Direct vent natural gas heaters provide sealed combustion, improved safety, and efficient room heating without impacting indoor air quality. Below is a quick comparison of selected direct vent wall and floor models to help narrow choices based on heat output, coverage, and design.
| Model | Brand | BTU | Coverage (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rinnai EX22DTWN Direct Vent Wall Furnace | Rinnai | 21,500 BTU | Medium To Large Rooms |
| Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Direct Vent Wall Heater | Comfort Glow | 25,000 BTU | Up To ~825 Sq. Ft. |
| Ashley Hearth DVAG11N 11,000 BTU Direct Vent Heater | Ashley Hearth | 11,000 BTU | Up To ~375 Sq. Ft. |
| Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Wall Heater | Comfort Glow | 17,000 BTU | Up To ~570 Sq. Ft. |
| EMPIRE DV215 NG 15,000 BTU Direct Vent Wall Furnace | EMPIRE | 15,000 BTU | Small To Medium Rooms |
Content Navigation
- Rinnai EX22DTWN Direct Vent Wall Furnace
- Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Wall Heater
- Ashley Hearth DVAG11N 11,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Heater
- Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Wall Heater
- EMPIRE Comfort Systems DV215 NG 15,000 BTU Direct Vent Wall Furnace
- Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Direct Vent Natural Gas Heater
Rinnai EX22DTWN Direct Vent Wall Furnace
The Rinnai EX22DTWN is a wall-mounted direct vent natural gas heater designed for consistent and efficient heating. Its modulating technology adjusts output to maintain steady temperatures and reduce cold spots throughout the room. The unit’s cool-to-the-touch cabinet and self-diagnostic electronics contribute to safe operation and straightforward troubleshooting. Rinnai emphasizes energy efficiency by matching heat production to demand, reducing fuel usage while maintaining comfort. This model suits living areas or spaces where steady climate control and a compact wall-mounted layout are priorities.
Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Wall Heater
The Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU direct vent heater delivers higher output for larger rooms, rated to heat up to approximately 825 sq. ft. It features a sealed burn system with matchless Piezo ignition and a safety pilot with a built-in pressure regulator to stop gas flow if the pilot is extinguished. The space-saving wall-mount design offers straightforward installation on suitable walls. Specifications include overall dimensions geared toward a larger wall footprint. This model is appropriate when higher BTU capacity and sealed combustion are required for open living areas.
Ashley Hearth DVAG11N 11,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Heater
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The Ashley Hearth DVAG11N is a lower-output direct vent model suitable for smaller rooms or supplemental heating. With 11,000 BTU input, it is sized to heat up to around 375 sq. ft. The sealed combustion chamber isolates combustion from indoor air, making it suitable for bedrooms and living spaces where indoor air quality is a concern. The straightforward control layout and compact cabinet support installation in tighter spaces where larger wall units would be impractical.
Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Wall Heater
The Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU model balances footprint and capacity for medium-sized spaces. Rated to heat up to roughly 570 sq. ft., it uses a sealed burn system with matchless Piezo ignition and the same safety pilot/pressure regulator design as other Comfort Glow models. The slimmer depth and moderate dimensions make it suitable for hallways, bedrooms, and secondary living spaces where an efficient wall-mounted direct vent solution is desired.
EMPIRE Comfort Systems DV215 NG 15,000 BTU Direct Vent Wall Furnace
The EMPIRE DV215 NG is a mid-range direct vent wall furnace with 15,000 BTU capacity and compact dimensions suited to small-to-medium rooms. The package typically includes venting and a vent cap, simplifying installation planning. The unit’s design emphasizes straightforward integration into wall locations where venting to the exterior is feasible. This model can be used in retrofit or new-install situations where a balance of output and size is required.
Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Direct Vent Natural Gas Heater
This buying guide highlights the key considerations when selecting a direct vent natural gas heater. Use these factors to match the heater to your home layout, comfort expectations, and safety needs.
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Heat Output And Room Size
- BTU Rating: Select a BTU output aligned with room square footage. Lower BTU units (around 10k–12k) suit small rooms, while 20k–25k units cover larger living areas. Manufacturer coverage estimates provide starting guidance.
- Insulation And Ceiling Height: Poorly insulated rooms or high ceilings increase required BTUs. Adjust capacity upward for these conditions.
Sealed Combustion And Indoor Air Quality
- Direct Vent/Sealed Burn: These units draw combustion air from outside and exhaust directly outdoors, preserving indoor air quality and reducing drafts and heat loss tied to indoor combustion.
- Bedroom Use: Choose a sealed combustion model rated safe for bedrooms and living spaces to avoid indoor air contamination.
Safety Features
- Cool-To-The-Touch Cabinets: Useful in homes with children or pets to minimize burn risk from contact with the housing.
- Safety Pilot/Pressure Regulators: An automatic shutoff if the pilot extinguishes prevents gas flow and reduces risk.
- Self-Diagnostics: Electronic diagnostics can simplify troubleshooting and service planning.
Installation And Venting
- Wall Placement: Verify clearances for wall-mount models and ensure the chosen wall allows direct venting to the exterior with an unobstructed path.
- Included Components: Some models include venting and caps; others require separate purchase. Confirm vent diameter and termination requirements.
- Professional Installation: Gas heaters typically require professional installation and local code compliance. Factor in labor and permit needs.
Efficiency And Operating Cost
- Modulating vs Fixed Output: Modulating units adjust burn rate to match heat demand, improving comfort and fuel efficiency in variable-load conditions.
- Energy Savings Features: Features that precisely match heat levels to needs reduce fuel consumption over fixed-output models.
Controls And Thermostat Options
- Built-In Thermostats: Offer convenient local control; verify programmable vs manual settings.
- Remote Or Room Thermostat Compatibility: Some units support wall thermostats or remote controls for improved convenience and tighter temperature management.
Noise And Airflow
- Fan-Assisted vs Convection: Fan-assisted units produce airflow that distributes heat faster but may generate audible noise. Convection-only units are quieter but rely on natural circulation.
- Noise Ratings: If the heater will be placed near quiet living areas, check product literature for fan noise characteristics.
Build, Warranty, And Brand Support
- Brand Reputation: Consider brands with established service networks and replacement parts availability.
- Warranty Coverage: Review warranty terms for heat exchangers, burners, and electronics for expected lifespan and potential repair costs.
Comparison Perspectives
- Higher Output For Open Areas: Models with 20k–25k BTU are suitable for open-plan rooms and larger square footage. Confirm venting clearance and structural requirements.
- Lower Output For Bedrooms/Small Rooms: 10k–15k BTU units suit bedrooms or smaller living spaces and often emphasize quieter operation and smaller profiles.
- Energy Efficiency Tradeoffs: Modulating models may cost more upfront but can lower operating fuel use. Fixed-output units can be simpler and less costly initially.
- Installation Complexity: Units that include venting components can reduce installation complexity, but always confirm local codes and professional installer requirements.