the supply air vent. If mechanical exhaust ventilation is used, place the supply air vent above the heater. If gravity exhaust ventilation is used, place the supply air vent below or next to the heater. The diameter of the supply air pipe must be 50–100 mm. Heaters with a separate temperature sensor: the supply air vent of the sauna must not be near the temperature sensor! For more detailed instructions, see the heater installation instructions.

B. Exhaust air vent. Place the exhaust air vent near the floor, as far away from the heater as possible. The diameter of the exhaust air pipe should be twice the diameter of the supply air pipe.

C. Optional vent for drying (closed during heating and bathing). The sauna can also be dried by leaving the door open after bathing.

D. If the exhaust air vent is in the washroom, the gap underneath the sauna door must be at least 100 mm (3.93"). Mechanical exhaust ventilation must be used.

Sauna With a Wood-heated Stove

Gravity Ventilation

A. The fresh air inlet must be placed close to the floor near the stove and

B. its outlet should be as far away from the stove as possible, and near the roof. The stove itself circulates air effectively; the purpose of the outlet is mainly to remove humidity from the sauna after bathing.

Mechanical ventilation

A. The fresh air inlet must be approx. 500 mm (19.68") above the stove and

B. the outlet should be close to the floor, e.g. under the benches.
How do I select the correct heater power?

The volume and structures of the sauna affect the selection of heater power. An average of 1 kW of heater power is required for each cubic metre of sauna volume. The power requirement increases if there are window surfaces or heat-storing surfaces such as brick, concrete or massive logs in the sauna.

One square metre of stone, glass or similar non-insulated surface increases the heater power requirement as much as if the sauna room volume were increased by 1.2 cubic metres. If the interior walls of the sauna room are made of non-insulated logs, the corresponding factor is 1.5.

If the heating capacity is too small, the heater needs to be heated longer and more intensely, which reduces its life span.
Which control unit should I select?

External control units are necessary for large heaters used in public facilities, but they are also well-suited for home use as long as the required electrical and sensor wiring is taken into account when planning the sauna.

Many heaters intended for home use are also available as so-called E models that utilise a control unit instead of operating switches on the heater. This is especially convenient when the heater is embedded into a bench.

Electric Heaters

How do I select the correct heater power?

The volume and structures of the sauna affect the selection of heater power. An average of 1 kW of heater power is required for each cubic metre of sauna volume. The power requirement increases if there are window surfaces or heat-storing surfaces such as brick, concrete or massive logs in the sauna.

One square metre of stone, glass or similar non-insulated surface increases the heater power requirement as much as if the sauna room volume were increased by 1.2 cubic metres. If the interior walls of the sauna room are made of non-insulated logs, the corresponding factor is 1.5.

If the heating capacity is too small, the heater needs to be heated longer and more intensely, which reduces its life span.
Which control unit should I select?

External control units are necessary for large heaters used in public facilities, but they are also well-suited for home use as long as the required electrical and sensor wiring is taken into account when planning the sauna.

Many heaters intended for home use are also available as so-called E models that utilise a control unit instead of operating switches on the heater. This is especially convenient when the heater is embedded into a bench.
How much space does the heater require around it?

All heaters have specific safety distances that determine how close the heater can be placed to walls and benches made of combustible materials. Greater heater power often corresponds with greater safety distances. The safety distance values can be found on the rating plate, the installation instructions, the brochure and the online product page of the heater.

The minimum safety distances must be adhered to in order to avoid fires!
Selecting the heater control method

When selecting an electric heater, you should pay attention to the control equipment and user comfort in addition to the visual look and heating power. Harvia heater models utilise three different control methods:

  • Fixed operating switches
  • External digital control panel
  • External control unit that takes care of the power input of the heater

The fixed, mechanical operating switches are placed on a side or at the top or the bottom of the heater.

If you wish to avoid bending down or your bench solution prevents manual access to the heater, you can select a heater model that is equipped with an external control panel or control unit. The external control panel can be installed in the dressing room, for example – it also shows the temperature of the sauna.

External control units are necessary for large heaters used in public facilities, but they are also well-suited for home use (consult your electrical engineer first).
Can anyone connect an electric heater to the power grid?

