What is the life expectancy of a steam generator?

Maintenance: If you do not buy the auto drain, your tank will need to be flushed monthly, or more often, depending on local water conditions.

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Visual Inspection: Whenever the generator is opened, inspect for any evidence of water leaks. Inspect the wiring for any evidence of over heating. Check All connections for tightness.

A residential steam generator consumes less than 2 gallons of water during 30 minutes of operation. 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. Please note, electricity usage will vary by generator kilowatt size.

Steam will begin flowing into the shower within 3-5 minutes after the system is turned on. Depending on wall material and other room construction variables, it should take an additional 10-15 minutes for the ambient room temperature to reach the desired setting and the steam bath is ready to be enjoyed. Entering the steam bath before the room heats up to the preset temperature may prevent the bather from experiencing all the healthy benefits of steam bathing. 

Steam flows through a copper line from the generator and enters the shower through a steam outlet head installed in the shower wall. It&#;s recommended that the steam head be located 18&#; above the shower floor on a wall that is as far as possible from where bathers will be to minimize potential contact with hot steam flowing directly from the head.

A whole house water treatment system should be considered if water quality is a concern. "Good water" is desirable for drinking as well as protecting the plumbing systems, including a steam generator, from the negative effects of hard water. Amerec&#;s ADK auto drain option is highly recommended to automatically drain and flush the generator after every steam bath. We also offer a ScaleX water filtration system that can be installed on the water supply line to reduce scale build-up inside the generator water tank , which extends the life of the unit and provides you with an unparalleled steam experience.

Installation of a steam bath generator is similar to a residential water heater. A dedicated 240V electrical circuit and cold water supply line must be run to the space where the generator will be located. Amerec recommends a cold water supply to allow the optional automatic drain cycle to cool water in the tank before flushing. A drain line should also be installed so the generator can be drained and flushed regularly.

There are several locations suitable for installing the steam generator provided electricity and water are available to the location. Common locations include under a bench inside the steam shower, a closet, a cabinet, basement or attic, provided it is a dry, ventilated space that isn&#;t exposed to freezing temperatures. We recommend the generator be located as close to the steam shower as possible to minimize the length of the copper steam line between the generator and steam shower. Sufficient service access to the generator must be provided.

It&#;s recommended that the steam head be located 18&#; above the shower floor on a wall that is as far as possible from where bathers will be to minimize potential contact with hot steam flowing from the head. Amerec&#;s ComfortFlo&#; Steam Head features an internal insulator to reduce the risk of burns if the bather makes contact with the surface of the head.

Ceiling vents inside the steam room are not recommended or necessary. Steam is quickly dissipated when you turn on the water to shower after your steam bath. Many people install an exhaust fan in the ceiling outside the steam shower door to remove excess steam when the door is opened.

The ideal ceiling height is 7&#; to prevent uncomfortable temperature variations common in steam rooms with ceiling heights greater than 8&#;. As heat accumulates near the ceiling, bathers may experience uncomfortably cool temperatures near the floor. Additionally, the ceiling should be sloped a minimum of ¾&#; per foot to prevent condensation from dripping on bathers during a steam bath.

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Yes. Virtually any shower space can be converted to a steam bath by adding a vapor proof door and totally enclosing the space to prevent steam from escaping. The shower may need to be updated by sealing the walls and ceiling with a waterproof material such as tile. A qualified, professional contractor should be consulted before starting the project.

Yes. Steam baths are an excellent environment to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy. Fragrance oils enhance the steam bathing experience and provide additional relief when suffering from a cold or when your respiratory system is congested. Amerec steam outlet heads feature a reservoir cup to hold aromatherapy oils and we offer an optional fragrance pump system that will inject oils directly into the steam line.

People who are in good health should have no concerns about enjoying the benefits of steam bathing. However, if you are pregnant, elderly, have high blood pressure, diabetes, suffer from heart disease or are otherwise not in good health, you should consult a physician before using a steam bath.

Steam is a wet environment with temperatures between 100º to 125°F (38° - 52° C) and relative humidity close to 100%. Sauna is a dry environment with temperatures ranging between 165° to 185° F (74° &#; 85° C) and low humidity levels of 15 to 30%. Sauna rooms feature walls and benches made of soft woods such as cedar, hemlock, alder or spruce, while steam baths require moisture resistant walls and ceilings such as tile, marble, granite, travertine or acrylic material. Both provide the health and wellness benefits of heat therapy and the choice of one versus the other is usually because of personal preference.