Good to know about infrared heating
How does infrared heat actually work, what are the operating costs, and what should you consider during installation and regarding safety? On this page, you will find the most important basics about our short-wave TEL Forza and TEL Lumia infrared heaters, as well as answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Last updated: September 2026
Table of contents
- How infrared heating works and the technology
- Applications
- Costs and cost efficiency
- Installation and mounting
- Safety and maintenance
- Frequently asked questions
- About us
How infrared heating works and the technology
Depending on the wavelength, infrared radiation is divided into three ranges, which differ in radiation intensity and penetration depth.
| Range | Wavelength | Characteristics | Typical application |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR-A, short-wave | 0.78 to 1.4 μm | Highest radiation intensity, penetrates the air particularly efficiently, almost immediate heat | TEL Forza and TEL Lumia, outdoor areas and large halls |
| IR-B, medium-wave | 1.4 to 3 μm | Medium radiation intensity, significantly lower visible red glow | TEL Forza Carbon, areas with direct line of sight to the heater |
| IR-C, long-wave | 3 to 1,000 μm | Lower surface temperature, longer heat-up time | Heating panels and underfloor heating in well-insulated indoor spaces |
Our TEL Forza range uses short-wave IR-A technology for maximum efficiency and almost immediate heat without preheating. For areas where a lower visible red glow is preferred, such as when the heater is in direct view, we also offer a medium-wave alternative with the TEL Forza Carbon range. Combined with green electricity or your own photovoltaic system, operation can also be made largely climate-neutral.
Would you like to find the right model directly? Browse our TEL Forza products or TEL Lumia products.
Applications
Short-wave infrared heaters can be used in almost any area where targeted rather than widespread heat is required. You can find more details about the individual application areas on the respective topic pages:
- Industrial and logistics hall heating
- Outdoor and indoor workspaces
- Workshop and garage
- Hospitality and private terraces
- Living spaces, bathrooms, and conservatories
- Sports facilities such as sports halls, riding arenas, and driving ranges
- Churches and sacred spaces
- Stables, veterinary medicine, and agriculture
- Material heating in manufacturing
- Electric underfloor heating
Costs and cost efficiency
Since infrared heaters convert their energy into heat with virtually no losses, operating costs are easy to estimate. At an electricity price of €0.30/kWh and full-load operation, the following approximate hourly figures apply:
- 1.5 kW heater: approx. €0.45 per hour
- 2.0 kW heater: approx. €0.60 per hour
- 3.0 kW heater: approx. €0.90 per hour
Since the heaters only heat where warmth is actually needed and can be continuously adjusted using a dimmer, the actual day-to-day costs are usually significantly lower than those of continuous operation at full load. Anyone who also operates their own photovoltaic system can use surplus solar power directly for heating and reduce operating costs further.
Installation and mounting
Operating our infrared heaters requires only a power connection; no gas lines or complex installation work are necessary. Depending on the model, they can be mounted on a wall or ceiling, or equipped with a stand for mobile use. The electrical connection should be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Safety and maintenance
Our infrared heaters meet CE marking requirements and the applicable German safety standards. Protective grilles prevent direct contact with the heating element, all models feature overheating protection, and depending on their protection rating, the units are also suitable for outdoor use or damp environments. Unlike gas-powered heaters, they produce no combustion gases and have no open flame.
Maintenance requirements are low: In addition to regularly cleaning the reflectors, occasional visual inspections of the protective grilles and brackets, as well as an electrical inspection by a qualified professional, are recommended. Since the units operate without moving parts, wear is correspondingly low.
Frequently asked questions
Can infrared heaters also provide cooling?
No, our infrared heaters are designed for heating. For summer use in industry and commercial businesses, we offer our separate range of mobile OKM evaporative coolers.
Are infrared heaters suitable for year-round use?
Yes, our infrared heaters are designed for year-round use. The main season is naturally between October and December; during the transitional seasons, they can also be used energy-efficiently at partial load thanks to continuous dimming.
What is the difference compared with a gas patio heater or halogen heater?
Unlike a gas patio heater, our electric infrared heaters produce no combustion gases and have no open flame. They also eliminate the need for gas cylinders and their storage. Compared with conventional halogen heaters, our short-wave TEL Forza and TEL Lumia heaters use modern tube technology to provide an almost instant heating effect, can be dimmed continuously, and are designed for long-lasting continuous operation.
What payment options are available?
In addition to PayPal, Klarna, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, we accept major credit cards and other payment methods such as EPS, Maestro, UnionPay, and Shop Pay. Approved business customers can also order on account.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is free for orders over €50 within Germany and Austria, and over CHF 250 to Switzerland. Orders are shipped from our warehouse in Leichlingen.
About us
Since 2003, we have supplied the DACH region with high-quality infrared heaters from our base in Leichlingen, initially under Keratec Heatware Warenhandelsges. mbH and, since 2023, as TEL GmbH, Temperatur Experten Leichlingen. We initially acted as the general representative of a renowned manufacturer before increasingly specializing in the needs of industry and commercial businesses and developing our own product range with TEL Forza and TEL Lumia. Maximum efficiency and longevity of the devices are always our focus.
Following this commitment to longevity and repairability, we also offer an extensive range of spare parts for products from other manufacturers, so that existing systems can remain in operation for as long as possible instead of having to be completely replaced prematurely.
