Vented gas space heaters (direct-vent or vented wall furnaces) deliver efficient, safe warmth by exhausting combustion gases outdoors. Below is a concise comparison of five vented gas heaters selected from popular models to help you match capacity, fuel type, and safety features to your space.
| Model | Type / Fuel | BTU / Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Natural Gas | Direct Vent / Natural Gas | 17,000 BTU / Up To 570 Sq. Ft. |
| Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Natural Gas | Direct Vent / Natural Gas | 25,000 BTU / Up To 825 Sq. Ft. |
| Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Propane | Direct Vent / Liquid Propane | 17,000 BTU / Up To 570 Sq. Ft. |
| Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU Propane | Direct Vent / Liquid Propane | 11,000 BTU / Up To 375 Sq. Ft. |
| Rinnai EX22DTWN 21,500 BTU | Direct Vent / Natural Gas | 21,500 BTU / Modulating Heat |
Content Navigation
- Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Natural Gas Heater
- Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Natural Gas Heater
- Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Propane Wall Heater
- Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU Propane Wall Heater
- Rinnai EX22DTWN Direct Vent Wall Furnace
- Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Vented Gas Space Heater
- 1. Vented Type And Indoor Air Quality
- 2. Fuel Type: Natural Gas vs. Propane
- 3. BTU Output And Room Size
- 4. Safety Features To Prioritize
- 5. Venting Requirements And Installation
- 6. Controls And Efficiency Features
- 7. Noise, Drafts, And Heat Distribution
- 8. Maintenance And Serviceability
- 9. Code Compliance And Permitting
- 10. Comparative Perspectives
Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Natural Gas Heater
This direct vent natural gas wall heater offers 17,000 BTU output designed to heat spaces up to about 570 sq. ft. It uses a sealed burn system to isolate combustion from indoor air, which enhances indoor air quality and operational safety.
Key features include Matchless Piezo Ignition for pilot start-up and a safety pilot with built-in pressure regulator to shut off gas if the pilot flame goes out. The compact wall-mount design keeps floor space clear and makes it suitable for additions, dens, or garages with proper installation.
Performance considerations: this unit is tailored to homeowners seeking a mid-range output vented heater with sealed combustion, suitable when natural gas is available and a venting path can be routed outside.
Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Natural Gas Heater
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The 25,000 BTU Comfort Glow direct vent model raises capacity to heat larger rooms up to around 825 sq. ft. The sealed combustion chamber and venting reduce indoor combustion byproducts and improve safety over ventless designs.
It includes the same safety set—Matchless Piezo Ignition and a safety pilot with pressure regulation—and mounts to the wall to minimize footprint. The larger heat output suits larger living rooms, workshops, or open-plan areas when properly sized.
Installation needs: venting must be routed to the exterior according to local codes; check clearance and vent termination placement to ensure optimal performance and compliance.
Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Propane Wall Heater
This Comfort Glow direct vent variant uses liquid propane while retaining the 17,000 BTU output and sealed combustion design. Coverage is similar to the natural gas 17k model—about 570 sq. ft.
Safety features include the sealed burn system, Matchless Piezo Ignition, and a safety pilot with pressure regulator. Choosing propane is common where natural gas service is not available; ensure correct fuel orifices and regulator settings during installation.
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Use case: suitable for rural homes, cabins, or workshops with propane supply. Confirm venting route and local code requirements for propane appliances.
Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU Propane Wall Heater
The 11,000 BTU Comfort Glow propane heater is a smaller direct vent model engineered for medium rooms up to about 375 sq. ft. Its compact dimensions and wall-mount profile make it suitable for bedrooms, small living areas, or guest rooms.
Like the larger Comfort Glow models, it uses a sealed burn system and Matchless Piezo Ignition with a safety pilot that cuts gas if the pilot is extinguished. The reduced output suits spaces where full-size heaters would overheat the area.
Choose this model when gentler heat delivery and a smaller footprint are required while keeping combustion air isolated from the interior.
