Infrared Heater vs Central Heat | Kelvin Infrared Heater

Heating your home is non-negotiable. The real question is how you do it.

For decades, central heating has been the go-to choice. But times are changing. With rising energy costs and smarter technology, more homeowners are asking a new question: infrared heater vs central heat, which one really wins?

Let’s break it down simply. You’ll see how central heating works, how infrared heating feels, and why the Kelvin Infrared Heater may just be the future of home comfort.

Understanding Central Heating

Central heating is what most households rely on. A boiler or furnace heats water or air, then distributes it through pipes or ducts across your home.

At first glance, this seems efficient. But central heating has flaws. Heat is lost as it travels through ducts and pipes. Rooms far from the boiler often end up colder. And once you turn it on, you’re heating your entire home whether you need it or not.

There’s also the cost factor. Central heating requires regular maintenance, inspections, and occasional repairs. Over time, those bills add up.

What Is Infrared Heating?

An infrared heater works differently. Instead of heating the air, it heats objects and people directly. It’s like standing in sunlight on a cold day. 

That’s the beauty of infrared heating. It doesn’t waste energy on warming unused air. It warms you, your furniture, and your walls. These surfaces then transfers heat back into the room, creating consistent comfort.

It feels more natural too. The warmth is instant. No waiting 30 minutes for your boiler to cycle through.

Kelvin - cost effective, smart electric heater

30% more cost effective than traditional heaters Smart functions to automate home climate Control remotely Maintenance Free Easy 5 minute installation

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Infrared Heater vs Central Heat: Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s how the two stack up across key factors.

1. Comfort & Health

• Central heating: Circulates dust and allergens. Can dry out indoor air.

• Infrared heater: Provides natural warmth without blowing air. Healthier for people with asthma or allergies.

This is one of the strongest arguments in the infrared heater vs central heat debate.

2. Cost of Operation

• Central heating: High fuel or electricity use. Costly upkeep.

• Infrared heater: Lower energy consumption. Focuses heat where needed.

So, are infrared heaters cheaper to run? In most cases, yes. Especially when combined with smart energy-saving features like Kelvin’s.

3. Flexibility & Control

• Central heating: Heats the whole home. Less control per room.

• Infrared heater: Portable, scalable, and easy to control in specific rooms.

This flexibility is perfect for families where everyone’s comfort needs are different.

4. Maintenance & Installation

• Central heating: Requires professional setup, ongoing maintenance.

• Infrared heater: Simple DIY installation, minimal upkeep.

Kelvin, for example, comes ready to set up as a DIY project, without calling a technician.

Kelvin’s Smart Features Explained

Kelvin goes beyond traditional infrared heating, it is an electric smart heater that combines cost savings and a comfortable home climate. Kelvin adds intelligence to efficiency.

• Cost Monitoring: Track Kelvin’s real-time energy usage and see bills predictions to help with budgeting. Kelvin’s smart features helps you cut costs by up to 30%.

• Smart Scheduling: Create heating schedules for different rooms where a Kelvin is placed. No more wasted energy in rooms you’re not using.

• Remote Access: Control your Kelvin from anywhere via the Boldr Energy app. Whether you’re at work or traveling, you’re always in control.

• Open Window Detection: Kelvin automatically switches off if it detects an open window. No more heating the outdoors.

• Property Limits: Set temperature boundaries for those in your property to avoid overuse of the Kelvin and high bills.

• Scenes & Automations: Manage multiple settings with one tap, or let Kelvin automate comfort based on time, presence, or temperature.

Kelvin is compatible with a wide range of smart home devices, including Google Home, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for voice control over your Kelvin and centralised control of your smart home devices.

FAQs

1. What is the main difference in infrared heater vs central heat?

Infrared heaters warm objects and people directly, while central heating warms air that circulates through the home. Infrared provides faster, more efficient comfort.

2. Is infrared heaters cheaper to run than central heating?

Yes. Because they heat only the space you use and don’t waste energy in ducts or empty rooms, infrared heaters often cut bills significantly. Kelvin also adds smart cost monitoring for budgeting.

3. Can an infrared heater replace central heating entirely?

In many homes, yes. Especially in apartments, smaller houses, or families that spend most of their time in a few rooms. For larger homes, a hybrid approach works well.

Conclusion

So, infrared heater vs central heat: who wins?

Infrared heating offers instant comfort, healthier air, lower bills, and smarter control. Central heating still has a place in some homes, but it lacks the efficiency and flexibility today’s families want.

That’s why the Kelvin Infrared Heater is such a game changer. It combines the natural warmth of infrared heating with intelligent features that save money and energy.