I’ve heard of near, medium and far infrared. What’s the difference?

Near-infrared (NIR) heaters, sometimes referred to as “heat lamps” or “quartz heaters,” operate in the wavelength range of 780 to 1,400 nm. Their surfaces can reach temperatures of up to 1300°C, producing intense radiant heat that penetrates several millimetres into body tissue. Due to the high temperatures and intensity, prolonged direct exposure should be avoided, especially for general domestic heating.

Medium-wave infrared (MIR) heaters operate between 1,400 and 3,000 nm, with surface temperatures typically between 500 and 800°C. These heaters heat up quickly and are commonly used in industrial applications such as manufacturing and food processing. They are also deployed in public and commercial spaces, often mounted on ceilings to minimize direct contact.

Far-infrared (FIR) heaters, like ours, emit radiation above 3,000 nm. They operate at lower surface temperatures around 90°C and emit no visible light. FIR is mostly absorbed by the outer layers of the skin and does not significantly penetrate deeper tissues. This makes FIR heaters suitable for therapeutic and home heating applications.