Choosing the right natural gas hanging heater depends on where you’ll mount it, required BTU output, and ventilation needs. Below is a quick comparison of five relevant natural gas units suitable for hanging or ceiling/ wall-mounted installations in outdoor and indoor semi-enclosed spaces.
| Product | Type | BTU / Coverage | Mounting Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| SunPak S34 Natural Gas Outdoor Hanging Patio Heater | Outdoor Hanging Patio Heater | 34,000 BTU | Hanging/Pendant |
| Reznor UDXC-60 Ceiling Mount Natural Gas Heater | Indoor Ceiling/Hanging Unit | 60,000 BTU (multi-stage) | Ceiling Suspension Points |
| Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG Natural Gas Unit Heater | High-Capacity Unit Heater | 80,000 BTU (coverage ~2000 sq ft) | Hanging/Ceiling Or Bracket |
| Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 30,000 BTU Infrared Heater | Infrared Wall Heater | 30,000 BTU (up to 1,000 sq ft) | Wall Mount (radiant) |
| ProCom MN300TPA-B Ventless Infrared Space Heater | Ventless Infrared Wall/Stand | 30,000 BTU (up to 1,400 sq ft) | Wall Mount Or Floor |
SunPak S34 Natural Gas Outdoor Hanging Patio Heater
The SunPak S34 is a 34,000 BTU outdoor hanging patio heater designed for suspended installation. It features an aluminized black finish and a pendant-style design commonly used for covered patios, restaurant terraces, and outdoor seating areas.
- Finish: Aluminized Black — durable for outdoor use under covered areas.
- Mounting: Designed for hanging installation; typical for patio ceilings or beams.
- Use Case: Best for warming small to medium outdoor seating areas where direct radiant heat from a pendant source is desired.
As an outdoor-rated hanging heater, the S34 focuses on directed heat rather than whole-space convection, making it suitable when installed above seating areas or bar counters. Ensure compliance with local codes and maintain required clearances for ceiling-hung gas appliances.
Reznor UDXC-60 Ceiling Mount Natural Gas Heater
The Reznor UDXC-60 is a high-performance ceiling-mount natural gas heater engineered for indoor spaces like garages, workshops, and light industrial buildings. It includes threaded-nut retainers at suspension points for hanging installation.
- BTU & Outputs: Rated 60,000 BTU with multiple output levels (examples listed: 34,860 BTU low; 49,800 BTU high) to match varying heat loads.
- Efficiency: Approximately 83% thermal efficiency for indoor convection heating.
- Mounting: Four suspension points for ceiling hanging; mounting bracket sold separately.
- Intended Spaces: Garages, shops, warehouses — where circulated warm air and higher capacity are required.
The UDXC-60 is built for indoor use and works as a hanging unit to distribute warm air via forced convection. Verify ventilation, clearance, and mounting hardware prior to installation; professional gas hookup is recommended.
Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG Natural Gas Unit Heater
The Mr. Heater Big Maxx MHU80NG is an 80,000 BTU unit heater suitable for large garages, workshops, and light industrial areas. It includes angle brackets and can be mounted hanging or with horizontal venting options depending on configuration.
- BTU & Coverage: 80,000 BTU, stated coverage area up to 2,000 sq. ft.
- Included Accessories: Two angle brackets and an LP conversion kit (note: thermostat and venting accessories not included).
- Venting Options: Supports category 1 vertical and category 3 horizontal venting configurations.
- Clearances: Manufacturer specifies minimum clearances (example: 8 ft. from floor to base of unit) — confirm before hanging.
Designed as a higher-capacity hanging or ceiling-mounted heater, the Big Maxx focuses on whole-space warm-air heating using combustion and forced-air circulation. Proper venting and adherence to installation clearances are critical for safe operation.
Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 30,000 BTU Infrared Wall Heater
The Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 is a 30,000 BTU infrared natural gas heater that uses radiant heat to warm objects and people directly, rather than heating the entire air volume. It is intended for wall mounting and is natural gas ready.
- Technology: Infrared radiant heating — warms surfaces and occupants similar to sunlight.
- BTU & Coverage: Up to 30,000 BTU and listed coverage up to roughly 1,000 sq. ft., depending on layout and insulation.