Rinnai EX22DTWN Direct Vent Wall Furnace
The Rinnai EX22DTWN is a direct vent wall furnace offering about 21,500 BTU with modulating technology that adjusts output to maintain consistent temperatures and reduce short-cycling.
Safety and usability highlights include a cool-to-the-touch cabinet, self-diagnostic electronics, and features designed for family use where occupants value safe surface temperatures. The modulating design targets energy savings by precisely matching heat output to demand.
Performance perspective: this model is positioned for users who prioritize steady, even heating and advanced controls. It is suitable for living spaces where minimizing fuel use while avoiding hot/cold spots is important.
Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Vented Gas Space Heater
This guide outlines key factors to compare when selecting a vented gas space heater, covering fuel type, size, safety, venting, and installation perspectives.
1. Vented Type And Indoor Air Quality
Direct vented draw combustion air from outdoors and expel exhaust outside, preventing combustion byproducts from entering living spaces. This is a primary advantage over ventless units for indoor air quality.
Compare sealed combustion vs. other vented designs: sealed combustion is preferable for tight homes or rooms with limited ventilation.
2. Fuel Type: Natural Gas vs. Propane
- Natural Gas—Best when municipal service exists; often offers steady supply and simpler venting compatibility.
- Propane—Suitable for off-grid, rural, or seasonal properties. Requires proper tank, regulator, and orifice sizing.
Check local fuel availability and choose models labeled for the intended fuel to avoid conversion hassles.
3. BTU Output And Room Size
Match BTU capacity to room square footage and ceiling height. Rough guidelines: 10,000–15,000 BTU for small rooms, 17,000–25,000 BTU for medium to large rooms, and higher for open-plan or poorly insulated areas.
Consider insulation, ceiling height, and desired temperature rise when sizing. Oversized units may short-cycle; undersized units won’t maintain comfort.
4. Safety Features To Prioritize
- Sealed Burn/Sealed Combustion: Keeps combustion isolated from indoor air.
- Safety Pilot With Pressure Regulator: Shuts off gas if the pilot is extinguished or pressure is abnormal.
- Cool-To-Touch Cabinets & Self-Diagnostics: Useful for family areas; self-diagnostics aid troubleshooting and service.
5. Venting Requirements And Installation
Vented heaters require properly sized vent terminations and clearances. Installation must meet local building codes and manufacturer instructions. Hiring a qualified technician ensures safe vent routing, gas line sizing, and combustion air considerations.
Compare horizontal versus vertical venting options and termination locations—some models have flexible venting configurations while others have more limited routing options.
6. Controls And Efficiency Features
Look for thermostatic control, modulating burners, or multiple output levels. Modulating
Consider integration with home thermostats or remote controls if you want centralized control or programmable schedules.
7. Noise, Drafts, And Heat Distribution
Vented wall furnaces primarily rely on convection and may produce less focused radiant heat than ventless infrared or blue-flame models. Evaluate whether you want rapid radiant warmth or broader convection distribution for whole-room comfort.
Assess fan-assisted vs. non-fan models if noise is a concern—many direct vent wall heaters operate silently, while fan-assisted units move air more actively.
8. Maintenance And Serviceability
Sealed combustion systems tend to require less frequent indoor servicing but still need annual inspection for vent integrity, burner condition, and pilot operation. Choose manufacturers with available replacement parts and local service networks.
9. Code Compliance And Permitting
Local codes may govern vent terminations, clearances, and combustion air. Before purchase, confirm permit requirements and whether a licensed installer is required for gas appliance connection.
10. Comparative Perspectives
- Choose Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU for larger rooms needing higher capacity and a wall-mount footprint.
- Choose Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU models for medium rooms where sealed combustion and mid-range output balance comfort and efficiency.
- Choose Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU for small spaces or rooms where lower output prevents overheating.
- Choose Rinnai EX22DTWN if you prioritize modulating heat control, even temperature, and advanced diagnostics for energy savings.
Assess each model against your specific installation constraints, fuel availability, and desired heating profile before deciding.
Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
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