A far infrared sauna uses far infrared wavelengths to heat your body directly, rather than heating the air around you like a traditional sauna. Far infrared is the longest wavelength in the infrared spectrum and penetrates deepest into your body's core, promoting detoxification through deep sweating, improved circulation, and muscle relaxation. The Premier IS-1 uses Clearlight's patented True Wave® carbon/ceramic heaters engineered specifically for far infrared therapy with near-zero EMF and ELF levels.

Traditional saunas heat the air to 180–200°F, which can feel intense and hard to breathe in. The Premier IS-1 uses infrared heat that penetrates your body directly at a more comfortable air temperature. You sweat more, detoxify more deeply, and can stay in longer without the oppressive heat. The bench, walls, and fixtures don't get hot to the touch. Infrared saunas also don't require plumbing, drain lines, or waterproofing — the Premier IS-1 plugs into a standard wall outlet.

The Premier line uses far infrared heaters only — the deepest-penetrating infrared wavelength focused on core body heating and detoxification. The Sanctuary line adds full spectrum heaters (near + mid + far infrared) for a broader range of therapeutic wavelengths including skin health and pain relief benefits. Both lines use the same True Wave® carbon/ceramic technology, same build quality, same warranty, and same wood options. The Premier is the right choice if you want powerful far infrared therapy at a more accessible price point. If you want the broadest therapeutic range, consider the Sanctuary line.

Yes. Clearlight offers an Upgrade Full Spectrum Heater — a 300W add-on heater that attaches to the inside of your sauna door and delivers near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths. It plugs into a receptacle already built into your Premier sauna (no wiring needed) and installs in less than 10 minutes. This is the #1 accessory upgrade for Premier buyers because it bridges the gap to Sanctuary-level performance. It also boosts your sauna temperature by 7–21% depending on the model. Ask your specialist about adding it to your order.

Clinical research supports a range of benefits from regular infrared sauna use, including improved cardiovascular function, reduced muscle and joint pain, enhanced detoxification through deep sweating, better sleep quality, stress reduction, and support for skin health. Clearlight has more published clinical research on their products than any other infrared sauna brand, including studies conducted at UCSF and other institutions. These are General Wellness claims — consult your healthcare provider for guidance specific to your health situation.

Most people use their sauna 3–5 times per week. Clearlight recommends starting with sessions no longer than 30 minutes as you build tolerance, then increasing to 40 minutes as you become more heat conditioned. The Premier IS-1 timer can be set for up to 60 minutes in 5-minute increments. Always drink plenty of water before, during, and after your session.

The Premier IS-1 can be set to a maximum of 175°F (80°C). However, the way infrared works is different from a traditional sauna — air temperature isn't the primary driver. If you set the thermostat to 150°F or higher and keep the heaters running continuously during a 30-minute session, the cabin air will typically reach 115–125°F depending on the starting ambient temperature. The infrared wavelengths are penetrating your body and producing a deep sweat regardless of cabin air temperature.

Clearlight recommends allowing approximately 10–15 minutes for the sauna to warm up before stepping in. Unlike a traditional sauna, you don't need to wait for the cabin to reach full temperature — the infrared heaters begin working on your body as soon as you enter. The sauna also has a built-in Reservation mode that lets you schedule it to turn on up to 36 hours in advance, so it's warm and ready when you want it.

The Premier IS-1 draws 1,370 watts — less than a typical space heater. At the national average electricity rate of about $0.16/kWh, a 40-minute session costs approximately $0.12–$0.15. If you use it 5 times per week, that's about $3–$4 per month added to your electric bill. It's one of the most affordable wellness investments to operate.

The Premier IS-1 plugs into a standard 120V / 15A household wall outlet using a NEMA 5-15P plug — the same outlet you'd use for a lamp or TV. No electrician, no dedicated circuit, no hardwiring. Just plug it in and it's ready to use. The power cord comes out of the roof of the sauna and is approximately 8 feet long. Clearlight does not recommend using an extension cord — plug the sauna directly into the wall receptacle.

