Infrared heating and gas central heating are two widely used heating options in the UK, but they warm buildings in very different ways. Gas central heating relies on a boiler and radiators to heat the air, while infrared heating uses radiant energy to warm people and surfaces directly.
This comparison looks at how each system works, how they feel in everyday use, and how factors such as efficiency, installation, and running costs differ in real homes and commercial buildings.
How infrared heating works
Infrared heating uses electromagnetic radiation to transfer heat directly to solid objects such as walls, floors, furniture, and people. This is similar to how sunlight provides warmth without heating the air first.
Infrared panels are typically wall or ceiling mounted and begin producing usable warmth almost immediately when switched on. Because heat is absorbed by surfaces, rooms can feel comfortable at lower air temperatures, particularly in spaces that are not heated continuously.
How gas central heating works
Gas central heating systems use a boiler to burn natural gas and heat water. This hot water is circulated through pipework to radiators or underfloor heating systems, which then warm the air within each room.
These systems are generally designed to heat the entire property together on a schedule, rather than individual rooms independently. Warm air rises and circulates throughout the building, gradually increasing overall air temperature.
Comfort and heat distribution
One of the most noticeable differences between infrared heating and gas central heating is how warmth is experienced. Infrared heating provides radiant warmth that is felt directly, helping to reduce cold spots and temperature layering.
Gas central heating warms the air, which can rise and escape through ceilings, ventilation, and draughts. In older or poorly insulated buildings, this can lead to uneven temperatures and longer warm-up times.
Energy efficiency in real-world use
Modern gas boilers can be highly efficient at converting fuel into heat, but overall system efficiency depends on insulation, pipework losses, and how the heating is used. Heating unused rooms can increase overall energy consumption.
Infrared heating operates at the point of use and is not affected by outdoor temperatures. Because it can be controlled room by room, it is often used to reduce total heating hours rather than maintaining a constant whole-house temperature.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Infrared heating | Gas central heating |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited for | Zoned or intermittent heating | Continuous whole-house heating |
| Heat delivery | Radiant heat to people and surfaces | Warm air via radiators |
| Installation | Minimal disruption | Boiler, pipework, radiators |
| Maintenance | Very low | Annual servicing recommended |
| Room-level control | Excellent | Limited without upgrades |
Installation considerations
Infrared heating systems are often chosen for retrofits, extensions, and heritage buildings where installing pipework would be disruptive. Panels can usually be fitted without major building work.
Gas central heating installations and upgrades typically involve boilers, radiators, and extensive pipework. This can make changes more complex in listed buildings or occupied properties.
Running costs and usage patterns
Running costs depend heavily on how each system is used. Infrared heating can lower overall energy use by heating occupied rooms only and delivering warmth quickly and can be a cost effective solution to your energy bill.
Gas central heating benefits from lower unit fuel costs but can be less efficient if the whole property is heated when only part of the space is in use.
For a more detailed cost breakdown, see our guide on how much infrared heating costs to run in the UK .
Which heating system is right for you?
Gas central heating may be suitable for properties that require steady, whole-house heating and already have an existing gas infrastructure.
Infrared heating is often chosen where zoned control, faster warm-up times, and lower installation disruption are priorities, particularly in older buildings or spaces used intermittently.
Related heating system comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Can infrared heating replace gas central heating?
Yes. Infrared heating can replace gas central heating when the system is designed correctly for the building and how it is used.
Is infrared heating suitable for older homes?
Yes. Infrared heating is commonly used in older and listed buildings due to its low installation impact and room-by-room control.
