4 Best Ventless Natural Gas Heaters

Written by: Paul Cathro

Updated on: January 6, 2023

We recommend the four top ventless natural gas heaters currently on the market, waiting to assist you in creating a cozy, warm winter atmosphere in your home or workshop.

ventless natural gas heaters

An eco-friendly and energy efficient solution to electric heating is a ventless gas heater.

It can keep the temperatures in your home high while keeping your utility bills low.

To help you make the most informed decision, we recommend our favorite ventless natural gas heaters that will keep you warm for many winters to come.

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may make a commission if you click through and make a purchase.


The Top Vent Free Gas Heaters Compared

See how the top vent free natural gas heaters for homes compare in the table below.

Model

Details

Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent Free Blue Flame Natural Gas Heater MHVFB30NGT

OUR TOP PICK

Mr. Heater 30,000 BTUs

Price: $$$

- 1 year warranty

- Up to 30,000 BTUs

- Auto low oxygen shut-off

- Thermostat

Dyna-Glo IR18NMDG-1 18,000 BTU Natural Gas Infrared Vent-Free Wall Heater

Budget Choice

Dyna-Glo Vent-Free Wall Heater

Price: $

- 1 year warranty

- 6,000 to 18,000 BTUs

- Infrared technology

- Uses no electricity

Mr. Heater MHVFFGH30NGBT 30, 000 BTU Vent Free Natural Gas Garage Heater

Mr. Heater 20,000 BTUs

Price: $$

- 1 year warranty

- Up to 20,000 BTUs

- Thermostat

Auto low oxygen shut-off

Rinnai FC510N Vent-Free Fan Convector Natural Gas Space Heater

Rinnai FC510N Vent-Free Heater

Price: $$$

- 3 year warranty

- 5,500 to 10,000 BTUs

- Programmable thermostat

- Child safety lock

- Self modulation technology



Our Ventless Natural Gas Heater Reviews

Take a look at each of our recommended heaters in a bit more detail as we discuss what makes them worth your consideration.

Our Top Pick


Mr. Heater 30,000 BTUs

A dependable and adaptable natural gas heater that doesn't need venting.

Mr Heater Ventless Natural gas heater


The Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU gas heater will ensure a cozy winter-morning routine you will actually come to enjoy.


It can comfortably heat spaces of up to 750 square feet and can be mounted on the wall as well as being used as a portable natural gas heater for homes


This natural gas wall heater is ignited electronically, without the need for an electrical outlet. The battery powered ignition is really easy to use and the heater even comes with a battery supplied.


This Mr. Heater model is a great back-up heat source for those that want something that can function independent of the electricity grid.


It has a variable heat output that has five settings, though most customers report that the second setting suffices even in very low temperatures.


Conveniently for energy efficiency it is equipped with a thermostat too. This means you can control the temperature more accurately over long periods of time.

Key Features

  • CSA Certified
  • Heats spaces up to 750 square feet
  • 30,000 BTU heating power
  • Auto shut-off
  • Wall mount or portable
  • Works independent of electricity grid

This Mr. Heater natural gas heater is ideal even for narrow spaces as it operates with a blue flame. It heats the surrounding air and warms everything from the ceiling down – up to 750 square feet to be exact. This makes it the perfect choice for rooms with slanted ceilings or other intricately designed spaces.


The heater includes wall mount hardware and legs, giving you the option to find what’s suitable for you and your home. The unit is very sturdy and can be placed safely on various surfaces without cramping your living space’s style.


Safety is always a worry with powerful indoor heaters and thankfully this model is well equipped. It is has an automatic low oxygen shut-off system (ODS) and thermostat that shuts itself on and off automatically. It is also CSA certified to meet independent safety test standards.

Pros

  • CSA certified
  • Multiple installation options
  • Safety shut-off
  • Thermostat
  • Battery ignition

Cons

  • Blue flame heating isn't great for high ceilings
  • Won't start without a battery

Bottom Line

This blue flame ventless heater is an awesome choice for those that need a back-up heater that doesn't rely on the electricity grid.


It's a reliable and well put together natural gas heater that won't let you down!



Rinnai FC510N Ventless Gas Wall Heater  * Excellent Warranty *


Founded by Hidejiro Naito and Kanekichi Hayashi in Japan in 1920, Rinnai offers innovative water heating and home heating gas appliances that have equipped residential and commercial spaces for a century.