The exterior dimensions are 40" wide × 44" deep × 76" tall (plus a 6⅝" roof overhang) — roughly 3.3 feet × 3.7 feet. It's the most compact Clearlight sauna and fits comfortably in a bedroom corner, walk-in closet, spare room, basement, or garage. You don't need any special flooring, ventilation, or waterproofing.

Anywhere with a flat floor and a standard wall outlet within 8 feet. Popular spots include master bedrooms, spare rooms, basements, garages, and home gyms. The sauna doesn't produce external moisture or steam, so it won't damage surrounding walls or flooring. It can sit on hardwood, tile, carpet, laminate, or concrete. It should not be placed outdoors — the Premier IS-1 is designed for indoor use only.

No special room ventilation is required. The sauna has built-in ceiling vents that can be opened at any time to allow fresh air into the cabin during your session. Just make sure there's at least a few inches of clearance around the unit for airflow and future service access.

No. The Premier IS-1 is designed for indoor use only. The wood, electronics, and construction are not rated for outdoor exposure. If you're looking for an outdoor infrared sauna, Clearlight offers the Outdoor 2 and Outdoor 5 models with weather-resistant construction.

The Premier has a more traditional sauna aesthetic with solid wood construction, a beautiful wooden light shade, and elegant tongue-and-groove woodwork throughout. It does not have the glass roof or glass side panels found on the Sanctuary line. Some buyers prefer this warmer, more enclosed feel — it creates a more private, cozy atmosphere. The accent lighting and chromotherapy still provide a spa-like ambiance inside.

The Premier IS-1 ships as pre-built panels that clip together — no tools required. Two people can assemble it in about 30–45 minutes. It's the smallest Clearlight sauna, so the panels are lighter and more manageable than the larger models. Every panel is labeled and the included instructions walk you through each step. An assembly video is available on the product page.

Yes. The clip-together panel system means the sauna can be disassembled and reassembled if you move or want to relocate it to a different room. At 325 lbs total, it's the lightest Clearlight sauna and relatively easy to move.

Clearlight saunas are independently tested by VitaTech Electromagnetics and produce near-zero EMF and ELF levels — well below the threshold considered safe by international standards. The True Wave® heaters are specifically engineered to cancel out EMF, and third-party test reports are available on the product page. The Premier IS-1 is ETL Listed for safety and FCC compliant.

Clearlight saunas are independently tested for VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions and certified at safe levels. The eco-certified Mahogany and Basswood are naturally low in VOCs, and no toxic glues or adhesives are used in construction. Some customers notice a mild natural wood scent during the first few months — this is normal. Clearlight recommends wiping the wood with a damp cloth to minimize the aroma.

Yes. The Premier IS-1 has no fan, no motor, and no moving parts in the heating system. The infrared heaters operate silently. The cabin has passive ceiling vents for fresh air — no powered ventilation. The only sound you'll hear is the Bluetooth audio system if you choose to play music.

True Wave® is Clearlight's proprietary heater technology that combines carbon and ceramic elements. Carbon heaters provide large surface area for gentle, even heat distribution, while ceramic elements produce intense, concentrated infrared output. The Premier IS-1 uses True Wave® far infrared heaters — specifically engineered to deliver deep-penetrating far infrared wavelengths while producing virtually zero EMF. Third-party testing by VitaTech Electromagnetics confirms the near-zero EMF levels.

The sauna comes with everything you need: the full cabin with pre-built wall, floor, ceiling, and bench panels, True Wave® far infrared heaters (including an under-floor foot heater), digital keypad controller with Reservation mode, Bluetooth and AUX stereo audio system, built-in ergonomic backrest, interior wooden light shade, exterior accent lighting, chromotherapy light system with 6 colors, door handle/tablet cradle combo, ceiling vents, and an owner's manual.

The Premier IS-1 includes a chromotherapy system with 15 LED lights in 6 colors: green (regenerative), red (circulatory), blue (joints and stress), yellow (skin purification), indigo (blood stream), and violet (lymphatic). Press the COLOR button on the keypad once to activate auto mode, which cycles through all colors every 8 seconds. Press additional times to manually select a specific color. Press 8 times to turn it off.

