Best Propane Heater for Mobile Home

Finding the right propane heating solution for a mobile home requires balancing safety, ventilation, BTU output, and space constraints. Below is a compact comparison of five selected propane heating and hot-water products that are commonly used in mobile homes, tiny houses, and cabins.

Product	Type	Typical Use
Dyna-Glo IR30PMDG-1 30,000 BTU	Vent-Free Infrared Wall Heater	Primary/Zone Space Heating
Mr. Heater MHVFBF20LPT 20,000 BTU	Vent-Free Blue Flame Wall Heater	Room Or Whole-Mobile-Home Zone Heating
ProCom ML100TPA-B 10,000 BTU	Ventless Infrared Space Heater	Supplemental Heating / Small Rooms
Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU Direct Vent	Direct Vent Wall Heater	Safer Vented Indoor Heating
CAMPLUX BW422 4.22 GPM	Outdoor Propane Tankless Water Heater	On-Demand Hot Water For Mobile Homes

Dyna-Glo IR30PMDG-1 30,000 BTU Liquid Propane Infrared Vent Free Wall Heater White

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Type: Liquid Propane, Vent-Free Infrared. The unit is Liquid Propane Ready and uses infrared technology to radiate heat to objects and people first rather than just warming the air.

Heat Output & Coverage: Variable from 6,000 to 30,000 BTU/hr, listed heating coverage up to approximately 1,000 sq. ft. depending on insulation and climate.

Key Considerations: As a vent-free infrared heater, it delivers efficient radiant warmth and can be effective as a primary or supplemental heater in a mobile home if local codes and mobile home manufacturer guidelines allow vent-free appliances. This model is not convertible between fuels.

Mr. Heater MHVFBF20LPT 20,000 BTU Blue Flame Vent Free Propane Heater

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Type: Vent-free blue flame wall heater with thermostat and battery-powered electronic ignition. Designed for rooms up to 700 sq. ft.

Safety & Performance: Includes an Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) that automatically shuts off the unit if oxygen levels fall below safe thresholds. Rated to operate reliably up to 4,500 ft. elevation.

Fuel Consumption & Control: Provides precise temperature control via the built-in thermostat and consumes fuel at a specified rate, making it suitable for steady indoor heating in mobile homes where vent-free appliances are permitted.

ProCom ML100TPA-B Ventless Propane Gas Infrared Space Heater With Thermostat

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Type: Compact infrared ventless mini heater using liquid propane, with thermostat control and multiple power settings (High/Medium/Low).

Heat Output & Fit: Produces up to 10,000 BTU and indicates coverage for up to 500 sq. ft. Its slim profile and included mounting hardware make it easy to install on a wall or use on the floor with base feet.

Use Case: Best suited as supplemental or zone heating in bedrooms, offices, or small areas of a mobile home. Ventless infrared models are efficient at delivering direct warmth to occupants and items.

Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU Direct Vent Liquid Propane Gas Wall Heater

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Type: Direct vent wall heater with sealed combustion, designed to draw combustion air from outside and expel exhaust outdoors.

Safety & Features: Sealed burn system with matchless piezo ignition and safety pilot with built-in pressure regulator to stop gas flow if the pilot goes out. Direct venting reduces indoor combustion byproducts, which can be beneficial in tightly built mobile homes.

Heat Output & Applications: Rated at 11,000 BTU, intended to heat areas up to approximately 375 sq. ft. It’s a considered option where vented combustion is preferred or required by code.

CAMPLUX Outdoor Tankless Water Heater Propane, 4.22 GPM Propane Tankless Water Heater

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Type: Outdoor propane tankless water heater providing on-demand hot water, commonly used for mobile homes, tiny houses, and off-grid cabins.

Performance: Produces about 4.22 GPM and up to 110,000 BTU/hr. Activates with water pressure between 4.0–110 PSI and is designed for easy installation with included accessories and a pre-installed gas regulator.

