The invention concerns the ageing of material samples in the test enclosuref an apparatus for testing exposure to light and weathering, using visible light, UV light and medium- or long-wavelength IR radiation and with air circulation. In order to ensure reproducible test results, a value representing the surface temperature of the sample is measured by means of a temperature sensor and compared, at the input of a control unit, with a predefined reference temperature. In the event of a temperature difference, a control signal generated by the control unit adjusts the power supply to a separate IR radiant heater for medium- and long-wavelength IR radiation in such a way that the difference disappears in accordance with a predefined indicial response.