The Premier IS-1 comes with built-in stereo speakers. You can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth — search for a device called "Infrared Sauna" with pairing code 0000. There's also a 3.5mm AUX jack on the front inside wall for wired connections.

Yes. You can bring your phone into the sauna — the interior temperature is well within safe operating range for electronics. Many people stream music or podcasts through the Bluetooth speakers. The door handle doubles as a tablet cradle, so you can rest a tablet on it for easy viewing during sessions.

Yes. The Premier IS-1 has a built-in 12V accessory outlet on the side wall and a built-in receptacle on the door for the Full Spectrum Heater Upgrade. Compatible accessories include the Upgrade Full Spectrum Heater (the #1 upgrade — adds near and mid infrared to your far infrared sauna), the Red Light Therapy CORE Tower (mounts inside the sauna door), the HALO ONE® salt therapy device, the AROMA ONE® aromatherapy diffuser, and the VRT Vibrational Resonance Therapy system. These can be added at purchase or later. Ask your specialist about bundled pricing.

Yes — Clearlight recommends placing a towel on the bench and floor beneath your feet during sessions. The eco-certified wood is naturally moisture-resistant, but excessive water can stain or warp the wood over time. Dry off thoroughly before entering if you've showered beforehand. After your session, wipe down the bench with a damp cloth and leave the door open for a few minutes to air out.

Maintenance is minimal. Wipe down the bench and interior with a damp cloth after sessions, and leave the door open for a few minutes to air out. The eco-certified wood is naturally antimicrobial. There are no filters, drains, or plumbing to maintain. Clearlight offers an optional cleaning solution for deeper periodic cleaning.

With normal care, a Clearlight sauna will last decades. The eco-certified hardwood construction, stainless steel hardware, and commercial-grade heater elements are built for long-term daily use. The Limited Lifetime Residential Warranty covers the cabinetry, electrical, and heaters for as long as you own the sauna.

If you have a cardiovascular condition, are pregnant, take prescription medications, or have any chronic health condition, consult your physician before using an infrared sauna. Infrared heat raises your core body temperature and heart rate, which may interact with certain medications or conditions. If you feel light-headed or heat-exhausted during a session, exit the sauna immediately. Clearlight saunas are classified as General Wellness devices — always get clearance from your doctor first.

The Premier IS-1 comes with Clearlight's Limited Lifetime Residential Warranty covering the cabinetry, electrical components, and heaters — for as long as you own it. Commercial installations are covered by a 5-year warranty. This is one of the strongest warranties in the infrared sauna industry.

Clearlight saunas are eligible for return only in the case of a manufacturing defect, which requires an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) from Clearlight. Because of the size and freight cost involved, saunas are not eligible for return simply due to change of mind. We strongly encourage customers to speak with one of our specialists before purchasing to make sure the model, size, and electrical requirements are right for your space.

Many infrared saunas qualify for HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) reimbursement when purchased with a Letter of Medical Necessity from your healthcare provider. Clearlight saunas hold a Canadian Medical Device License and are classified as General Wellness devices. We provide purchase documentation to support your claim — check with your plan administrator for eligibility.

Yes. We offer financing options so you can spread the cost over time. Details and terms vary by order total — when you request pricing, your specialist will include available financing options in your quote.

The Premier IS-1 ships with complimentary curbside freight delivery within the continental United States. The freight carrier will contact you to schedule a delivery window. The sauna arrives on a pallet — at 325 lbs total, it's the lightest Clearlight sauna. Most customers carry the panels in one at a time. If you need help finding a local installer, our team can connect you with professionals in your area.

Yes, the Premier IS-1 is designed for one person with a single reversible ergonomic bench (33" wide × 22" deep × 17½" tall, 350 lb weight limit). The bench is ergonomic on one side and flat on the other — flip it depending on your preference. The sauna is available in two eco-certified wood options: Mahogany (rich, dark grain, naturally durable) and Basswood (light, clean aesthetic, hypoallergenic). Both are FSC eco-certified with tongue-and-groove construction throughout.