Overview: Direct vent kerosene heaters designed for indoor use are rare; many efficient direct vent options use natural gas or propane. This guide compares kerosene space heaters alongside direct vent gas/LP wall heaters so you can match fuel type, venting needs, and room size. Below is a quick comparison of the selected models covered in this article.
| Product | Fuel Type | BTU / Coverage | Vent Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Liquid Propane Gas Wall Heater | Propane (LP) | 17,000 BTU / Up To 570 sq. ft. | Direct Vent Wall Mounted |
| Rinnai EX22DTWN Direct Vent Wall Furnace | Natural Gas | 21,500 BTU | Direct Vent Wall Mounted |
| Ashley Hearth DVAG11N 11,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Heater | Natural Gas | 11,000 BTU / Up To 375 sq. ft. | Direct Vent Wall Mounted |
| Dyna-Glo RMC-55R7 Indoor Kerosene Radiant Heater | Kerosene (Radiant) | 10,000 BTU / Up To 500 sq. ft. | Non-Vented (Indoor Use) |
| Dura Heat DH1051 Indoor Kerosene Heater | Kerosene (Radiant) | 10,500 BTU | Non-Vented (Indoor Use) |
Content Navigation
- Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Liquid Propane Gas Wall Heater, Gray, Large
- Rinnai EX22DTWN Direct Vent Wall Furnace, Indoor Natural Gas Heater
- Ashley Hearth Products DVAG11N 11,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Heater, Cream
- Dyna-Glo RMC-55R7 Indoor Kerosene Radiant Heater, 10000 BTU, Ivory
- Dura Heat DH1051 Indoor Kerosene Heater – 10,500 Btu’s DH1051
- Buying Guide: How To Choose Between Direct Vent And Kerosene Heaters
Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Liquid Propane Gas Wall Heater, Gray, Large
The Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU is a direct vent propane wall heater designed to heat medium to large rooms. The sealed combustion design prevents indoor air contamination by keeping combustion air and exhaust separate from living space air. The unit is intended for wall mounting and offers a compact footprint for space-saving installations.
- Heating Capacity: 17,000 BTU, rated to heat up to 570 sq. ft.
- Safety: Sealed burn system with Matchless Piezo Ignition and safety pilot plus built-in pressure regulator to stop gas flow if the pilot goes out.
- Design: Wall-mounted direct vent design with dimensions 20 H x 27.3 W x 6.5 D inches, suitable where venting to exterior is possible.
This model is focused on vented, sealed-combustion heating for homes that prefer propane fuel and can accommodate through-wall or sidewall venting.
Rinnai EX22DTWN Direct Vent Wall Furnace, Indoor Natural Gas Heater
The Rinnai EX22DTWN is a modulating direct vent wall heater that emphasizes consistent room temperature and energy efficiency. It uses advanced modulation to adjust burn rate and reduce fuel consumption compared with non-modulating units.
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- Heating Performance: 21,500 BTU nominal input, designed to reduce cold spots through modulating control.
- Safety & Convenience: Cool-to-the-touch cabinet, self-diagnostic electronics, and wall-mounted installation for interior spaces.
- Efficiency: Energy-efficient operation by precisely matching heat output to demand, lowering fuel use.
The Rinnai model suits homeowners prioritizing steady comfort levels and built-in diagnostic features for maintenance and safety checks.
Ashley Hearth Products DVAG11N 11,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Heater, Cream
The Ashley Hearth DVAG11N is a compact direct vent natural gas heater suitable for small rooms, bedrooms, or supplemental heating. Its sealed combustion chamber is designed to provide safe indoor heating without affecting indoor air quality.
- Heat Output: 11,000 BTU, suitable for areas up to about 375 sq. ft.
- Design: Sealed burn system makes it appropriate for sleeping areas and living spaces where indoor air isolation is desired.
- Installation: Wall-mounted, requiring direct venting to the exterior for combustion air and exhaust.
This unit is appropriate where compact wall-mounted direct vent heating is needed for smaller rooms powered by natural gas.
Dyna-Glo RMC-55R7 Indoor Kerosene Radiant Heater, 10000 BTU, Ivory
The Dyna-Glo RMC-55R7 is an indoor kerosene radiant heater that operates without electricity, relying on kerosene fuel. It is not a direct vent unit; instead, it radiates heat into the room and is intended for spaces where venting to the outside is not possible or desired.
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- Output: 10,000 BTU, with stated coverage up to 500 sq. ft. depending on insulation and layout.
- Operation: No electricity required, useful during power outages or in off-grid settings.
- Use Case: Portable radiant heating solution for supplemental warmth; requires careful placement and adherence to indoor kerosene safety practices.
As a non-vented kerosene heater, this model should be used where ventilation and CO detection are managed and where users accept the maintenance and fuel handling associated with kerosene appliances.
Dura Heat DH1051 Indoor Kerosene Heater – 10,500 Btu’s DH1051
The Dura Heat DH1051 is an indoor kerosene heater offering continuous radiant heat across a 360-degree design. This unit is intended for indoor supplemental heating and emphasizes runtime efficiency on a single fuel fill.