Operating on the philosophy trust, spirit and harmony, Rinnai has become the leading brand for water and gas heating solutions with more than 30 million tankless water heating systems having been installed around the world, 2 million of which in North America alone.

The FC510N fits in line with Rinnai’s promise to deliver products that elevate the comfort of any living area. This natural gas wall heater with a vent-free design is one of the most fuel-efficient heating products on the market, meaning you will be able to chill out in your toasty living-room guilt-free knowing you are not only sparing your wallet but the environment. With its sleek and subtle look, it blends in with the room perfectly without ever being an eyesore.

Anyone who has ever or is currently living in a space that is infuriatingly difficult to heat will be amazed by just how efficiently the Rinnai FC510N heats a room – or even an entire floor – when all other heating solutions have failed.

Evenly distributing warm air throughout the space, this wall-mounted heater will get into the coldest nooks and crannies of the room, allowing you to enjoy the true coziness of winter instead of dreading every moment you are forced out from under the covers.

It's unique among these type of gas heaters as it constantly monitors the ambient temperature and adjusts its heat to ensure a consistent heat throughout the home. It responds to small fluctuations in temperature and modulates its gas use and heat output accordingly.

Hot air usually gets lost through vents or ducts; by eliminating vents from its design, the Rinnai FC510N ensures that all the air is kept in the room making it 99.9% efficient. Add to that the use of natural gas and you will find that your energy bills we cut by a significant amount.

This is an ideal heating unit for households with small children and pets as it can be used safely in their proximity. While it heats the space comfortably, the unit’s exterior always stays cool to the touch, ensuring optimal safety for tiny hands and paws.

Equipped with safety features including a tilt switch, flame and power failure protection and an oxygen depletion sensor, this heater will keep your mind at ease and your body warm.

Another bonus: you will never have to worry about someone messing with your preferred temperature or your kid’s turning it on during the height of summer thanks to its control panel lock feature.

These units comply with the codes of most counties and only require a gas pipe and a power outlet for installation. With its on-board self-diagnostics features for easy maintenance and adjustable heat output with modulation technology, the Rinnai FC501N can make all the difference this winter. Opt for warm comfort instead of spending your holidays cold and grumpy like the Grinch!

  Final Verdict: The Rinnai FC510N vent-free Natural gas heater offers a durable, long-term and 99.9% efficient heating solution. It has an excellent warranty (3 years) and features some really smart features that save time and money.




Dyna-Glo Vent-Free Wall Heater  * Budget Choice *


One of the best things about the cold weather is that cheeky little feeling we get when we look out of our windows and onto snow-covered lawns and frosty windscreens, snug as a bug in a rug from our spot next to the heating.

 It is the ultimate season of comfort – delicious, hearty food, drinks that warm from the inside and out, and a general sense of peace, love and harmony.

When we picture these idyllic family holiday get-togethers, we may all be wearing the obligatory ugly Christmas sweater, but it shouldn’t be a necessity and it should definitely suffice – there’s nothing cozy and welcoming about a poorly heated space forcing everyone to keep wrapped up in layers of clothes.

In many living spaces, it can be difficult to achieve even heating in a room, let alone an entire floor or apartment, especially those prone to draughts.

The Dyna-Glo IR18NMDG-1 gas heater is a great supplemental heating choice for homes, garages and cabins. Operating strictly on natural gas, it does not require electricity and is thus highly efficient.

Warming the objects in your immediate proximity much like the sun does on a hot day, this infrared heating technology will elevate the levels of comfort in your home. This also happens to be an economic advantage given that only occupied spaces are warmed, and no heat is wasted. 

Wall mounted gas heaters are ideal for homes that are made up of lovely little reading nooks and designated spaces that would be so cozy were it not for a draught or worse – a constant chill.

The Dyna-Glo IR18NMDG-1 can be strategically placed in the area of your home where it is most needed – yes, you can finally make use of that reading nook without having to wrap yourself up in a triple layer of blankets. Turn the pages without fear of your fingers freezing and fight the draught with the warm glow of 6,000 – 18,000 BTU’s/hr of variable infrared input.

Given the unpredictable climate as of late, it’s always good to be prepared in case of a power cut or emergency. In these situations, it is important to remain calm and collected, and that can be a very difficult thing to do when the temperature is dropping because our optimism will be dropping with it.

This natural gas heater will see you through any situation and will keep your body warm and your mind cool! It only takes a few minutes to heat up and offers a choice of three settings – low, medium and high – which can be adjusted via a variable control knob.

