Choosing a vented natural gas wall heater requires balancing heating capacity, installation type, safety features, and energy efficiency. Below is a quick comparison of the five selected vented or direct-vent style wall heaters chosen for this guide.
| Product | Brand | BTU | Coverage (Approx.) | Venting Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Direct Vent | Comfort Glow | 25,000 | Up To 825 Sq. Ft. | Direct Vent |
| Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent | Comfort Glow | 17,000 | Up To 570 Sq. Ft. | Direct Vent |
| Rinnai EX22DTWN Direct Vent Wall Furnace | Rinnai | 21,500 | Variable (Modulating Tech) | Direct Vent |
| EMPIRE DV215 NG 15,000 BTU Direct Vent | EMPIRE | 15,000 | Smaller Rooms | Direct Vent |
| Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 30,000 BTU Infrared | Dyna-Glo | 30,000 | Up To 1,000 Sq. Ft. | Infrared (Radiant) — Check Venting Requirements |
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- Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Wall Heater
- Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Wall Heater
- Rinnai EX22DTWN Direct Vent Wall Furnace, Indoor Natural Gas Heater
- EMPIRE Comfort Systems DV215 NG 15,000 BTU Direct Vent Wall Furnace
- Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 30,000 BTU Natural Gas Infrared Wall Heater
- Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Vented Natural Gas Wall Heater
Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Wall Heater
Heating Capacity: 25,000 BTU designed to heat up to about 825 sq. ft., suitable for larger rooms or open-plan areas. Venting: Direct vent design reduces indoor combustion air usage by drawing outside air for combustion and venting exhaust directly outdoors.
Safety Features: Sealed burn system, Matchless Piezo ignition, and a safety pilot with a built-in pressure regulator that stops gas flow if the pilot is extinguished. Installation Notes: Wall-mount configuration with a compact footprint (26.5 H x 32.25 W x 8.75 D) intended to save floor space.
Best Use Case: Larger living rooms or finished basements where direct venting to the exterior is feasible and sealed combustion is preferred for indoor air quality control.
Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Wall Heater
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Heating Capacity: 17,000 BTU intending to heat up to approximately 570 sq. ft., suited for medium-sized rooms, bedrooms, or small living areas. Venting: Direct vent system provides sealed combustion for improved indoor air safety.
Safety And Convenience: Sealed burn system with Matchless Piezo ignition and a safety pilot with pressure regulation. Compact dimensions (20 H x 27.3 W x 6.5 D) allow for tighter installs on walls where space is limited.
Best Use Case: Residences needing a mid-range direct vent wall heater where space-saving installation and sealed combustion are priorities.
Rinnai EX22DTWN Direct Vent Wall Furnace, Indoor Natural Gas Heater
Heating Control: Uses modulating technology to vary flame and output for consistent comfort and reduced temperature swings. This modulation can reduce fuel consumption compared to fixed-output units.
Safety And Build: Features a cool-to-the-touch cabinet and self-diagnostic electronics for safe, straightforward operation. Direct vent combustion improves indoor air quality by isolating the combustion process.
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Best Use Case: Households seeking an energy-efficient, tech-forward direct vent wall furnace with more precise temperature control for living areas and family spaces.
EMPIRE Comfort Systems DV215 NG 15,000 BTU Direct Vent Wall Furnace
Heating Capacity: 15,000 BTU targeted for smaller rooms or secondary spaces. Compact dimensions (20 1/4″W x 9 3/8″D x 24 7/8″H) make it practical for tight wall spaces.
Venting And Accessories: Includes venting and vent cap as part of the package, which can simplify planning for exterior termination. Direct vent design reduces indoor combustion air exchange.
Best Use Case: Bedrooms, offices, or small living areas where a direct vent, compact wall furnace is desired and where the provided vent components match installation needs.
Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 30,000 BTU Natural Gas Infrared Wall Heater
Heating Type: Infrared (radiant) heat warms objects and surfaces directly rather than primarily heating room air. Up to 30,000 BTU output suitable for large rooms, garages, or workshops with up to 1,000 sq. ft. coverage.
Venting Note: Product listing describes natural gas readiness and radiant heating but does not explicitly market a direct vent sealed combustion system. Verify local code and manufacturer guidance for venting requirements if indoor installation is intended.
Best Use Case: Applications where direct radiant heating is preferred, such as spaces with high ceilings or intermittent use, provided that venting and indoor combustion requirements are confirmed for safe use.
Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Vented Natural Gas Wall Heater
Vented vs. Vent-Free / Infrared: A true vented (direct vent) heater draws combustion air from outdoors and exhausts directly outside. This preserves indoor air quality and is required by many codes. Vent-free and some infrared units rely on indoor combustion and may not be classified as vented; verify local regulations and room ventilation requirements.
BTU Output And Room Size: Match BTU capacity to room square footage. As a rough guide, 15,000 BTU suits small rooms (200–400 sq. ft.), 17,000–25,000 BTU covers medium-to-large rooms (400–800+ sq. ft.), and 30,000 BTU supports very large or open areas. Insulation, ceiling height, and climate affect real needs.
Installation And Venting Path: Direct vent heaters require a clear path for an exterior vent termination. Consider wall thickness, exterior placement, and whether horizontal or vertical venting is needed. Confirm included vent components and whether additional parts are required.
Sealed Combustion & Safety Features: Look for sealed burn systems, pilot safety valves, pressure regulators, and diagnostic electronics. Sealed combustion reduces indoor air contaminants and improves safety when installed correctly.
Energy Efficiency & Modulation: Some units use modulating technology to adjust output to demand, which can reduce fuel use and temperature swings. Compare steady-state burners to modulating systems when efficiency is a priority.
Controls And Thermostat Options: Determine if the unit includes a built-in thermostat, remote control, or integrates with wall thermostats. Precise control improves comfort and can save fuel over time.
Installation Complexity & Professional Help: Direct vent gas heaters often require licensed gas plumbing and professional vent installation to meet code and ensure safe operation. Factor installation cost and contractor availability into your decision.
Local Codes And Permits: Verify local building codes, venting regulations, and permit requirements before purchase. Some jurisdictions restrict vent-free appliances or require specific clearances for wall-mounted gas heaters.
Indoor Air Quality Considerations: For homes with allergies, asthma, or sealed buildings, a direct vent unit that isolates combustion air can help maintain better indoor air quality compared with vent-free models.
Noise And Comfort Characteristics: Radiant and infrared heaters produce different comfort sensations than convection direct vent units. Infrared warms objects and people directly, while convective direct vent systems heat and circulate air. Consider occupant preference.
Maintenance And Serviceability: Choose units from reputable manufacturers with accessible replacement parts and service networks. Periodic inspection of vents, pilot systems, and seals is essential for long-term safe operation.
Comparison Perspectives:
- Performance: Higher BTU models cover more square footage but require larger venting and gas supply.
- Safety: Direct vent sealed combustion is safer for indoor air than vent-free alternatives.
- Efficiency: Modulating burners (e.g., Rinnai) can be more efficient in variable-load scenarios.
- Installation: Units that include vent kits or caps may reduce installation complexity (check product details).
- Application: Infrared units like Dyna-Glo are suited to spot heating and high-ceiling spaces but may have different venting implications.
Final Considerations: Prioritize certified direct vent models where indoor air quality and code compliance are important. Verify manufacturer installation manuals, local code requirements, and consult a licensed HVAC or gas professional before buying and installing any natural gas wall heater.
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