All electrical appliances that are fitted with a protective housing, that is attached by screws to prevent dangerous live components from coming into contact with one another, must be installed and serviced, in compliance with the regulations in place, by a professional, authorised electrical engineer or any such other knowledgeable person.
Can anyone replace a broken heating element?

All electrical appliances that are fitted with a protective housing that is attached by screws to prevent dangerous live components from coming into contact with one another must be installed and serviced, in compliance with the regulations in place, by a professional, authorised electrical engineer or any such other knowledgeable person.
Why is a connection cable not supplied with the heater?

A connection cable between the junction box on the sauna wall and the terminal strip of the heater is not supplied with the heater. The electrical engineer who connects the heater will supply the cable. The information of the connection cable can be found in the installation instructions of the heater and/or control unit.
Where can I install a digital control panel for the heater?

The control panel is splash-proof and has a low voltage. It can be installed in the washroom, the dressing room or the living area, for example. If the control panel is installed in the sauna, it should be placed no closer than the minimum safety distance from the heater and no higher than one metre from the floor. Keep out of reach of children.
Can an electric heater be equipped with mobile phone-operated remote control?

The sauna must always be checked before the heater is turned on. This is to make sure that no combustible objects are left near or on the heater. If you wish to have your sauna ready quickly, we recommend a heat-storing Forte heater.
Can the heater’s electrical circuit be fitted with a fault current protector?

A fault current protector must not be installed into the heater’s electrical circuit, as the heater is sufficiently protected when earthed. Fault current protectors are designed to ensure the safety of small electrical appliances, such as a coffee maker.
Extending the sensor cable

The silicone cable supplied with the sensor can withstand temperatures up to 170°C (338°F). The cable can be extended with a lower temperature value cable with an equivalent cross section, provided that the temperature affecting the cable after the connection does not exceed 80°C (176°F).
The sensor must be placed exactly as prescribed in the instruction manual in order to ensure that the heater works correctly.

Please note! The supply air vent of the sauna must not be near the temperature sensor.The air stream near the vent will cool the sensor, resulting in the sensor sending erroneous temperature information to the control unit. This may cause the heater to overheat. Minimum distance between the supply air vent and the temperature sensor:

  • non-directional vent: 1,000 mm (39.3")
  • vent directed away from the sensor: 500 mm (19.6")
If the minimum distance cannot be adhered to, the ventilation system must be altered.
Installing a wood-heated stove and an electric heater in the same sauna

Even the smallest wood-heated stoves are equal to a 13 kW heater in terms of heating power. If you wish to install an electric heater to accompany a wood-heated stove in your sauna, the power of the heater must be selected carefully in accordance with the directions provided by the factory.

Safety Distances Of The Heater And The Stove To Combustible Materials

The safety distance requirements for both the heater and the stove must be met. See the installation instructions of the heater and the stove for the safety distance requirements.

Safety Distance Between The Heater And The Stove

The distance between the heater and the stove must be their respective safety distances combined, however no less than 600 mm(23.6"). This safety distance can be reduced with a protective sheath for the wood-heated stove.
The control panel shows an error message, the heater does not heat up
Error Message ER1

Forte: The thermocouple circuit is broken.

Moderna, Fuga, Delta, Kivi, Cilindro: The measuring circuit of the temperature sensor is broken. Contact service.

Error Message ER2

Moderna, Fuga, Delta, Kivi, Cilindro: Short-circuit in the measuring circuit of the temperature sensor. Contact service.

Error Message ER3

Forte: The measuring circuit of the overheat protector is broken.

Error Message ER4

Forte: Disrupted connection between the lower and upper card.

Error Message ER5

Forte: The temperature surrounding the control panel is too high.
The heater does not heat up (mechanical control)

Applies to heaters with a mechanical timer switch.
Make sure that the fuses/breakers of the heater on the electrical panel are in working order. Please note that there are one to three fuses/breakers on the electrical panel, depending on the heater model and electricity system.

Make sure that the connection cable of the heater is connected.

