Best Propane Vented Wall Heaters

Short Summary: This guide compares direct-vent and vented wall heaters that work with propane (plus one direct-vent natural gas model included for vented comparison). Below is a quick reference table of the most relevant units from the provided list.

Model	Type	BTU	Coverage
Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU Direct Vent Liquid Propane	Direct Vent Propane	11,000	Up To 375 Sq. Ft.
Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Liquid Propane	Direct Vent Propane	17,000	Up To 570 Sq. Ft.
Rinnai EX38DTP Direct Vent Wall Furnace	Direct Vent Propane (Indoor)	36,500	Whole-Room Heating / Modulating
Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas	Direct Vent Natural Gas (Included For Vented Comparison)	25,000	Up To 825 Sq. Ft.
Dyna-Glo 30,000 BTU Liquid Propane Blue Flame Vent Free	Vent-Free Propane (Not Vented)	24,000–30,000	Up To 1,000 Sq. Ft.

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

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Brand: Comfort Glow. This is a direct vent propane wall heater with an 11,000 BTU rating designed to heat up to 375 sq. ft.

• Sealed Burn System: Direct venting isolates combustion from indoor air, reducing indoor emissions.
• Ignition & Safety: Matchless Piezo Ignition and a safety pilot with a built-in pressure regulator stops gas flow if the pilot goes out.
• Space-Saving Design: Wall-mountable unit with compact dimensions (20 H, 17 W, 7 D).

This model emphasizes sealed combustion and compact installation, making it suitable for smaller living spaces where outdoor venting is feasible and code-compliant.

Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Liquid Propane Gas Wall Heater

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Brand: Comfort Glow. This larger direct vent propane heater is rated at 17,000 BTU and is intended for spaces up to 570 sq. ft.

• Sealed Combustion: Keeps combustion products outdoors, enhancing indoor air quality versus vent-free options.
• Safety Features: Includes Matchless Piezo Ignition and a safety pilot with pressure regulation to stop gas flow if needed.
• Dimensions: Designed to mount on a wall with heater dimensions 20 H, 27.3 W, 6.5 D for wider coverage.

This unit provides a mid-range output for medium rooms and emphasizes safety and direct venting for homes requiring combustion segregation from living spaces.

Rinnai EX38DTP Direct Vent Wall Furnace, Indoor Propane Heater

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Brand: Rinnai. A higher-capacity direct vent wall furnace with 36,500 BTU and advanced modulation for consistent temperatures.

• Modulating Technology: Adjusts heat output to match room load, reducing cycling and temperature swings.
• Safety & Diagnostics: Cool-to-the-touch cabinet and self-diagnostic electronics promote safe, user-friendly operation.
• Efficiency Focus: Designed to minimize fuel consumption by precisely matching heat levels to demand.

Rinnai’s model targets larger rooms or whole-room applications where consistent temperature control and energy efficiency are priorities and where a dedicated direct vent installation is acceptable.

Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Wall Heater

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Brand: Comfort Glow. This is a direct vent natural gas wall heater rated at 25,000 BTU intended for up to 825 sq. ft.

• Sealed Burn & Safety Pilot: Matchless Piezo Ignition with a safety pilot and pressure regulator to stop gas when pilot is out.
• Large Coverage: Higher BTU output suits larger rooms or open-plan areas where vented combustion is required.
• Wall-Mount Design: Space-saving installation similar to other Comfort Glow direct vent models.

Although this model uses natural gas rather than propane, it serves as a vented direct-combustion reference for larger spaces and demonstrates how vented designs scale in output and coverage.

Dyna-Glo 30,000 BTU Liquid Propane Blue Flame Vent Free Wall Heater

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Brand: Dyna-Glo. This is a vent-free propane-ready blue flame wall heater with variable output up to 30,000 BTU, rated for up to 1,000 sq. ft.

• Blue Flame Technology: Convection-based heating that warms air and circulates it in the room.
• Vent-Free Design: Delivers all combustion products into the living space—different from direct vent models.
• Fuel Note: Liquid propane ready; conversion rules may apply depending on local codes.

