It's completely possible when you convert your traditional shower into a steam shower. How does a steam shower work? If your existing shower space is large enough, sometimes your contractor may only need to remodel the shower area rather than the entire bathroom.
If you already have a shower that you want to convert into a steam shower, you'll need to install the unit and steam generator. On average, expect to spend $4,300, including parts and labor.
As mentioned earlier, you can just add a steam generator to a conventional shower if you have no plans of remodeling the space. While the idea is pretty basic, the devil is in finding the right generator unit for your room so you can best optimize your steam experience.
Turn on your shower all the way to the hottest it can get and just leave it running for a few seconds until the steam begins to rise. Once the steam is rising, turn the water to your desired temperature; get in there, breathe deeply and enjoy!
The Cons of Installing a Steam Shower
Yes, they're relaxing but steam showers also produce a tremendous amount of moisture, and if they aren't used often enough, the price you pay may not be worth the minimal time you spend in it.
While using a steam room regularly can offer many health benefits, it is better to make use of steam therapy a few times a week rather than every day. Using steam therapy every day can lessen the benefits that the therapy offers you, so using one every day is not recommended.
Studies have shown that steam inhalation can reduce inflammation in the lungs, which can help with allergies and asthma. Steam showers also provide health benefits such as improved circulation, reduced stress levels, and detoxification of toxins from the body.
It's IMPORTANT not to stay in for too long as the heat can dehydrate and be too intense for your body. After 15-20 minutes, turn OFF any aromatherapy or music-streaming features and exit the shower. Pro Tip: It's best to take a steam shower before bed so your body can cool off before sleep.
An infrared radiator can be easily integrated into almost any shower and turns an existing shower into an infrared cabin at the same time, without taking up any more space.
A steamy shower is especially helpful for children, rather than using a bowl of steam that can cause scalding. Improving skin health. Steam opens your pores and cleanses your skin. It can help loosen any dirt and debris buildup, which can help improve the appearance of your skin.
Studies have shown that steam showers can increase a home's value by as much as 30.7%. MrSteam now offers a free “Ultimate Guide To Installing Home Steam Showers” for kitchen and bath professionals who want to encourage clients to invest in a steam installation project.
Dimensions: For comfort, safety, and functionality, your steam shower enclosure should be no less than 3' x 3' x 7'. A standard ceiling height of 8 feet is ideal, as a higher or vaulted ceiling may require using a more powerful steam generator.
The steam shower is known for its circulation-boosting properties. The heat causes blood vessels to expand, improving blood flow and, consequently, enhancing overall circulation. This can lead to faster muscle recovery and a feeling of rejuvenation. Furthermore, steam is highly beneficial for skin health.
Reposition your shower steamer if it is getting too wet too quickly or is placed between you and an air vent. It is recommended to position your steamer up off the floor if possible. Depending on placement, shower duration and how intense you desire the scent to be, your steamer may last 2+ showers.
Electricity cost to run a steam generator is relatively small. Based upon an average kilowatt rate of $. 08 per kilowatt hour, it will cost about $. 30 to operate a 7kW steam generator for 30 minutes.
The DIY Steam Shower
You put the liner on the inside of your shower curtain and this traps in any steam your shower creates. It is also necessary to keep your bathroom door shut while you have the shower going and do not run your exhaust fan. I also plug the tub while the shower water is going to help add more steam.
If you're considering purchasing a sauna for your home, it's natural to wonder how much electricity a sauna will cost. A single session in an infrared sauna will use about as much electricity as a dishwasher, and a traditional sauna using an electric heater is comparable to running a larger appliance like a dryer.
If used improperly or excessively, infrared saunas can lead to dehydration, overheating, and even burns. Certain medical conditions might make them unsafe. Consult your doctor beforehand.
Management of congestion: Inhaling steam may also help with congestion as it can loosen mucus in the lungs, throat, and sinuses (especially prevalent in sinus infections). 1 While results are mixed in terms of efficacy, getting rid of that mucus helps ease pressure and makes breathing easier.
You can easily re-create the feeling of a steam room simply by turning on a hot shower, closing the bathroom door, and leaving the fan off for a few minutes. Once you have the room nice and steamy, you can lower the temperature of the shower and get in.
It's also important to shower AFTERWARD to rehydrate your body since prolonged exposure to a steam room, and steam heat can cause dehydration if NOT managed properly.
Due to the heat, there is a risk of dehydrating the body, and it is advisable not to spend longer than 10 minutes inside. It is also important to drink plenty of water beforehand. A steam room also provides the ideal environment for certain bacteria and germs to grow and spread.
One of the best ways to detoxify lungs is to try steam therapy. This therapy is a common therapy that is often recommended by doctors. Steam therapy or also known as steam inhalation involves inhalation of water vapor to efficiently clear the airway in the lungs and also loosen the mucus if any.
Your body expels toxins through natural processes, such as breathing, metabolizing, and sweating. Because of this, many have found steam showers incredibly useful for detoxing, particularly skin detoxing. A reliable steam detox package can help your body release salt, fat and toxins through sweat.