Turn the timer switch to the operation area (A):

Set a higher temperature

Make sure that the overheat protector has not been triggered. In that case, the timer works, but the heater will not heat up.
The sauna heats up slowly

Water thrown on the heater cools the stones quickly.

  • Make sure that the fuses/breakers of the heater on the electrical panel are in working order. Please note that there are one to three fuses/breakers on the electrical panel, depending on the heater model and electricity system.

  • Check that all the heating elements are glowing when the heater is on.

  • Set a higher temperature.

  • Make sure that the heater is sufficiently powerful.

  • Check the heater stones. If the stones are stacked too tightly, compacted over time or the wrong kind, air circulation in the heater may be blocked, which in turn decreases the heating power.

  • Make sure that the ventilation of the sauna is arranged correctly.

  • Test whether the thermostat works correctly:

  1. Remove stones from the heater until you can see the ends of all heating elements.

  2. Turn the heater on. The heating elements will begin to glow. If a heating element does not glow, it must be replaced. Remember to close the sauna door.

  3. Monitor when the heating elements turn off. This happens when the sauna temperature has reached the desired temperature set with the thermostat. Usually, the desired temperature will be reached in 35–45 minutes from turning on the heater. If it takes significantly longer to reach the desired temperature, the temperature sensor may be placed incorrectly, the heater may not have enough power, or the thermostat may be faulty.
The heater control panel does not work correctly.

Check the data cable and its connections.
The sauna heats up quickly, but the stones are not hot enough

Water thrown onto the heater does not vaporise and runs through the stone compartment.

  • Set a lower temperature.
  • Make sure that the heater is not too powerful.
  • Make sure that the ventilation of the sauna is arranged correctly.
Panelling boards or other materials near the heater darken quickly
  • Make sure that the safety distance requirements are met.
  • Check the heater stones. If the stones are stacked too tightly, compacted over time or the wrong kind, air circulation in the heater may be blocked, which can cause overheating in the structures (especially when an electric heater is used).
  • It is perfectly normal for the wooden surfaces of the sauna to darken over time. The darkening may be accelerated by
    – sunlight
    – heat from the heater
    – protective agents on the walls (protective agents have a poor heat resistance level)
    – fine particles coming off the heater stones and lifted by the air flow
  • Wood-heated saunas: smoke that enters the sauna when adding firewood, for example
The Heater Produces Smells
  • If the heater is new, it may still have residual protective agents from the manufacturing process. Carry out the first heating in a well-ventilated room.
  • The hot heater may emphasise smells mixed in the air that are not, however, caused by the sauna or the heater. Examples: paint, glue, heating oil, spices.
The heater is making sounds
  • The timer switch is a mechanical device that emits a ticking sound when working normally. If you hear ticking even though the heater is off, check the connections of the timer switch.
  • Occasional bangs are usually caused by stones splitting due to the heat.
  • Thermal expansion in the heater parts may cause sounds when the heater is heating up.

Control Units

Which control unit should I select?

External control units are necessary for large heaters used in public facilities, but they are also well-suited for home use as long as the required electrical and sensor wiring is taken into account when planning the sauna.

Many heaters intended for home use are also available as so-called E models that utilise a control unit instead of operating switches on the heater. This is especially convenient when the heater is embedded into a bench.
The control panel shows an error message, the heater does not heat up

Error Message ER1

Forte: The thermocouple circuit is broken.
Moderna, Fuga, Delta, Kivi, Cilindro: The measuring circuit of the temperature sensor is broken. Contact service.

Error Message ER2

Moderna, Fuga, Delta, Kivi, Cilindro: Short-circuit in the measuring circuit of the temperature sensor. Contact service.

Error Message ER3

Forte: The measuring circuit of the overheat protector is broken.

Error Message ER4

Forte: Disrupted connection between the lower and upper card.

Error Message ER5

Forte: The temperature surrounding the control panel is too high.

Use And Maintainance

Quick heater instructions (mechanical control)

Remember to always check the sauna before heating. No unwanted objects must be left on or near the heater. Never dry your laundry in the sauna.

Turning the heater on immediately.Turn the timer switch to the operation area (scale A, 0–4 hours). The heater will begin to heat up.

