Best Vented Propane Heater for Home and Garage

Choosing the Right Vented Propane Heater requires balancing room size, venting type, and safety features. Below is a quick comparison of the five selected heaters covered in this guide to help you evaluate options at a glance.

Product	Type	BTU Output	Approx. Coverage
Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU Direct Vent	Direct Vent Wall Heater	11,000 BTU	Up To ~375 Sq. Ft.
Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent	Direct Vent Wall Heater	17,000 BTU	Up To ~570 Sq. Ft.
Rinnai EX38DTP Direct Vent Wall Furnace	Direct Vent Wall Furnace	36,500 BTU	Whole-Room / Larger Spaces
Dyna-Glo 30,000 BTU Blue Flame Vent Free	Vent-Free Blue Flame	24,000–30,000 BTU	Up To ~1,000 Sq. Ft.
Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent Free Radiant	Vent-Free Radiant	30,000 BTU	Up To ~1,000 Sq. Ft.

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

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Type: Direct vent propane wall heater with sealed combustion.

This unit provides 11,000 BTUs and is designed to heat spaces up to about 375 sq. ft. The heater uses a sealed burn system which draws outdoor combustion air and vents exhaust outside, reducing indoor air impacts and improving safety for homes that require vented solutions.

Safety features include a Matchless Piezo Ignition and a safety pilot with pressure regulator that cuts gas flow if the pilot goes out. The slim, wall-mount design makes it suitable for rooms where floor space is limited. Installation requires an appropriate direct vent termination and adherence to local codes.

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

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Type: Larger direct vent wall heater for medium rooms and open areas.

Rated at 17,000 BTUs, this Comfort Glow model is intended for areas up to roughly 570 sq. ft. Like the 11k model, it features a sealed combustion chamber and Matchless Piezo Ignition, with a built-in pressure regulator and safety pilot to stop gas flow if the pilot is extinguished.

The heater’s dimensions make it a higher-capacity wall-mounted option without requiring floor clearance. As a direct vent model, it vents exhaust directly outdoors and uses outside air for combustion, which helps maintain indoor air quality and reduces risk concerns associated with vent-free units.

Rinnai EX38DTP Direct Vent Wall Furnace, Indoor Propane Heater

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Type: High-output direct vent wall furnace with modulating control.

This Rinnai model uses a modulating burner to match heat output to the room’s needs, which can improve efficiency and reduce temperature swings. With a listed capacity of 36,500 BTU, it is intended for larger rooms or whole-room heating needs. The cabinet is described as cool-to-the-touch with self-diagnostic electronics for safer operation.

The direct vent design ensures combustion air is drawn from outdoors and exhaust is vented outside. Rinnai’s focus on energy-efficient modulation can result in more consistent temperature control and improved fuel usage compared with fixed-output units. Professional installation and adherence to venting requirements are essential.

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

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Type: Blue flame vent-free wall heater (not direct vent).

This Dyna-Glo model offers variable heat output up to 30,000 BTU and uses blue flame convection to warm room air similarly to central heating systems. The manufacturer indicates coverage up to about 1,000 sq. ft. It mounts on a wall and is designed for efficient space heating.

Note that this is a vent-free appliance—combustion products are released directly into the room. Vent-free units differ fundamentally from direct vent models in how they handle combustion air and exhaust. Local codes, indoor air quality, and occupant health concerns may affect suitability for interior use.

Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent Free Radiant Propane Heater

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Type: Vent-free radiant wall heater using infrared burner tiles.

This Mr. Heater model uses infrared radiant technology to warm objects and people directly, with a maximum output of 30,000 BTU and claimed coverage up to 1,000 sq. ft. Radiant heaters can feel warmer at lower air temperatures because they heat surfaces rather than relying solely on air convection.

As a vent-free unit, this heater exhausts combustion byproducts into the living space. It includes features focused on fuel efficiency and runtime, but vent-free operation requires careful consideration of ventilation, room airtightness, and regulatory restrictions in some jurisdictions.

Buying Guide: How To Choose A Vented Propane Heater

Selecting a vented propane heater requires comparing several technical and practical factors. This guide covers the most important considerations to help match a heater to your space and needs.

Venting Type: Direct Vent Vs. Vent-Free

• Direct Vent (Vented) Models: Draw combustion air from outside and vent exhaust outdoors. These are generally preferred for maintaining indoor air quality and are allowed in more building codes.
• Vent-Free Models: Release combustion products indoors and can be more efficient in delivering heat but may affect indoor air quality. Many local codes restrict or prohibit vent-free units in certain spaces.

Heating Capacity And Room Size

• Match BTUs to the room’s square footage and insulation level. As a rough guide: 10,000–20,000 BTU for small-to-medium rooms; 30,000+ BTU for larger or poorly insulated areas.
• Consider ceiling height and open-plan layouts; higher ceilings and open spaces need more output.

Fuel Efficiency And Control

• Modulating burners (e.g., Rinnai) adjust output to demand and can provide more stable temperatures and improved fuel economy.
• Thermostatic control and programmable thermostats offer better comfort and efficiency than fixed-output models.

Safety Features And Indoor Air Considerations

• Look For sealed combustion or direct venting to reduce indoor combustion byproducts.
• Key safety components: pressure regulators, safety pilots, ODS (oxygen depletion sensors) on vent-free units, and tip-over protection for portable models.
• Vent-free units should include guidance on minimum room size, fresh air requirements, and restrictions for sleeping rooms or bedrooms.

Installation Requirements

• Direct vent heaters need an appropriate wall or roof termination and clearances. Professional installation is usually required to meet code and ensure safe venting.
• Confirm local building codes and any permit requirements before purchase.

Maintenance And Serviceability

• Choose models with accessible burner chambers and clear manufacturer service guidance.
• Annual inspection of venting, gas connections, and combustion components is recommended for safety and efficiency.

Comparing Blue Flame, Radiant, And Infrared

• Blue Flame / Convection: Heats air and relies on air circulation; good for whole-room warming similar to central systems.
• Radiant / Infrared: Heats surfaces and people directly; often perceived as warmer at lower air temperatures and useful for spot heating.
• Consider occupant comfort preferences and room usage patterns when choosing the heat delivery method.

Local Codes, Venting Clearances, And Health Factors

• Check local building codes for restrictions on vent-free appliances and required venting for direct vent models.
• Homes with occupants sensitive to indoor pollutants (asthma, respiratory issues) typically benefit from direct vent or sealed combustion appliances.

Compare the specific features of each listed model against the above points: Comfort Glow direct vent models emphasize sealed combustion and space-saving wall mounting, Rinnai focuses on modulating efficiency for larger areas, while the vent-free Dyna-Glo and Mr. Heater options provide high output and different heat delivery methods but require attention to ventilation and code compliance.