Choosing a whole house propane heater can mean selecting a central boiler, a high-capacity tankless water heater for whole-home domestic hot water, or a larger propane space heater for zoned backup heat. Below is a concise comparison table of the five selected products to help match capacity and installation style to your home needs.
| Product | Type | Peak Output | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAMPLUX WA686M | Outdoor Tankless Propane Water Heater | 199,000 BTU / 6.86 GPM | Whole-house DHW, outdoor installation |
| ThermoMate 102,000 BTU | Indoor Tankless Propane Water Heater | 102,000 BTU / 4.7 GPM | Multi-point simultaneous hot water |
| CAMPLUX CA360W | Indoor Tankless Propane Water Heater | 85,300 BTU / 3.6 GPM | Small to mid-size homes, 1–3 fixtures |
| Rinnai i060CN | Condensing Gas Boiler (wall-mounted) | 60,000 BTU (modulating) | Hydronic whole-home heating and DHW integration |
| ProCom ML300TBA-B | Blue Flame Ventless Propane Space Heater | 30,000 BTU | Supplemental/zone heat up to ~1,400 sq. ft. |
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- CAMPLUX Climatech 5 Tankless Propane Water Heater WA686M
- ThermoMate 102,000 BTU Propane Tankless Water Heater
- CAMPLUX Climatech 7 Tankless Propane Water Heater CA360W
- Rinnai i060CN Condensing Gas Boiler (60K BTU)
- ProCom ML300TBA-B Ventless Blue Flame Propane Heater
- Buying Guide: How To Choose A Whole House Propane Heater
CAMPLUX Climatech 5 Tankless Propane Water Heater WA686M
This outdoor tankless propane water heater presents a high maximum output (199,000 BTU) and rated 6.86 GPM flow suitable for supplying hot water to multiple fixtures simultaneously. The unit is weather-resistant (IPX4) and intended for outdoor installation, which reduces indoor venting complexity and frees indoor space.
- Capacity: Up To 4–8 Water Points; designed for whole-home DHW.
- Heat Exchanger: Oxygen-free copper for improved conductivity and corrosion resistance.
- Controls: Precise temperature control (±0.5°F) and multi-stage gas adjustment for efficiency across loads.
- Safety Features: Freeze protection, overheat and flame failure protection, and automatic shutdowns.
As an outdoor-protected unit, the WA686M reduces indoor combustion air concerns and accommodates higher BTU input, making it a practical choice for whole-home domestic hot water where an outdoor-mounted solution is acceptable.
ThermoMate 102,000 BTU Propane Tankless Water Heater
The ThermoMate provides a high-flow tankless solution rated at 102,000 BTU and 4.7 GPM, engineered to deliver continuous hot water to 3–4 fixtures simultaneously. The product emphasizes rapid flow-sensing and microprocessor control for tight outlet temperature stability.
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- Flow And Power: 4.7 GPM with intelligent flow sensors that modulate heating output swiftly.
- Efficiency: Copper heat exchanger claims high thermal conductivity and reported thermal efficiency improvements.
- Safety Suite: Boil-dry protection, freeze protection, flame-out protection, overheating protection, and multiple fault protections.
- Application: Indoor residential installations for busy households requiring simultaneous hot water usage.
ThermoMate’s control responsiveness and safety features suit homes seeking reliable multi-point hot water without a storage tank, although proper venting and gas sizing are essential for safe operation.
CAMPLUX Climatech 7 Tankless Propane Water Heater CA360W
The CAMPLUX CA360W is a compact indoor tankless model with 85,300 BTU output and 3.6 GPM, positioned for small to mid-size whole-house DHW needs or multi-zone service (1–3 points). It includes user-friendly presets and a digital display for precise temperature control.
- Hot Water Modes: 1-touch presets for Baby Bath, Senior Safe, Dish Sanitize and more for safety-focused temperature limits.
- UEF And Efficiency: Reported UEF of 0.93 for on-demand energy savings compared to storage systems.
- Use Case: Good fit where simultaneous demand is moderate—showers plus appliance use—without needing very high GPM.
- Controls: Digital monitoring of propane flow rate and ±1°F accuracy to reduce scald risk.
The CA360W balances compact size and smart controls, making it suitable for smaller whole-home installations or where space and indoor mounting are preferred.
Rinnai i060CN Condensing Gas Boiler (60K BTU)
The Rinnai i060CN is a wall-mounted condensing boiler designed for central hydronic heating and domestic hot water. It features a stainless-steel heat exchanger, modulating burner, and an integrated plate heat exchanger for DHW applications.
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- System Integration: Multizone control capable—connects to thermostats and control pumps for central heating zones.
- Controls & Monitoring: Digital display with outdoor reset sensor and easy parameter settings for CH and DHW temperatures.
- Design: Space-saving wall mount suitable for homes using radiant or baseboard hydronic heat distribution.
- Use Case: Best when a whole-home hydronic heating system plus domestic hot water is desired; requires professional installation and proper fuel compatibility checks.
Note: This model is listed for gas boiler applications. Confirm fuel compatibility (propane conversion or model variant) and local codes prior to purchase or installation.
ProCom ML300TBA-B Ventless Blue Flame Propane Heater
The ProCom ML300TBA-B is a ventless blue flame space heater rated at up to 30,000 BTU designed to provide zone or supplemental heating for areas up to approximately 1,400 sq. ft. It offers thermostat control and both wall-mount and floor options.
