Direct vent propane heaters deliver safe, sealed combustion and efficient warmth for homes, garages, and small commercial spaces. This guide reviews top direct vent propane heaters available on Amazon, comparing capacity, safety features, and installation considerations to help you choose the right model.
| Product | BTU | Coverage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU Direct Vent LP Wall Heater | 11,000 BTU | Up To 375 Sq. Ft. | Wall-mounted Direct Vent |
| Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent LP Wall Heater | 17,000 BTU | Up To 570 Sq. Ft. | Wall-mounted Direct Vent |
| Rinnai EX38DTP Direct Vent Wall Furnace | 36,500 BTU | Large Rooms / Multiple Zones | Wall-mounted Direct Vent |
| Empire DV210 Direct Vent Propane Space Heater | 10,000 BTU | Small Spaces | Direct Vent With Vent Kit |
| Modine Hot Dawg HD45AS Direct Vent Garage Heater | 45,000 BTU | Garages, Workshops | Direct Vent LP Garage Heater |
Comfort Glow 11,000 BTU Direct Vent LP Wall Heater
This wall-mounted model by Comfort Glow offers 11,000 BTU output and is specified to heat up to 375 sq. ft. The unit is a direct vent design with a sealed burn system, reducing indoor combustion bychanneling exhaust outdoors.
- Heat Capacity: 11,000 BTU — suitable for small rooms and enclosed spaces.
- Safety Features: Matchless Piezo Ignition and safety pilot with built-in pressure regulator to stop gas flow if the pilot extinguishes.
- Installation: Space-saving wall mount; compact footprint (20 H, 17 W, 7 D).
Direct venting and sealed combustion make this model appropriate where indoor air quality and controlled exhaust are priorities. Confirm venting route and clearance requirements during planning and installation.
Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent LP Wall Heater
The larger Comfort Glow wall heater increases capacity to 17,000 BTU, designed to heat up to 570 sq. ft. It retains the sealed burn and safety pilot features common to direct vent designs.
- Heat Capacity: 17,000 BTU — better for medium rooms, basements, or open-plan spaces.
- Safety Features: Sealed burn system, Matchless Piezo Ignition, and built-in pressure regulator for pilot safety.
- Installation: Wall-mount with dimensions 20 H, 27.3 W, 6.5 D — allows flexible placement on interior walls with a vent run to the exterior.
This model is useful where a higher output is needed without switching to a floor-standing furnace. Check local codes for clearance and venting specifications before purchase.
Rinnai EX38DTP Direct Vent Wall Furnace
The Rinnai EX38DTP is a high-capacity direct vent wall furnace offering modulating technology to match heat output to demand. Its features emphasize consistent temperature control and advanced safety.
- Heat Control: Modulating burner reduces cycling and maintains steady temperatures for larger rooms.
- Safety & Usability: Cool-to-the-touch cabinet, self-diagnostic electronics, and features intended for family environments.
- Efficiency: Designed to minimize fuel consumption by precisely matching heat output to requirements.
This unit suits applications requiring larger, more even heating across zones or where reduced fuel use is desired. Professional installation is recommended to ensure venting and controls perform as designed.
Empire DV210 Direct Vent Propane Space Heater
The Empire DV210 is a compact 10,000 BTU direct vent propane heater with vent pipe and cap included. It provides a small footprint solution for tight spaces and quick supplemental heating.
- Heat Capacity: 10,000 BTU — intended for small rooms and targeted heat zones.
- Package: Vent pipe and cap are included to support through-wall venting installation.
- Dimensions & Weight: 16 1/4″ W x 9 3/8″ D x 21 3/8″ H; 42 lbs — relatively compact for wall mounting.
Because the vent kit is supplied, this model may be faster to install than units requiring separate venting purchases. Verify compatibility with wall thickness and clearances before ordering.
Modine Hot Dawg HD45AS Direct Vent Garage Heater
The Modine Hot Dawg HD45AS is a robust direct vent LP garage heater rated at 45,000 BTU. It is engineered for larger, unconditioned spaces such as garages and workshops where higher output is required.
- Heat Capacity: 45,000 BTU — designed for large garages, shops, or commercial bays.
- Durability: Built for garage environments with focus on reliable LP combustion and airflow control.
- Application: Intended for spaces where significant heat and rugged installation are needed.
Use this unit where area size exceeds typical residential room sizing and where a high-BTU direct vent solution is required. Confirm fuel type compatibility and vent route options for garage placement.
Buying Guide: Choosing A Direct Vent Propane Heater
Selecting the right direct vent propane heater depends on several technical and practical factors. Below are the key considerations to compare models effectively.
Heat Output And Coverage
BTU rating determines how much space a heater can effectively warm. Smaller rooms typically need 8,000–12,000 BTU; medium rooms 12,000–25,000 BTU; garages or large zones often exceed 25,000 BTU. Match BTU to square footage and insulation quality rather than just room area.
Direct Vent vs Ventless
Direct vent heaters draw combustion air from outdoors and exhaust outside via a sealed path. This improves indoor air quality and safety. Ventless heaters do not use a sealed combustion path and are not considered direct vent; avoid them if the goal is sealed-combustion performance.
Safety Systems And Certification
Look for sealed burn systems, oxygen depletion sensors (ODS), flame failure devices, and pressure regulators. Certifications from recognized bodies (e.g., CSA, ANSI) indicate compliance with safety standards. Matchless ignition and safety pilots are common in wall-mount models.
Installation And Venting Requirements
Direct vent units require a vent run to the exterior. Consider wall thickness, siding type, and roof vs wall venting. Some models include vent kits; others require separate parts. Professional installation is recommended to meet code and ensure optimal performance.
Control Options And Modulation
Simple on/off models are common, but modulating burners or programmable thermostats provide better temperature stability and fuel efficiency. Choose based on desired comfort control and energy use priorities.
Fuel Type And Compatibility
Confirm whether the unit is specified for liquid propane (LP) or natural gas. Some models can be converted between fuels with kit changes; check manufacturer guidance and local code.
Placement, Clearance, And Aesthetics
Wall-mounted units are space-saving; floor furnaces and garage heaters occupy more room. Review manufacturer clearance specs for combustible surfaces and placement relative to furniture and traffic paths.
Maintenance And Serviceability
Direct vent heaters generally require periodic inspection of the vent path, pilot, and burner. Choose brands with accessible service parts and clear maintenance instructions to reduce long-term service costs.
Comparison Perspectives
- Small Room Efficiency: Models like 10,000–11,000 BTU units provide targeted heat with minimal footprint.
- Medium Room Flexibility: 17,000 BTU wall heaters balance coverage and installation simplicity.
- Large Space & Garage Use: High-BTU models and garage-specific heaters (e.g., Modine Hot Dawg) are designed for unconditioned or large-volume spaces.
- Energy Savings: Modulating burners or thermostatic control reduce fuel usage compared with simple on/off burners.
- Installation Complexity: Units that include vent kits or are designed for through-wall installs typically reduce accessory purchases.
When comparing models, weigh output requirements, direct vent design, safety features, and intended location. Always consult local codes and a qualified HVAC or gas contractor for installation and fuel conversion questions.