Quick Overview: This guide compares popular 17,000 BTU heating options suited for living spaces, garages, and ductless HVAC installations. Below is a summary table of the selected models to help you scan features and intended applications quickly.
| Model | Fuel / Type | Coverage / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Liquid Propane | Liquid Propane Wall Heater | Up To ~570 Sq. Ft.; Wall-Mount; Vented |
| Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas | Natural Gas Wall Heater | Up To ~570 Sq. Ft.; Wall-Mount; Vented |
| Rinnai EX17DTP Direct Vent Wall Furnace | Propane / Direct Vent Wall Heater | Modulating Heat; Cold Spot Reduction; Indoor Use |
| COSTWAY 17000 BTU Mini Split AC & Heater Pump | Heat Pump / Mini Split Ductless | All-Season: Cooling & Heating; Wi‑Fi Enabled; Up To ~1250 Sq. Ft. |
| Dura Heat EWH5510 Electric Forced Air Heater | Electric Forced Air (Hard-Wired) | Garage Use; Covers ~750 Sq. Ft.; Remote & Thermostat |
Content Navigation
- Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Liquid Propane Gas Wall Heater
- Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Wall Heater
- Rinnai EX17DTP Direct Vent Wall Furnace, Indoor Propane Heater
- COSTWAY 17000 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner & Heater Pump System
- Dura Heat EWH5510 Electric Forced Air Heater With Remote Control
- Buying Guide: How To Choose A 17,000 BTU Heater
Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Liquid Propane Gas Wall Heater
This vented propane wall heater is designed as a space-saving option for homes and cabins using liquid propane. It claims a heating capacity for up to 570 square feet, which is typical for 17,000 BTU direct-vent units intended for single-room or open-plan areas.
- Heating Output: 17,000 BTU suitable for moderate-sized rooms.
- Safety Features: Sealed burn system, Matchless Piezo ignition, and a safety pilot with a built-in pressure regulator to stop gas flow if the pilot extinguishes.
- Design: Wall-mounted direct vent that exhausts to the outside; compact dimensions (20 H x 27.3 W x 6.5 D inches).
Applications include detached rooms, small living spaces, and locations where a propane supply is available. Because it is a vented unit, installation requires a suitable exterior wall and venting work to maintain indoor air quality and combustion safety.
Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Wall Heater
This model is the natural gas variant of the Comfort Glow direct vent wall heater. It shares the same 17,000 BTU rating and room coverage as the propane version while using a natural gas supply line instead of propane tanks.
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- Heating Output: 17,000 BTU rated to heat up to ~570 sq. ft.
- Safety And Ignition: Sealed burn system, Matchless Piezo ignition, and pilot safety regulator to cut gas flow if the pilot fails.
- Installation: Wall-mount, requires a direct vent to the exterior and a natural gas hookup.
The natural gas option is typically chosen where a fixed gas line is available, reducing fuel handling compared to propane. Proper venting and professional installation are recommended to ensure safe combustion and compliance with local codes.
Rinnai EX17DTP Direct Vent Wall Furnace, Indoor Propane Heater
The Rinnai EX17DTP is a direct vent wall furnace that emphasizes consistent temperature control with modulating technology. It is presented for indoor use and designed to minimize cold spots by adjusting output to demand.
- Heat Control: Modulating technology that matches output to the space’s needs for efficient, even heat distribution.
- Safety and Usability: Cool-to-touch cabinet and self-diagnostic electronics for operational feedback.
- Efficiency: Described as energy efficient by precisely matching fuel use to heat requirements.
Rinnai’s features target controlled comfort and safer operation where families or children are present. The unit requires proper venting and a compatible fuel source, and it is often chosen where improved temperature uniformity is a priority.
COSTWAY 17000 BTU Mini Split Air Conditioner & Heater Pump System
The COSTWAY 17,000 BTU mini split heat pump is an all-season ductless option delivering both cooling and heating. As a heat pump system it provides reverse-cycle heating, which can be more energy efficient than resistive electric heat in many climates.
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- All-Season Performance: Cooling and heating functionalities with automatic defrost and modes including ECO and sleep.
- Heating Capacity: 17,000 BTU designed to serve larger rooms or open areas (listed coverage up to ~1250 sq. ft. depending on load).
- Smart Features: Wi‑Fi enabled and compatible with voice assistants for remote control and scheduling.
- Efficiency: Inverter compressor and R32 refrigerant for improved efficiency and lower GWP compared to older refrigerants.
Mini split heat pumps are attractive when you need both heating and cooling with minimal ductwork. Consider local climate lows, as heat pump efficiency declines with colder outdoor temperatures; this unit lists operation down to low ambient temps for heating but check specifications for extreme cold performance.