- Operation: Blue flame combustion radiates and convects heat without requiring an exhaust vent, relying on indoor air for combustion.
- Controls: High/Medium/Low thermostat settings and included mounting hardware for flexible placement.
- Application: Suitable as supplemental or primary heat in well-ventilated rooms, garages, or cabins where ventless operation meets local code.
- Safety Considerations: Ventless units require compliance with indoor air quality standards and often include ODS or other safety interlocks—confirm local regulations before using as whole-home primary heat.
Ventless heaters can be efficient for zone heating but differ fundamentally from sealed-combustion or outdoor-mounted systems in ventilation and indoor air impact.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Whole House Propane Heater
Selecting a whole house propane heater depends on whether you need central space heating, whole-home domestic hot water, or supplemental zoned heat. The sections below cover the primary decision factors to compare products effectively.
Define The Primary Function
- Domestic Hot Water (DHW): Tankless water heaters (high BTU and high GPM) deliver continuous hot water for showers, laundry, and dishwashers. Match GPM to household peak simultaneous fixture use.
- Whole-Home Heating: Condensing boilers and sealed-combustion furnaces distribute heat through hydronic or duct systems. Choose modulating outputs for efficiency and multi-zone control for comfort.
- Supplemental/Zoned Heat: Wall-mounted infrared or ventless blue flame units can heat specific areas, reducing central heating runtime, but they have ventilation/indoor-air implications.
Capacity And Flow Requirements
- BTU Rating: Higher BTU supports larger homes or many simultaneous loads. For DHW, combine BTU and GPM to estimate capability (higher GPM equals more simultaneous fixtures).
- GPM Needs: Typical shower uses 1.5–2.5 GPM. Add kitchen and laundry fixtures to estimate peak demand and select a tankless unit rated above that total.
Installation Location And Venting
- Outdoor vs Indoor: Outdoor-rated tankless units avoid complex venting but require weather-protected mounting and freeze considerations.
- Sealed Combustion vs Ventless: Sealed combustion units draw combustion air from outside and vent exhaust out; ventless units release combustion products into the living space—check codes and indoor air quality impacts.
- Boilers/Furnaces: Wall-mounted condensing boilers require hydronic piping, expansion tanks and may need indirect storage tanks for peak DHW.
Fuel Compatibility And Gas Supply
- Propane Supply Sizing: Confirm household propane supply line size and regulator capacity to handle the peak BTU demand of the selected heater(s).
- Conversions: Some units are convertible between natural gas and propane; verify manufacturer guidance and have conversion kits and adjustments completed by a certified technician.
Efficiency And Operating Cost
- UEF And Thermal Efficiency: Look for Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) on water heaters and AFUE or thermal efficiency for boilers. Higher numbers mean less fuel burned for the same output.
- Modulation And Controls: Modulating burners and smart controls reduce cycling and fuel waste at partial loads.
Safety Features And Compliance
- Safety Interlocks: Overheat protection, flame failure, pressure and low-oxygen sensors (ODS) for ventless units, and freeze protection for outdoor units are important.
- Code Compliance: Match the appliance to local building and fuel codes—some jurisdictions restrict ventless units or require mechanical ventilation.
Durability, Materials, And Maintenance
- Heat Exchanger Material: Copper and stainless steel have different longevity and corrosion characteristics; choose based on water quality and maintenance tolerance.
- Service Access: Consider units with modular components and clear fault diagnostics to simplify servicing.
Integration With Home Systems
- Hydronic Systems: Boilers integrate with radiant floors, baseboard radiation, or hydronic coils; verify pump and zone control compatibility.
- DHW And Space Heating Combinations: Some condensing boilers provide both central heat and domestic hot water with internal plate exchangers or through indirect tanks—assess whether combined systems meet peak DHW demand.
Comparative Perspectives
- Whole-House DHW (Tankless) vs Storage Tanks: Tankless reduces standby losses and footprint but must be sized correctly for peak simultaneous use.
- Sealed Combustion/Condensing Boiler vs Ventless Space Heaters: Sealed systems maintain indoor air quality and are preferred as primary whole-home heat sources; ventless heaters are useful for targeted supplemental heat.
- Outdoor Tankless vs Indoor Tankless: Outdoor models simplify venting and can accept higher BTU ratings; indoor units require proper venting but avoid exposure to weather and potential freeze risks.
When evaluating specific models, cross-check manufacturer specifications, confirm installation and venting requirements with a licensed HVAC or plumbing professional, and ensure compliance with local codes and propane supplier recommendations.
Tips for Getting the Best HVAC Prices
- Prioritize Quality Over Cost
The most critical factor in any HVAC project is the quality of the installation. Don’t compromise on contractor expertise just to save money. - Check for Rebates
Always research current rebates and incentives — they can significantly reduce your overall cost. - Compare Multiple Quotes
Request at least three estimates before making your choice. You can click here to get three free quotes from local professionals. These quotes include available rebates and tax credits and automatically exclude unqualified contractors. - Negotiate Smartly
Once you've chosen a contractor, use the proven strategies from our guide — How Homeowners Can Negotiate with HVAC Dealers — to get the best possible final price.