Short wave heaters are more efficient for outdoor heating and spot heating due to their radiation capabilities.  This makes it easier to heat more efficiently and so spend less energy.

Laboratory research indicates that 85% of infrared rays emitted from a short wave infrared heater can successfully reach the target surface.  This percentage decreases to 60% when using medium wave and 40% for long wave.  Infrared short wave heaters are 40% more efficient than other competing radiant heating systems.

Infrared rays are categorized according to their wavelengths.  They are divided into three main categories: short wave, medium wave and long wave.  Moving from short wave to long wave, the intensity of the rays per square metre increases.  To emit short wave radiation, the surface temperature has to be around 2,250°C, whereas for the medium wave 1,400°C and for long wave 500°C is enough.  The main difference between short wave and other infrared ray wavelengths is the ability of the wave to pass through air.  With all infrared wavelengths energy is lost when traveling through air but this happens the least with short waves.