Off-grid dwellers looking for practical heating solutions that do not take up too much space and fit in with the eco-conscious philosophies of their homes will appreciate the Dyna-Glo for its space and energy efficiency.

Compact, stylish and running on natural gas, it will make a great design addition for your tiny house or cabin that will keep you snug as you look out to the stars.

  Final Verdict: Great infrared, draught-resistant and adjustable space heater. It doesn't need any electricity which makes it an excellent "off-grid" or emergency choice. Probably the best value of all the ventless gas wall heaters.




Having second thoughts about using natural gas? Check out our ventless propane heater guide.


Mr. Heater 20,000 BTUs


Developed by Cleveland, Ohio based company, Enerco, the Mr. Heater Brand is America’s most popular brand of heaters – and not only because it is a brand-name worthy of a jingle, perhaps even its own character.

Since 1955, Enerco has been at the forefront of infrared combustion technology and is forever continuing to research, develop and improve its innovative products and world class customer service.

This Mr. Heater model is a great addition for any home and will heat a space of up to 500 square feet using a blue flame burner for even convection heat. This unit is ideal for anyone looking to keep their options open in terms of mounting the heater to the wall or keeping it portable, as it is delivered with legs and hanging hardware included.

Delivered in a cream-colored casing and a sleek, subtle retro look, the Mr. Heater natural gas heaters for homes will turn into a new design feature in your home and goes great with various styles of furnishing.

It takes up minimal space and is light-weight, which works as a great advantage for portability and small spaces including garages, basements and dorm rooms.

Using the vent-less heaters will allow you to hole yourself up in your workroom for hours on end without ever catching a chill. Customers who regularly potter about in their garage have expressed a lot of gratitude for their new friend Mr. Heater – it has made car maintenance a lot easier in the winter.

Equipped with a metal heat shield for added durability, and foreseen with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor, you can rest assured this vent-less heater will see you through many winters safely and comfortably.

You will no longer have to drag the contents of your workshop into the living room or stick to one room of the house for a lack of heat in other areas of your home. The room will be heated by the clean, blue burning flame tube in a quick fashion, making living, working and playing in your favorite corner of the house fun again.

  Final Verdict: Great little heater that gets the job done in small spaces. The blue flame technology isn’t quite as drought-resistant as infrared. Not available in Canada or California.




Conclusion

The above selection of ventless gas wall heaters has talked you through the best quality available on the market today, but in our opinion there’s only one that meets our standards by a full 100%: the Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU natural gas heater.

It is so simple to install, easy to regulate and easy on the eyes. With its odorless, efficient blue flame and included mounting hardware and legs, it checks all the boxes needed to guarantee a comfortable, toasty home.


Our Top Pick

Mr. Heater 30,000 BTUs

Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent Free Blue Flame Natural Gas Heater MHVFB30NGT

 - CSA Certified

- Heats spaces of up to 750 square feet

- Wall mount or portable

- Grid independent


The Rinnai FC510N comes in a close second and will become the go-to product for anyone reading this list who prefers infrared over blue flame heaters.

With such a long-standing history in heating technologies, Rinnai is a trustworthy brand that delivers what it promises: spirit, trust and harmony by ways of heat. That three year warranty is a real bonus too.

When it comes to ventless gas heaters – whether they employ the infrared heating technology or blue fame – it is important that your chosen product does not emit any odor. Not only would this be uncomfortable but potentially dangerous, as this could point to leaks.

Both the Rinnai FC510N and the Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU have been reported to emit no to minimal odor upon ignition and cool-down. In other words, valves are quality-made and easy to install, thus preventing leaks and odor.


Got a big garage that needs heating during the winter? Don't miss our guide to garage heaters!



Buyer’s Guide

We realize all this information may be somewhat overwhelming, especially if you’ve never really given heaters a second’s thought.

Perhaps you’re buying your very first heater for your own house or dorm room and are really feeling the pressure to make the right decision. Don’t panic – we’ll break it down for you here in our useful buyer’s guide.


Size Matters

You’d think the only thing to take into consideration when buying a heater is, well, the heat, but while that’s obviously the number one thing we’re after, design plays a big role too.

This isn’t a matter of snobbishness, it’s a matter of comfort. A heating unit doesn’t have to be beautiful or as slim as your smartphone, but it should fit in with your room’s design in a way that is not distracting.