The heater will turn off as soon as the timer machinery returns the switch to 0. You can turn the heater off at any time by manually turning the switch back to 0.

Turning the heater on with the timer. Turn the timer switch to the pre-set area (scale B, 0–8 hours). The heater will begin to heat up as soon as the timer machinery turns the switch to the operation area. The on-time will be approximately four hours.

Example: You wish to go on a three-hour walk and have a sauna bath as soon as you come back. Turn the timer switch to 2 in the preset area. The timer will start. After two hours, the heater will begin to heat up. As the sauna takes about one hour to heat up, it will be ready for use in about three hours, i.e. right as you return from your walk.

If the temperature gets too high, turn the thermostat counter-clockwise. If the temperature is not high enough, turn the thermostat clockwise.
Quick heater instructions (digital control panel)

Remember to always check the sauna before heating. No unwanted objects must be left on or near the heater. Never dry your laundry in the sauna.

The heater is on standby when the backlight of the I/O button is on. If the backlight is off, make sure that the heater has been turned on with the main power switch at the bottom of the heater.

Turning The Heater On Immediately

1. Turn the heater on by pressing the I/O button on the control panel. The control panel will light up and the heater will begin to heat up immediately.

2. If necessary, adjust the temperature with the + and – buttons.

After bathing, turn the heater off by pressing the I/O button.

Timed Heating

  1. Turn the heater on by pressing the I/O button on the control panel.

  2. Press the MENU button twice. This enters a mode where you can change the remaining on-time.

  3. Press the + button. The heater will turn off and the timer indicator light will begin to flash. The panel shows the time after which the heating will begin. The time may be pre-set at 10-minute intervals up to 10 hours and at one-hour intervals from 10 to 18 hours.

  4. Press the MENU button and wait for the control panel to return to the default mode. Please note that the time shown on the panel will also count down at the aforementioned intervals.
Can any stones be used as heater stones?

Heater stones should be of a material that is as heavy as possible, dark in colour and large in size for them to be able to store as much heat energy as possible. Heater dealers sell stones that are specifically intended for use as heater stones, and that come from well-known suppliers, so their composition and suitability are guaranteed. Stone materials suitable for heater use include peridotite, olivine and olivine diabase. Surface rocks collected in nature are not suitable for heater use.

Ceramic “stones” and soft soapstones must not be used. They do not store enough heat when heating up the heater. This may result in the heater overheating, which in turn leads to the heating elements breaking.

The heater stones must be stacked in the heater in accordance with the installation and user instructions of the heater. Heater stones are available in two sizes.
How often should the heater stones be changed in a family sauna?

How often they are changed by and large depends on how much the heater is used. If it is an average of twice a week, the stones should be changed once a year. The stones should be restacked at times, as they will crumble in use and compact in the stone compartment, reducing the air circulation. Good air circulation guarantees a proper sauna experience. The heating elements will also last longer with good air circulation.
What do I do when a heating element breaks?

A broken heating element should be replaced immediately, as the ones that are still intact have to glow longer and one of the remaining heating elements may also break after a while. Only an authorised electrical engineer may replace a heating element.
What is the correct sauna temperature?

The temperature of the sauna must be set so that the user sweats while seated on the bench and feels comfortable. There is no right or wrong sauna temperature, as everyone has a different preference, taking age and state of health into account.

  • If the sauna temperature is high (80–100°C) (176-212°F), the air may feel dry, even when it is humidified by throwing water onto the stones. The steam will feel sharp.
  • In lower sauna temperatures (50–60°C) (122-140°F), you can use plenty of sauna water. The air will feel humid and soft. The combination of a low temperature and plenty of water works best when using a heater with a large amount of stones.
Air humidity and temperature settings in Combi heaters

You can use the control unit of a Combi heater to adjust a suitable air humidity level and temperature. However, the air humidity setting will determine the maximum temperature – high humidity in an extremely hot sauna can be a dangerous combination. Therefore, the system has a set limit that ensures safe and pleasant baths. The maximum value is the temperature and humidity percentage sum of 140.

Blue arrow in the chart: humid and soft steam.

Red arrow in the chart: hot and sharp steam.
Why does the steam feel hot on my skin?