Notes For Mobile Homes: This unit is intended for outdoor installation; many mobile homes use outdoor tankless heaters to satisfy venting and code requirements while providing continuous hot water for showers and sinks.

Buying Guide: Choosing A Propane Heater For A Mobile Home

When selecting a propane heating solution for a mobile home, consider these critical factors to ensure safe, effective, and code-compliant operation.

1. Venting Type And Local Codes

Vent-Free (Ventless) heaters deliver efficient indoor heat but release combustion byproducts into the living space. Some jurisdictions and mobile home manufacturers restrict or prohibit vent-free appliances. Direct ventsealed combustion

2. Oxygen Depletion Sensors And Safety Features

ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor) is essential for vent-free units; it automatically shuts the appliance off if oxygen levels fall. Look for automatic shutoff, flame failure devices, and pressure regulators on tankless water heaters. For mobile homes with limited ventilation, prioritize units with multiple safety interlocks.

3. BTU Output And Space Sizing

Calculate the required BTU by considering square footage, ceiling height, insulation, and climate. As a rough guide, vent-free infrared and blue flame units are rated by BTU for coverage: e.g., 10,000 BTU ≈ 300–500 sq. ft., 20,000 BTU ≈ 600–800 sq. ft. Adjust for cold climates or poorly insulated homes.

4. Fuel Type And Conversion

Confirm whether the heater is designed for liquid propane (LP) or natural gas. Some models are factory-set and non-convertible. Using the correct gas type and regulator is mandatory for safe operation.

5. Installation And Ventilation Requirements

Wall-mounted models require proper clearances, secure mounting, and sometimes a dedicated vent chase for direct-vent units. Outdoor tankless water heaters require weather-appropriate installations and safe routing of gas lines and water connections.

6. Thermostat Control And Efficiency

Built-in thermostats or compatibility with remote thermostats allow better control and fuel economy. Infrared radiant units often heat occupants directly, providing perceived warmth at lower air temperatures. Blue flame and direct vent units warm the room air more uniformly.

7. Mobile Home-Specific Considerations

• Manufacturer Approval: Verify that installing a given heater does not void mobile home warranties or violate manufacturer restrictions.
• Clearances: Mobile homes have limited wall cavity and clearance space; measure before selecting a wall unit.
• Electrical Needs: Some units require batteries for ignition, others may need a small electrical connection for electronic ignition or controls.

8. Hot Water Needs Versus Space Heating Needs

Space heaters and tankless water heaters serve different needs. If heating the living space is the goal, choose a wall heater sized for square footage. For continuous hot water, choose a tankless unit sized for desired flow rate (GPM) and simultaneous fixtures.

9. Elevation And Performance

High-elevation installations can affect combustion and rated output. Some manufacturers specify maximum elevation (e.g., the Mr. Heater model lists operation up to 4,500 ft.). Verify performance specs for your altitude.

10. Maintenance And Serviceability

Periodic inspection of burners, vents (if direct vent), and gas connections is necessary. Vent-free units may require cleaning of orifices, and outdoor tankless water heaters need freeze protection or winterization in cold climates.

Comparison Perspectives

Safety Perspective: Direct vent units (like the Comfort Glow) reduce indoor combustion exposure, while vent-free models require careful attention to ODS and ventilation.

Efficiency Perspective: Vent-free infrared and blue flame heaters convert most fuel energy into usable indoor heat. Infrared models can feel warmer at lower ambient temperatures because they heat people and objects directly.

Installation Perspective: Vent-free units are typically simpler to install and require fewer wall penetrations. Direct vent models and outdoor tankless water heaters require venting or outdoor placement and proper routing of exhaust and intake.

Use Case Perspective: For primary space heating in a mobile home where vent-free appliances are permitted, high-BTU vent-free models can provide robust heat. For improved indoor air quality or where codes require it, choose direct vent. For domestic hot water, outdoor tankless units are commonly used to meet on-demand needs without indoor combustion.