This unit is included as a comparative example. It is not a vented heater; its vent-free design affects indoor air quality and code eligibility, which differentiates it from direct vent propane units in this guide.

Buying Guide: Choosing A Vented Propane Wall Heater

When selecting a vented propane wall heater, prioritize safety, ventilation requirements, capacity, and local code compliance. Below are the key factors to compare across models and installation scenarios.

Venting Type And Indoor Air Quality

Direct Vent (Vented): Uses sealed combustion and routes exhaust outdoors through a wall or coaxial vent. This isolates combustion from indoor air and is preferred where building codes restrict vent-free units or where indoor air quality is a concern.

Vent-Free: Releases combustion products into the room. This can be acceptable in some jurisdictions but may increase moisture and indoor pollutant levels. Check local codes and HVAC considerations before choosing vent-free units.

Fuel Type And Conversion

Propane vs. Natural Gas: Units are typically set up for one fuel type. Confirm the heater’s fuel compatibility. Conversion kits or models marked “propane ready” still may have regulatory or manufacturer restrictions.

Appliance Labeling: Verify whether the model includes factory settings or requires professional conversion. Never operate a heater on the wrong fuel without proper conversion per manufacturer instructions.

BTU Output And Room Size

Match the heater’s BTU rating to the square footage and insulation level of the space. Rough guidance:

• 10,000–12,000 BTU: Small rooms up to ~375 sq. ft.
• 17,000 BTU: Medium rooms up to ~570 sq. ft.
• 25,000–36,500+ BTU: Large rooms or whole-room heating.

Consider heat loss factors (windows, ceiling height, insulation) when sizing.

Efficiency And Control Features

Modulating Burners: Models with modulating technology adjust output to demand, reducing fuel use and temperature swings.

Thermostats & Controls: Built-in thermostats and electronic controls improve comfort and efficiency. Self-diagnostic electronics can simplify troubleshooting and maintenance.

Safety Systems

Important safety features include:

• Sealed Combustion: Eliminates indoor combustion products—standard for vented units.
• Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS): Common on vent-free models to shut off gas if oxygen drops; not a substitute for venting.
• Pressure Regulators & Safety Pilots: Prevent gas flow if the pilot extinguishes.
• Cool-To-Touch Cabinets: Beneficial in homes with children or pets.

Installation Considerations

Professional Installation: Direct vent heaters typically require certified installation for correct vent placement, combustion air intake, and compliance with building codes.

Vent Runs & Exterior Clearances: Check manufacturer venting specifications for maximum run length and exterior vent clearances to ensure safe operation.

Local Codes And Venting Regulations

Always confirm local building and fire codes regarding vent-free vs. vented heaters, allowable BTU limits, and required permits. Venting requirements vary by jurisdiction and can affect product eligibility for your home.

Maintenance And Longevity

Compare maintenance needs: sealed combustion units usually require less indoor cleaning of combustion parts but still need periodic inspection of vents, seals, and gas connections. Electronic diagnostic features can reduce service time.

Comparison Perspectives

Small-Space Efficiency: Low-BTU direct vent units like the Comfort Glow 11,000 are compact and isolate combustion outdoors, suitable for smaller rooms where indoor air quality matters.

Mid-Range Coverage: The Comfort Glow 17,000 balances footprint and coverage for medium rooms, with the same sealed-burn safety features as the 11,000 model.

High-Capacity Needs: Rinnai’s modulating direct vent model and the Comfort Glow 25,000 natural gas unit address larger spaces. Choose modulating tech for reduced fuel use and improved comfort in variable-load spaces.

Vent-Free Tradeoffs: Vent-free models like the Dyna-Glo provide high BTU per footprint but release combustion products indoors, potentially restricting use by code or those sensitive to indoor pollutants.

Final Selection Checklist

• Confirm fuel type and conversion options for your home.
• Match BTU output to usable heated area and insulation levels.
• Prioritize sealed combustion (direct vent) when indoor air quality and code compliance are important.
• Plan for professional installation to meet venting, clearance, and permit requirements.
• Review safety features and diagnostic capabilities to reduce maintenance risk.