Best Direct Vent Heaters for Home Heating

Direct vent heaters provide efficient, sealed-combustion heating for rooms and garages while keeping combustion air separate from indoor air. Below is a quick comparison of selected models to help match unit size and fuel type to your space.

Model	Fuel	BTU	Coverage (Approx.)
Rinnai EX22DTWN	Natural Gas	21,500	Medium Rooms
Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU (LP)	Liquid Propane	11,000	Up To ~375 sq. ft.
Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU (NG)	Natural Gas	17,000	Up To ~570 sq. ft.
Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU (NG)	Natural Gas	25,000	Up To ~825 sq. ft.
Ashley Hearth DVAG30N	Natural Gas	25,000	Up To ~825 sq. ft.

Rinnai EX22DTWN Direct Vent Wall Furnace

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Brand: Rinnai. Fuel: Natural Gas. BTU: 21,500.

The Rinnai EX22DTWN uses advanced modulating combustion to match output to demand, which can reduce fuel use and minimize temperature swings. The unit is designed for wall mounting and offers consistent heat distribution intended to reduce cold spots in living spaces.

Key design points include a cool-to-the-touch cabinet and self-diagnostic electronics to assist with maintenance and safe operation. Those features make it suitable for family areas where touch safety is important.

Consider this model when you want a mid-range natural gas direct vent heater with energy-saving modulation and a wall-mounted installation footprint that preserves floor space.

Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU Direct Vent Propane Heater

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Brand: Comfort Glow. Fuel: Liquid Propane. BTU: 11,000.

This compact direct vent propane unit is rated to heat up to approximately 375 sq. ft., making it appropriate for smaller rooms, finished basements, or attached garages where propane is the available fuel.

The heater includes a sealed burn system, Matchless Piezo ignition, and a safety pilot with a built-in pressure regulator. These features stop the gas flow if the pilot is extinguished and reduce ignition handling steps for the user.

With a space-saving wall-mount design and compact dimensions, this model fits tight spaces where a permanent, vented heating solution is needed without sacrificing safety features often required for bedrooms or living areas.

Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Heater

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Brand: Comfort Glow. Fuel: Natural Gas. BTU: 17,000.

The 17,000 BTU Comfort Glow unit targets medium-sized rooms up to roughly 570 sq. ft. It uses a sealed combustion chamber which keeps indoor air separate from combustion gases, improving indoor air quality and safety.

Safety elements include the Matchless Piezo ignition and a pilot with a built-in pressure regulator to prevent gas flow if the pilot fails, which is standard for direct vent wall furnaces meant for living spaces.

This heater’s wall-mount layout offers a balance of output and footprint, making it suitable for open living rooms, large bedrooms, or moderate-sized workshop areas supplied by natural gas.

Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Heater

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Brand: Comfort Glow. Fuel: Natural Gas. BTU: 25,000.

This larger model is rated to heat up to about 825 sq. ft., suitable for larger open-plan living areas, workshops, or primary heating in modest-sized homes with supplemental distribution.

The product emphasizes a sealed burn system and safety pilot with pressure regulation to reduce gas circulation risk if the pilot is lost. Its larger heat output requires appropriate venting and wall clearance planning.

Choose this unit when you need higher capacity direct vent heating from the wall without converting to a central furnace, and ensure your room layout and vent routing match the manufacturer’s installation specifications.

Ashley Hearth DVAG30N 25,000 BTU Direct Vent Heater

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Brand: Ashley Hearth. Fuel: Natural Gas. BTU: 25,000.

The DVAG30N aims to heat up to 825 sq. ft. and is designed with a sealed combustion chamber suitable for bedrooms and living spaces. The sealed system helps maintain indoor air quality by isolating combustion from interior air.

Its feature set focuses on straightforward direct vent safety and heating capacity for larger rooms. The model is an alternative to the Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU unit with similar output and application scope.

When sizing, confirm the model matches your expected coverage and that your wall location can accommodate venting and clearances per installation instructions.

Buying Guide: How To Choose A Direct Vent Heater

This guide covers the main considerations when selecting a direct vent heater so you can match unit capacity, fuel type, and safety features to your space and priorities.

1. Fuel Type And Availability

• Natural Gas vs. Propane: Choose the fuel that your property already supplies. Natural gas is common in urban and suburban areas; propane is often used where natural gas mains are unavailable.
• Conversion: Some models are fuel-specific. Verify whether a model can be converted and whether conversion kits are OEM-approved.

2. BTU Output And Room Coverage

• Match BTU To Space: Use the manufacturer’s coverage estimates as a baseline. Smaller rooms typically need 10k–12k BTU; medium rooms 15k–18k; large or open areas 25k BTU or more.
• Insulation And Climate: Poor insulation or cold climates increase required BTU. Account for ceiling height and open floor plans that demand higher output.

3. Sealed Combustion And Indoor Air Quality

• Sealed Burn Systems: These keep combustion air separate from indoor air, reducing drafts and protecting indoor air quality. Prefer sealed systems for bedrooms and living spaces.
• Vent Routing: Direct vent units use a coaxial or dedicated vent pipe to the exterior. Plan the shortest practical run to improve efficiency and simplify installation.

4. Safety Features

• Safety Pilot & Pressure Regulators: These stop gas flow if the pilot extinguishes or if pressure is out of range.
• Cool-To-Touch Cabinets: Useful for family spaces to reduce burn risk.
• Self-Diagnostics: Electronic diagnostics help troubleshoot failures and reduce service time.

5. Installation And Maintenance

• Professional Installation: Direct vent heaters typically require certified gas piping and venting installation. Local codes may require licensed installers.
• Clearances And Mounting: Check wall, floor, and closet clearance requirements. Wall-mounted units save floor space but need proper framing support.
• Service Access: Ensure the placement allows routine access for pilot, filters (if any), and service panels.

6. Efficiency And Operation

• Modulating Burners: Units with modulating combustion can adjust output to maintain target temperatures, improving comfort and fuel economy.
• Thermostat Compatibility: Verify whether the unit includes a built-in thermostat or works with a remote/line voltage thermostat for zoning control.

7. Size, Aesthetics, And Noise

• Visual Fit: Choose a color and grille style that fits your decor. Many direct vent wall heaters come in neutral finishes.
• Operational Noise: Fan-assisted models provide more circulation but can produce noise. Check user feedback or spec sheets for fan ratings if noise is a concern.

8. Comparison Perspectives

• Small Rooms: Consider 11,000 BTU sealed-burn propane or natural gas models for bedrooms or small dens.
• Medium Spaces: 17,000–21,500 BTU models provide balanced coverage for living rooms or larger bedrooms.
• Large/Open Areas: 25,000 BTU units and above better serve open-plan living rooms, large garages, and workshop spaces.
• Garage/Workshop vs. Living Spaces: Garage heaters may emphasize raw output and robustness. For living areas, prioritize sealed combustion and cool-to-touch cabinetry.

9. Regulatory And Code Considerations

• Local Codes: Confirm local building and gas codes for venting, clearance, and placement in sleeping rooms.
• Permits: Many jurisdictions require permits for gas appliance installations. Check before scheduling work.

10. Long-Term Considerations

• Serviceability: Choose brands with accessible parts and service networks for repairs and annual maintenance.
• Backup Heating Strategy: If the direct vent unit is primary heat, plan for service outages or consider a secondary heating option.