Water is thrown onto the heater stones to achieve a pleasant level of humidity in the sauna. Sometimes, if the sauna is very hot, the steam from the heater may feel too hot when it reaches the bathers.
Can the materials of the heater cause unpleasant smells?

When an electric heater is heated up for the first time, the residual protective and other agents accumulated in the heater during different work stages are removed. They can cause unpleasant smells and even smoke, which is why the sauna should be well-ventilated during the initial heating. Because of the possible unpleasant smells, bathing in the sauna during the first heating is not necessarily recommended.
Decalcification

Calcium in your sauna water may form white stains on the heater or stove surfaces over time. The stains can be removed with a citric acid solution as follows:

  1. Purchase some citric acid at a pharmacy, for example.
  2. Mix approximately two table spoons of citric acid powder in 500 ml of water.
  3. Wipe the stains with a towel dampened with the solution. Use rubber gloves, as the citric acid may irritate your skin.
  4. Rinse and dry if necessary.
Electric heater fire safety

The heater is made of metal, and is therefore non-combustible. When installed in accordance with the instructions, the heater will not cause a fire hazard in the sauna. However, objects that fall or are left on the heater may catch fire.

Objects that fall or are left on the heater may catch fire.

Prevention:

  • Never dry your laundry in the sauna.

  • Remember to always check the sauna before turning the heater on.

  • Make sure that your smoke detectors are always in a working condition.

If an accident occurs and you detect it immediately:

  • Extinguish the fire with a dry powder extinguisher suitable for electrical fires.

  • If a suitable extinguisher is not available, first disconnect power from the heater using the electrical panel of the house or apartment, then put out the fire with water. Please note that there are one to three fuses/breakers on the electrical panel, depending on the heater model and electricity system.

  • A fire blanket rarely helps, as the fire receives air from under the heater.

  • In any case, do not put yourself in danger.

If an accident occurs and the fire cannot be controlled:

  • Call the emergency number 112.

  • Exit the building and help others exit as well.

  • Close all doors and windows as you exit.
Can an electric heater give me an electric shock?

Electric heaters are safe to use when installed correctly. Heaters are connected to the power grid in such a way that the metallic parts that are touched are earthed. Touching live parts is prevented by the structure of the heater.
Maintaining your sauna

Before Commissioning the Sauna

We recommend using paraffin oil for treating the sauna benches. Other wooden parts of the sauna, such as the door frame, a wooden door handle and the panelling boards, do not necessarily have to be treated, but if you wish to protect them against absorbed humidity and dirt, the treatment must be carried out using researched substances made for the purpose. Using lacquer on the interior surfaces of the sauna is strictly prohibited.

The Harvia Sauna Care Set for treating the wood surfaces of the sauna includes a 500 ml bottle of paraffin oil, which is enough for treating 5‒10 m2 of surface area. The paraffin oil treatment also accentuates the colour of the wood. Test the oil on the bottom surface of a bench to see how the colour changes and whether the new colour pleases you.

Using The Sauna

Wash yourself before entering the sauna. Always protect the bench with a bench towel or disposable bench covers. Wood surfaces usually withstand moisture dripping off the skin well without leaving marks.

When using sauna fragrances, sauna honey or other care products, be careful not to stain the wood surfaces. Leaves from a sauna whisk must also be removed from wood surfaces within a reasonable time.

After Bathing

Remove the bench covers and water bucket and dry off any water droplets. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. Keep the heater on for approximately 10 minutes to dry the wooden parts. Water traces should also be cleaned from the visible surfaces of the heater after use.

Open the air vent and leave the sauna door half open. Cold outside air does not promote drying. Therefore, windows and outer wall valves should be closed for the drying when it is cold outside.

Basic Cleaning

A family sauna should be cleaned 1‒3 times a year with a moderate amount of water and detergent. Slightly alkaline (pH 8‒10) products are suitable detergents. You can also sand the surfaces lightly with sandpaper.

The sauna must be dried using the heater and sufficient ventilation.

Related Searches: Harvia → Harvia 240V → Harvia Forte → Harvia Heaters → Harvia Steel → Sauna Accessories → Sauna Heaters →

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