Tips

Some Tips On How To Buy A Fireplace

1. Give some thought as to what you want to achieve.  Is the fireplace for heat , aesthetics or both.  Not all fireplaces are great heaters and you may not want much heat in a bedroom.
2. For the most part, a fireplace will heat the room it’s located in, so room size is a factor when considering the BTU output of the fireplace.  Also one needs to consider location of the unit, construction of the house,  air flow patterns in the house etc.  Our staff will be asking these questions and the more information they have the better they can provide advice as to which units may work best for you. Pictures are great.
3. We also have both gas and wood burning units that afford the ability to take heat from the unit and distribute it to other areas of the home.  It’s possible to heat the basement from the living room.
4. Now drop into one of our showrooms in Regina or Saskatoon.  We have many gas and wood fireplaces burning and in a “home-setting” that will help you visualize what the final installation will look like.
5. Once we are able to recommend the right heat output for you,  there will be lot options for you to look at to determine what the final look of the unit will be.  Most gas fireplaces will have 15 to 25 different decorating options available, but don’t fret, as you will have some time to decide on these. Pick up some brochures and visit our suppliers websites (most of them are pretty good).
6. Some other options to consider are fans, thermostats, remotes etc.  Our staff will be happy to explain the differences in all these devices for you.
7. Once this process is somewhat complete it’s time to book an appointment to do an on-site inspection of your home or cottage.  We have a staff member who’s sole position is to determine whether or not the installation is possible, legal, and what venting and gas line will be required.  With 25 years experience in fireplace installations, there’s nothing he hasn’t seen before. He will also co-ordinate with the salesperson and installation crew to assure everything goes smoothly and within budget.

Frequently asked questions about saunas

Thinking sauna? Here are some questions that others have asked. If your answer isn’t here, please feel free to talk with a friendly person from Wheatland Fireplace or send them an email .

Does my sauna need to have a drain installed?
No, not necessarily. That said, it might be more convenient for cleaning purposes, especially with traditional saunas.

What kind of floor is best for a sauna?
For traditional saunas, the best kind of floor for a sauna is cement, tile or anything that doesn't absorb water. For infrared saunas, wood or tile is perfect. Carpet should never be used as it absorbs sweat and odors.

Which heater size is appropriate for my sauna?
To find out the appropriate heater size for your sauna, measure length x width x height to find the cubic footage. Next, talk to your Wheatland Fireplace sales person. For infrared saunas, the ideal amount of emitters and wattage has already been calculated for each room. 



What type of circuit breaker should be used for my sauna?
Standard breakers should be used. They should be sized for the heater to correspond with the electrical code. Standard Infrared saunas, however, can be easily plugged in to normal household 120-volt outlets (15 and 20 amp).

Why are so many different wood choices?
There are many variables to consider when choosing the appropriate wood choice for performance in a given sauna. All the woods used in saunas have been used for hundreds of years and have long proven their viability for sauna use. Wood choice is also largely contingent upon your preference and style.  

How much can I expect to pay monthly for my sauna?
If you use your sauna three times per week, a 6 kW heater will use approximately $4 to $6 per month. A 2.1 kW heater, on the other hand, would use about $2/month. Far-infrared saunas typically use $3 to $5 per month. Steam baths usually average $3 to $5 per month.

How long, on average, does it take for a sauna to fully heat up?
A traditional sauna generally takes between 30 and 45 minutes to fully heat up. During this time, the rocks will be heated to the perfect temperature for soft heat and soft steam. With the addition of special heaters, a sauna’s heat up time can be halved. It takes about 10 minutes for an infrared sauna to heat up. After 10 minutes, the air has warmed up a little and the emitters are running at full power.

What is the best temperature for a sauna?
The best temperature is the temperature you choose. Most people prefer to enjoy their sauna at temperatures between 150-175 degrees Fahrenheit for traditional saunas and 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit for infrared saunas.

How long should I stay inside a sauna?
Typically, people remain in the sauna for about 10-15 minutes and then take a break to cool off for several minutes. Then you can return to the sauna for another soak. Don't stay in the sauna for extended periods of time. Set the temperature and humidity level (if you are using a traditional sauna) to your ideal level. If you begin to feel dizzy or uncomfortable, simply leave the sauna and cool off.

What should I do after sauna heat bathing?
After your sauna, shower or take a bath to remove any and all residues or salts left behind. A quick rinse will close your pores once again and is the perfect way to end your sauna experience. It is recommended that you moisturize your skin with a high quality moisturizing lotion. It's also ideal to shampoo your hair afterward. Don't forget to drink and adequate amount of mater, mineral water, fruit or vegetable juice to replace fluids that were lost during your heat bathing.

Is it okay to pour water on the rocks of traditional heaters?
Check with your Wheatland Fireplace sales person. With certain saunas pouring water on the rocks is perfectly fine and is an essential aspect of the overall experience. For infrared saunas, however, the humidity will be ambient.

Are there any health problems that could be affected by using a sauna?
Be sure to consult your doctor if you have any history of heart problems, high blood pressure or any other health issues before enjoying any kind of sauna.

What are some of the most notable benefits of using a sauna?
Relaxation is by far the most cited benefit from regular sauna bathers, followed closely by the positive effects seen from detoxification.