- Heat & Runtime: 10,500 BTU output and extended runtime, with reported operation up to 15 hours on 1.1 gallons of fuel.
- Coverage: Rated for larger room sizes in its class; the radiant design distributes heat in all directions.
- Application: Non-vented indoor use; requires proper ventilation monitoring and placement away from combustibles.
The DH1051 is suited for users who need a portable kerosene option with long runtime as a backup or supplemental heat source when direct vent solutions are not available.
Buying Guide: How To Choose Between Direct Vent And Kerosene Heaters
Selecting the right heater requires evaluating fuel availability, installation constraints, indoor air quality needs, and safety features. Below are key considerations and multiple comparison perspectives to guide the decision.
Fuel Type And Availability
Natural Gas/Propane (Direct Vent): Typically require a gas line (natural gas) or an LP tank and offer steady, clean combustion when using a sealed combustion chamber. Direct vent models draw combustion air from outdoors and expel exhaust outdoors, minimizing indoor air contamination.
Kerosene (Indoor Radiant): Portable and useful where gas hookups are unavailable or during power outages. Kerosene heaters often do not vent outdoors and can emit combustion byproducts, requiring careful ventilation and CO detection.
Venting And Installation
Direct Vent Heaters: Require through-wall or dedicated venting to the exterior. Installation is more complex and may require professional service and permitting depending on local codes.
Non-Vented Kerosene Heaters: No exterior venting needed, making them more flexible for placement. However, they demand routine ventilation of the room and operational vigilance due to combustion indoors.
Indoor Air Quality And Safety
Sealed Combustion vs. Open Combustion: Sealed combustion (direct vent) isolates combustion from indoor air, reducing the risk of indoor contamination and making these units more suitable for bedrooms and living spaces.
Kerosene Heaters: Emissions include soot, moisture, and combustion gases. Use in well-ventilated areas and always pair with a working carbon monoxide detector. Follow manufacturer fuel and maintenance guidelines to minimize risks.
Heating Capacity And Room Size
Estimate area by square footage and insulation quality. General guidance:
- 10,000–12,000 BTU: Suitable for small rooms up to ~375–500 sq. ft.
- 17,000–25,000 BTU: Appropriate for larger rooms up to ~570–825 sq. ft.
Match BTU rating to room size and consider heat losses from windows, doors, and high ceilings.
Energy Efficiency And Operating Cost
Direct Vent (Modulating) Heaters: Modulating burners adjust output to demand, improving efficiency and lowering fuel consumption. Sealed systems avoid conditioning outdoor air, preserving HVAC stability.
Kerosene Units: Often less efficient in fuel-to-usable-heat metrics for whole-home heating but practical for targeted supplemental heating or emergencies.
Maintenance And Longevity
Direct Vent Gas/LP Units: Require professional installation and periodic inspection of venting, ignition components, and safety devices. Sealed systems generally require less frequent cleaning of indoor surfaces.
Kerosene Heaters: Require regular cleaning, wick maintenance (if applicable), and fuel management. Improper maintenance can cause odor, soot, and reduced performance.
Portability And Backup Use
Kerosene Heaters: Portable, can operate without electricity, and serve as effective backup heat during outages. Consider fuel storage and local regulations on kerosene use indoors.
Direct Vent Heaters: Permanently installed and ideal for continuous household heating when connected to appropriate fuel sources and venting.
Safety Features To Look For
- Sealed Burn/Direct Venting to prevent indoor air contamination.
- Safety Pilot/Automatic Shutoff to stop gas flow if the pilot or flame fails.
- Cool-To-Touch Cabinets and protective grilles if children or pets are present.
- Self-Diagnostics for direct vent models to simplify troubleshooting.
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors and proper ventilation for any combustion-based heater.
Cost Considerations And Regulations
Installation costs for direct vent units can be higher due to venting and professional labor. Kerosene heaters have lower initial setup but ongoing fuel handling and potential indoor air treatment costs. Check local building codes and insurance requirements for permanent gas or propane installations.
Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
- Prioritize Quality Over Cost
The most critical factor in any HVAC project is the quality of the installation. Don’t compromise on contractor expertise just to save money. - Check for Rebates
Always research current rebates and incentives — they can significantly reduce your overall cost. - Compare Multiple Quotes
Request at least three estimates before making your choice. You can click here to get three free quotes from local professionals. These quotes include available rebates and tax credits and automatically exclude unqualified contractors. - Negotiate Smartly
Once you've chosen a contractor, use the proven strategies from our guide — How Homeowners Can Negotiate with HVAC Dealers — to get the best possible final price.
Decision Checklist
- Do you have access to natural gas or propane? If yes, consider direct vent wall heaters for sealed, efficient heating.
- Do you need portable, off-grid heating or backup during outages? If yes, a kerosene radiant heater may be practical.
- Is indoor air quality a priority (bedrooms, people with respiratory issues)? Favor sealed direct vent systems.
- Can you install through-wall venting? If not, use a non-vented portable unit with strict ventilation and detectors.
- Are you seeking long-term energy efficiency? Consider modulating direct vent models for best fuel economy.