Wall mounted gas heaters remain a practical heating option for many American homes, especially older houses with limited central HVAC. The products below focus on reliable wall installation, varied fuel types, and different heat outputs to suit room sizes and ventilation setups. The table summarizes the five selected models to help you compare key specifications at a glance.
| Product | Fuel Type | BTU | Coverage (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent LP | Liquid Propane | 17,000 | Up To 570 sq. ft. |
| Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU Direct Vent NG | Natural Gas | 25,000 | Up To 825 sq. ft. |
| Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU Direct Vent NG | Natural Gas | 17,000 | Up To 570 sq. ft. |
| Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent Free NG | Natural Gas | 30,000 | Up To 1,000 sq. ft. |
| Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 30,000 BTU Infrared NG | Natural Gas | 30,000 | Up To 1,000 sq. ft. |
Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU LP Wall Heater
This direct vent liquid propane wall heater delivers 17,000 BTU and is rated to heat up to 570 sq. ft. It uses a sealed burn system and a Matchless Piezo Ignition, with a pilot safety regulator that shuts off gas flow if the pilot goes out. The space-saving wall mount suits rooms where floor space is limited. Dimensions are approximately 20 H x 27.3 W x 6.5 D inches, facilitating installation in many wall cavities. This model emphasizes vented combustion, requiring appropriate venting to the exterior and professional installation consistent with local codes.
Comfort Glow 25,000 BTU NG Wall Heater
The 25,000 BTU direct vent natural gas heater is intended for larger spaces, with a stated heating capacity up to 825 sq. ft. Like other Comfort Glow direct vent units, it features a sealed burn system, Matchless Piezo Ignition, and a safety pilot with pressure regulator to stop gas flow if the pilot is extinguished. The unit is larger (approx. 26.5 H x 32.25 W x 8.75 D) and mounts on walls to preserve floor area. Use of a direct vent design isolates combustion air from the living space, which can be beneficial in older homes concerned about indoor air quality.
Comfort Glow 17,000 BTU NG Wall Heater
This model mirrors the propane variant but is configured for natural gas. It provides 17,000 BTU coverage for roughly 570 sq. ft. and uses the same sealed burn and safety pilot systems. The compact footprint and wall-mounted design make it suitable for retrofitting in older homes where central ductwork is absent. Proper venting components and clearances are required to comply with local installation codes and to maintain the sealed combustion benefits.
Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent Free NG
This vent-free blue flame wall heater provides up to 30,000 BTU, intended for spaces up to 1,000 sq. ft. It includes an adjustable thermostat for temperature control and an electric ignition powered by a battery. Vent-free operation means no external flue, relying on built-in safety features and oxygen depletion sensors where required. The manufacturer specifies altitude performance up to 4,500 feet and highlights fuel efficiency via a blue flame convection design, which warms air directly. Installation must follow vent-free appliance regulations and local building codes for safe operation in older structures.
Dyna-Glo IR 30,000 BTU Infrared NG
The Dyna-Glo infrared wall heater emits 30,000 BTU and is designed to heat up to 1,000 sq. ft. Infrared technology radiates heat to warm objects and people directly rather than only warming air, which can be advantageous in rooms with high ceilings or intermittent use. This model is natural gas ready and intended for wall mounting. Infrared heaters often provide fast localized warmth, and this unit’s output suits garages, workshops, and large living spaces in older homes where direct radiant heat is preferred.
Buying Guide: Choosing The Right Wall Mounted Gas Heater
Selecting a wall mounted gas heater for an older home requires attention to fuel type, ventilation, capacity, safety, and installation constraints. Below are key considerations to compare models and match them to your space and local code requirements.
Fuel Type And Availability
Natural Gas vs. Liquid Propane: Confirm which fuel is available. Natural gas is common in many neighborhoods and often less expensive; propane works where natural gas lines are unavailable. Conversion between fuels may be restricted by the manufacturer and local codes, so choose a unit designed for your fuel.
Vented vs. Vent-Free vs. Infrared
- Direct Vent (Vented) Heaters: Draw combustion air from outside and exhaust to the outdoors. This isolates combustion byproducts and is often recommended for older homes with tighter air quality concerns.
- Vent-Free Heaters: Do not require an external flue and heat by releasing warmed air into the room. They can be more efficient in terms of delivered heat, but they require adherence to local regulations and proper oxygen depletion safety mechanisms.
- Infrared Heaters: Radiant heat warms people and objects directly and can feel warmer at lower air temperatures. Consider infrared if you need quick localized warmth or have high ceilings.
BTU Rating And Room Size
Match BTU to Room Area: Use manufacturer guidance: higher BTU units heat larger spaces. Factors such as insulation, window area, ceiling height, and climate influence effective coverage. For older homes with poorer insulation, select a higher BTU rating or consider supplemental measures like weatherproofing to improve performance.
Safety Features
Look for sealed burn systems, safety pilots, oxygen depletion sensors (ODS), and reliable ignition systems. Sealed and direct vent designs reduce indoor combustion exposure. For vent-free units, confirm local regulations and ensure carbon monoxide detectors and adequate ventilation are present.
Installation And Venting Requirements
Wall mounted gas heaters often require professional installation to meet code and manufacturer instructions. Direct ventvent-free
Energy Efficiency And Operating Costs
Efficiency depends on technology: vent-free units typically deliver a higher percentage of produced heat to the room, while direct vent units can be slightly less efficient but provide better indoor air quality. Compare BTU input and the expected fuel cost in your area. Consider thermostat controls and programmable features to manage runtime and energy use.
Maintenance And Longevity
Regular maintenance extends service life: inspect burners, pilots, vents, and controls annually. For older homes, be mindful of dust, pests, and corrosive conditions that can affect vents and combustion components. Choose units with accessible service panels and widely available replacement parts.
Local Codes And Regulations
Many jurisdictions have restrictions on vent-free appliances, clearances, and required alarms. Confirm local building and fire codes, homeowner association rules, and insurance requirements before installing any gas wall heater. Permits and inspections may be required.
Comparison Perspectives
- Air Quality Priority: Prefer direct vent sealed-combustion units to keep combustion byproducts separate from living spaces.
- Maximum Heat Output: Choose higher BTU models like 25k–30k units for large rooms or poorly insulated areas.
- Quick Localized Warmth: Infrared or blue flame convection units provide faster perceived warmth for occupants in the heater’s line of sight.
- Ease Of Installation: Vent-free units may be easier to install but check code compliance; direct vent models require proper venting installation.
Use this guide to weigh trade-offs—venting and indoor air quality versus installation simplicity and heat delivery—so you can identify the best wall mounted gas heater that fits your older home’s layout and local requirements.