Quick Overview: This guide reviews five top wall mounted propane heaters suitable for homes, garages, cabins, and additions. Below is a summary table of the selected models and key specs to help you compare at a glance.
| Model | Type | BTU | Coverage (Approx.) | Safety Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU | Direct Vent | 11,000 | Up To 375 Sq. Ft. | Sealed Burn, Pressure Regulator |
| Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU | Direct Vent | 17,000 | Up To 570 Sq. Ft. | Sealed Burn, Pressure Regulator |
| Mr. Heater 20,000 BTU | Vent Free Blue Flame | 20,000 | Up To 700 Sq. Ft. | ODS Oxygen Depletion Sensor |
| Dyna-Glo 30,000 BTU Blue Flame | Vent Free Blue Flame | 24,000–30,000 | Up To 1,000 Sq. Ft. | Blue Flame Convective Heat |
| Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Infrared | Vent Free Infrared | Up To 30,000 | Up To 1,000 Sq. Ft. | Radiant Infrared Burners |
Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU Wall Heater
This direct vent wall heater provides a sealed combustion system that draws outside air for combustion and vents exhaust outdoors. With an 11,000 BTU output, the unit is rated to heat spaces up to 375 sq. ft. and is intended for medium rooms, garages, or small additions.
Key features include a 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. The compact footprint (20 H x 17 W x 7 D inches) suits wall mounting where floor space is limited.
Use cases: suitable where outdoor venting is acceptable and where sealed combustion is preferred for indoor air quality and safety. Installation requires appropriate venting and clearance per local codes.
Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Wall Heater
The larger sibling in Comfort Glow’s direct vent lineup delivers 17,000 BTU of output and is rated to heat up to 570 sq. ft. It retains the same sealed combustion design for improved indoor air quality and safety.
Safety features mirror the smaller model: sealed burn, Matchless Piezo Ignition, and a safety pilot with integrated pressure regulator to stop gas flow if the pilot goes out. The unit’s wider face (27.3 inches) spreads heat effectively in larger rooms or open garages.
Consider this model when venting is available and you need higher output for larger spaces while maintaining a sealed combustion approach.
Mr. Heater 20,000 BTU Blue Flame
This vent-free blue flame wall heater produces up to 20,000 BTU, covering areas up to 700 sq. ft. Blue flame units heat by convecting warm air into the room, similar to central heating but on a smaller scale.
Notable features include a thermostat for temperature control, battery-powered electronic ignition (battery included), and a rated fuel consumption of 0.926 lbs/hr. The heater includes a factory-standard Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS) which shuts the unit off if oxygen levels drop to unsafe levels.
This model is appropriate where vent-free operation is allowed and combustion byproducts will be acceptable, such as well-ventilated living spaces, garages, or workshops. Check local codes for vent-free appliance allowances.
Dyna-Glo 30,000 BTU Blue Flame
The Dyna-Glo blue flame wall heater is a high-output vent-free option with variable output between 24,000 and 30,000 BTU, rated for coverage up to 1,000 sq. ft. Blue flame technology provides convective heating that distributes warm air across the room.
This model is designated Liquid Propane Ready and does not allow fuel conversion. The mounting design is wall-mounted for permanent installation. The unit’s variable output helps match heat to the space’s needs.
Consider this heater for larger spaces where vent-free operation is permitted and a strong convection heating approach is desired. Proper ventilation and combustion air are important for safe operation.
Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Radiant Propane
This vent-free infrared/radiant wall heater provides up to 30,000 BTU and is designed to warm objects and people directly, similar to sunlight. The radiant approach can feel warmer at lower air temperatures compared to convective units.
Features include multiple burner tiles for efficient radiant distribution and a rated coverage up to 1,000 sq. ft. Fuel efficiency is noted with a consumption figure around 1.389 lbs/hr at maximum output and a recommended minimum 20 lb propane cylinder for optimal runtime.
Choose this model when you want targeted, sun-like warmth for larger areas such as garages, sunrooms, or open additions where vent-free heater use is permitted by local code.
Buying Guide: Choosing A Wall Mounted Propane Heater
Selecting the right wall mounted propane heater requires balancing heat output, installation constraints, safety systems, and local code requirements. Below are the main factors to consider before purchase.
Heat Output And Room Size
- BTU Rating: Match BTU capacity to room square footage. Lower-output models (10k–17k BTU) suit small rooms and garages under 600 sq. ft. Higher-output units (20k–30k BTU) suit larger areas up to 1,000 sq. ft.
- Insulation And Ceiling Height: Poorly insulated spaces or high ceilings require higher BTU ratings to maintain comfort.
Vented vs Vent-Free Systems
- Direct Vent/Sealed Combustion: Draws outside air for combustion and vents exhaust outdoors. Pros: better indoor air quality and safer for enclosed spaces. Cons: requires wall penetration and venting installation.
- Vent-Free (Blue Flame or Infrared): Burns propane within the room and releases combustion products into the living space. Pros: easier to install and higher efficiency. Cons: may affect indoor air quality and could be restricted by local codes.
Heating Technology: Blue Flame vs Infrared
- Blue Flame (Convective) Heating: Warms room air and circulates heat, providing even temperature distribution. Good for generalized heating of enclosed areas.
- Infrared (Radiant) Heating: Directly warms people and objects, offering a quicker sensation of warmth. Effective in open spaces, garages, or areas with drafts where heating the air alone is inefficient.
Safety Features To Prioritize
- Oxygen Depletion Sensor (ODS): Shuts the heater off if oxygen levels fall below safe thresholds—important for vent-free units.
- Sealed Burn Systems And Pressure Regulators: Essential for direct vent models to prevent gas leakage and ensure safe operation.
- Thermostats And Automatic Controls: Maintain set temperatures and reduce fuel consumption and cycling. Electronic ignition reduces pilot-related gas use.
Installation & Venting Considerations
- Venting Requirements: Direct vent models need proper external venting and clearances; plan for wall penetration and routing.
- Fuel Supply Accessibility: Confirm propane cylinder sizing and placement. Vent-free high-BTU units often require a minimum cylinder size for sustained output.
- Mounting Location: Follow manufacturer clearance specs from combustible surfaces, ceiling, and floor. Choose a location that distributes heat effectively without obstructing traffic.
Local Codes, Permits, And Indoor Air Quality
- Code Compliance: Check local building codes and regulations—some jurisdictions restrict or prohibit vent-free appliances in certain living areas.
- Ventilation And Combustion Air: Ensure adequate ventilation when using vent-free heaters. Direct vent models reduce impact on indoor air quality.
- Carbon Monoxide Risks: Install CO detectors as required or recommended when using any combustion appliance indoors.
Maintenance And Longevity
- Regular Inspection: Inspect burners, pilot assembly, and vents for debris, corrosion, or blockages on a seasonal basis.
- Professional Servicing: Have gas connections and combustion performance verified by a qualified technician, especially after installation or an event such as flooding.
- Replacement Parts: Confirm availability of replacement parts like ignitors, thermostats, and pressure regulators for long-term serviceability.
Comparison Perspectives
- Small Rooms/Enclosed Areas: Direct vent units (Comfort Glow 11k/17k) offer better indoor air quality and are preferable where venting is feasible.
- Ease Of Installation: Vent-free models (Mr. Heater 20k, Dyna-Glo 30k, Mr. Heater 30k radiant) typically require less structural work but may face code restrictions.
- Type Of Warmth: Choose blue flame for whole-room convection heating and infrared for targeted, sun-like warmth that feels immediate.
- Fuel Efficiency: Review manufacturer fuel consumption figures and thermostat control options to estimate runtime and operating costs.