cold-vs-hot-spots-steam-rooms

Cold spot vs hot spots

There are 2 types of complaints I get. The customers that over sized or bought a steam generator that makes too much condensate complain that it is too hot or that the steam burns their feet when it comes out. These are the people that complain that the steam is not comfortable like it is at the spa or wherever they are used to.utsi

The other people complain that their steam room is not hot enough. They sized it based on the manufacturer's recommendations and it is still not hot enough. They are only getting half body steam therapy. The temperature is far below the 110 114 comfort window (see my page on 110-114 sweet spot zone). Their steam is trapped at the ceiling. All the heat is trapped up there too. And during the duty cycle when the steam is off, they are only feeling steam that is dropping in cluster size from the ceiling. This is not a good steam experience. During the several minute duty cycle when there is not steam, the temperature at body level can go as much as xyzzy degrees below the 110 114 window.

Note: when getting an atmospheric steam generator, it is important not to oversize due to high ceilings. Because the steam fills up the air more when it is dry, if too much is coming out at once even if it is a slow burn type that puts the steam out over a long period of time (not a short duty cycle), it can still create a hot spot and it will be harder to keep the temperature at 110 to 114 degrees. High condensate can make the steam room feel more like a sauna that a steam room.

To make sure you are not in a cold or hot spot I urge people to research hygrometers. This is one of the best things I have found (fan was my coolest find) to give myself control over my steam room. I want to know not only the temperature of where I am sitting but also the humidity level. If it is within the 110 114 degree range and at 100% humidity, then I know I am not in a cold spot or hot spot.

Make sure you don't upsize due to high ceilings and you get a generator that produces minimal condensate if you want to stay whiting the comfort window. Take my steam room sizing quiz here.