Dura Heat EWH5510 Electric Forced Air Heater With Remote Control
The Dura Heat EWH5510 is an electric forced-air heater rated at ~17,060 BTU (5,000W equivalent). It targets garages and workspaces where hard-wired 240V power is available and professional installation is typically required.
- Coverage: Advertised for coverage up to ~750 sq. ft., depending on insulation and climate.
- Power And Installation: Hard‑wired 240V / 5,000W / 30A design requiring a qualified electrician for installation.
- Controls: Remote control, adjustable thermostat with LED display, and temperature set range for user convenience.
Electric forced-air models are useful where gas is not available or where venting is undesirable. They provide immediate warm air but rely on available electrical capacity and will add to household energy consumption during heavy use.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A 17,000 BTU Heater
Choosing the right 17,000 BTU heater involves matching the unit type and features to your space, fuel availability, and safety or installation constraints. Below are key considerations and comparison perspectives to help you evaluate options.
1. Fuel Type And Availability
Natural Gas / Propane: Vented gas wall heaters are efficient for direct heat with lower operating cost where gas is available. They require venting and professional gas-line work. Propane requires tank management, while natural gas needs a fixed line.
Electric (Resistive): Forced-air electric units are simpler to install in some cases but require adequate electrical service (240V) and may have higher running costs depending on electricity rates.
Heat Pump (Mini Split): Provides both heating and cooling; highly efficient in mild to moderate climates and reduces the need for a separate AC. Performance at low outdoor temperatures varies by model.
2. Installation Requirements
Vented Units: Must have proper exterior venting; wall placement and clearances are critical for safety and performance. Local codes often require professional installation and inspection.
Electric Hard-Wired Units: Require a dedicated circuit and professional electrical installation. Consider garage or workshop mounting points and clearances.
Mini Splits: Require outdoor condenser placement and a refrigerant line set; some units come pre-charged with lines but still typically require a qualified HVAC installer for brazing and leak testing.
3. Coverage And Heat Distribution
Square Foot Guidelines: 17,000 BTU typically suits medium rooms (roughly 500–1,200 sq. ft. depending on insulation, ceiling height, and climate). Use heat loss calculations for precise sizing—areas with poor insulation or cold climates may need higher capacity.
Distribution: Forced-air and ductless mini splits distribute heat actively, while direct vent wall furnaces radiate and convect from a fixed location. Modulating models reduce cold spots better than single-stage units.
4. Efficiency And Operating Cost
Gas Heaters: Often lower fuel cost per BTU but efficiency depends on sealed combustion and proper venting. Look for modulating burners and sealed combustion for safety and efficiency.
Electric Heat: Nearly 100% efficient at the point of use but may be expensive per BTU depending on local electricity prices. Heat pumps can deliver more heat per energy consumed because they move heat rather than generate it.
5. Safety Features
Look for sealed combustion, pilot safety cut-off, cool-to-touch cabinets, and self-diagnostic electronics where available. For gas units, ensure carbon monoxide safeguards and correct venting. For electric units, ensure thermal cutouts and proper wiring.
6. Noise, Controls, And Convenience
Consider fan noise for forced-air systems and mini splits’ low-noise ratings for bedrooms. Remote controls, programmable thermostats, Wi‑Fi connectivity, and timers add convenience and can improve energy management.
7. Climate And Seasonal Needs
Mini split heat pumps are versatile where you need both cooling and heating. In climates with long, cold winters, a gas furnace or primary heating system may be preferable; check manufacturer specs for minimum ambient operating temperatures for heat pumps.
8. Maintenance And Longevity
Gas wall heaters need periodic inspection of vents and burners. Electric units have fewer combustion-related maintenance items but should have electrical checks. Mini split systems require filter cleaning and occasional professional maintenance for refrigerant and compressor health.
9. Local Codes And Permits
Installation of gas appliances and hard-wired electric heaters commonly requires permits and professional installers to meet local building codes. Verify local requirements before purchase.
Comparison Perspectives
- Cost-Per-BTU Over Time: Evaluate likely fuel prices (gas, propane, electricity) to estimate operating cost rather than upfront price alone.
- Flexibility: Mini splits give both cooling and heating, reducing the need for a separate AC system in many homes.
- Installation Complexity: Electric forced-air units are electrical-only but need a dedicated circuit; gas units need venting and gas hookups; mini splits involve condenser placement and refrigerant lines.
- Safety And Indoor Air Quality: Direct vent sealed-combustion units are safer for indoor air quality than vent-free gas units; electric and heat pump systems avoid combustion concerns entirely.
Use the above guide to match a 17,000 BTU heater to your fuel availability, installation capacity, and comfort goals. When in doubt, consult a licensed HVAC or gas technician to confirm sizing, venting, and code compliance before purchasing or installing any heater.
Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
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