- Fuel: Natural gas ready; conversion or fuel changes may not be permitted.
- Use Case: Semi-enclosed work bays, covered outdoor areas, and focused-zone heating where radiant warmth is preferred.
While not a pendant hanging heater, this wall-mounted infrared unit is often used in spaces where hanging options are impractical. It provides targeted warmth and can complement hanging heaters in mixed setups.
ProCom MN300TPA-B Ventless Natural Gas Infrared Space Heater
The ProCom MN300TPA-B is a ventless infrared natural gas heater offering up to 30,000 BTU with thermostat control and multiple mounting options. It can be wall-mounted or placed on the floor using included base feet.
- BTU & Coverage: 30,000 BTU with claimed coverage up to 1,400 sq. ft.; actual area depends on ceiling height and insulation.
- Controls: Built-in thermostat with High/Medium/Low settings for temperature regulation.
- Mounting: Includes wall mounts and base feet for flexible placement; not a traditional hanging pendant but adaptable for vertical placement.
- Ventless: Does not require venting; confirm local codes and indoor air quality considerations before use.
As a ventless infrared unit, the ProCom model is positioned for rooms where venting is impractical, but it requires attention to room size, oxygen depletion sensor requirements, and local regulations on unvented gas appliances.
Buying Guide: Choosing A Natural Gas Hanging Heater
Selecting the right hanging natural gas heater requires evaluating installation location, desired heat delivery method, and safety/venting. Below are key factors to compare.
1. Heating Method
Radiant (Infrared): Heats objects and people directly; effective for spot heating in open or drafty areas. Best when heat needs to be delivered to occupants rather than raising room air temperature.
Convection/Forced Air: Warms air and distributes heat through fan or natural convection. Better for whole-space heating in enclosed garages and workshops.
2. BTU Output And Coverage
Match BTU capacity to the volume and insulation level of the space. Higher BTU units like 60K–80K are used for large, poorly insulated areas. Radiant units often have lower BTU ratings but deliver perceived heat efficiently for specific zones.
3. Mounting And Clearance Requirements
Confirm manufacturer-specified clearances from combustible materials, minimum ceiling heights, and suspension points. Hanging units require secure structural anchors and appropriate hardware.
4. Indoor Vs Outdoor Rated
Use outdoor-rated hanging patio heaters for covered patios; they are designed for open-air conditions. For indoor garages and workshops, choose heaters listed for indoor use with appropriate venting or ventless certification.
5. Venting And Combustion Safety
Vented units require correct venting to the exterior. Ventless units eliminate pipework but must meet local codes and often include oxygen depletion sensors. Always follow local building and gas codes and use qualified installers.
6. Efficiency And Controls
Look for multi-stage outputs or thermostatic control for better comfort and fuel economy. Forced-air units often list thermal efficiency; infrared units may be more efficient in spot-heating scenarios.
7. Installation And Maintenance
Professional gas hookup is recommended. Check access for service, pilot and ignition type (matchless/piezo/electronic), and parts availability. Hanging units should be inspected periodically for secure mounts and safe clearances.
8. Noise And Air Movement
Forced-air hanging heaters with fans produce airflow and noise; infrared radiant units are typically quieter. Select based on tolerance for fan noise in living or work spaces.
9. Safety Features
Identify built-in safety features like sealed combustion, safety pilots, oxygen depletion sensors, and automatic shutoffs. Sealed systems reduce indoor combustion products entering occupied spaces.
10. Use Case Examples
- Patio Dining Area: Outdoor-rated pendant patio heaters (SunPak S34) or infrared pendant units for targeted warmth.
- Residential Garage/Workshop: Ceiling-mounted convection heaters with suspension points (Reznor UDXC series) for whole-space warming.
- Large Warehouse Or Commercial Bay: High-capacity suspended unit heaters (Mr. Heater Big Maxx) combined with ventilation considerations.
- Focused Workstation Or Bay Door Area: Infrared wall or ventless units (Dyna-Glo, ProCom) for localized radiant heat.
Before purchase, verify product listings, certification labels, and that the unit’s intended installation type matches your application. When in doubt, consult a licensed HVAC or gas professional to select and install the correct natural gas hanging heater for your space and local code requirements.