A big, chunky heater attached to the gas bottle is a great option – if you have the space; in a small room however, it will become the focal point, and not the most attractive one at that.

For smaller rooms, a small compact heater such as any model from the selection above will look attractive and heat efficiently. The Dyna-Glo IR18NMDG-1 is most recommended for dorm rooms and small offices, at only 20.9 x 10.1 x 24 inches in size. It's well priced and guarantees sunny warmth via infrared heating technology.


Infrared or Blue Flame?

It’s no secret that heating prices have been skyrocketing for quite some time now and both infrared and blue flame heaters offer economical and eco-friendly solutions to fighting steep utility bills.

But which heating technologies fits best into your home and lifestyle? The main difference between infrared and blue flame heaters besides the obvious fire element, is the fact that infrared heats the objects around you creating a bubble of heat; the blue flame heater on the other hand, heats the air in the room.

blue flame

Infrared heaters – especially portable ones – are particularly attractive for small spaces or a multiple-use room. If you need your desk area heated, mount it to the wall above or keep it at your feet; if you want to keep warm while you’re meditating on your yoga mat, just move it over to your exercise area. Everything in your immediate space – or a small to medium sized room – will be warmed evenly and efficiently. Infrared heaters such as the Dyna-Glo and the Rinnai are great for uninsulated spaces such as basements and garages too.

The advantage of a blue flame natural gas wall heater is that it heats the air in the room vs just the objects, meaning it can heat a decent-sized area effectively. Some blue flame heaters may take longer than others to heat, but the Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU heater is especially popular for its minimal heating time and can warm your nippy kitchen in under five minutes. For insulated spaces, blue flame heaters are the best option.


Included Features

As you start narrowing down your decision, you will need to be sure that your chosen product comes with all the necessary features you are looking for in your heating unit. This is an important purchase and in order to ensure a positive long and short-term experience, you’ll want to invest in an all-in-one product. This is where our two winners, the Mr. Heater and the Rinnai FC510N take the crowns once again.

The Rinnai comes with an adjustable heat output, a digital programmable thermostat and a push-button for ignition. It is equipped with a child-safety lock and tilt-switch, and its exterior cover is always cool to the touch. The Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU gas wall heater is foreseen with a blower, thermostat and ODS that do not need to be acquired separately.


Intrigued by kerosene heaters? Check out our latest guide!


Safety

Whether your household includes children, pets or elderly people, or you are living on your own, safety should always be your number one priority when purchasing a ventless natural gas heater. They should be made from top-of-the-line materials that are resistant to leaks, sturdy and appropriate for use on any type of surface without risk of toppling and, last but certainly not least, equipped with all the necessary safety features.

Considering an oil-filled heater? Check out our latest guide.

The heater’s exterior surface should always remain cool to allow for safe handling and use in the proximity of children and pets. It should also feature an automatic low oxygen shut-off system in the event that the heater is damaged, toppled or otherwise faulty. You should never have to worry about carbon monoxide and this selection of heaters will keep your mind at ease thanks to their guaranteed security features.

Make sure you're aware of the risks of using a natural gas heater at home. Carbon monoxide is a real danger if you don't follow the right safety and maintenance procedures. Check out the video below for a quick run through.


Convenience

If you have decided on purchasing a wall-mounted gas heater for your home or workshop, hopefully you will have already done your research into your local regulations and gas pipe line installation.

Our selected heaters are easy to install in homes and office, as well as off grid cabins and dwellings. However, it is important to note that most models are not compliable with Canadian and Californian codes, so be sure to contact your local authorities to ensure a smooth experience.

One of the prime advantages of the ventless natural gas heaters are there convenience in the event of power shortages and off-grid situations. When our comforts are challenged in an already stressful situation such as a power shortage brought on by extreme weathers, for example, heat is a seemingly small but incredibly important feature that will help people stay optimistic. For those considering a move away from the hustle and bustle and into the wild, ventless gas heaters offer the most suitable, environmentally friendly heating solutions.


Affordability

One of the main reasons people decide to invest in natural gas heaters as supplementary heating sources, is the fact that they will be saving on their utility bills. At times the initial investment into energy and cost saving technology can come at a high cost, but this does not need to be the case with some of the top-quality gas heaters on this list. Available in different price ranges, this heating solution is a great choice even for households on a lower budget.

The Dyna-Glo IR18NMDG-1 is the most economic and effective product on our list and works great for uninsulated spaces such as garages and workshops, as well as dorm rooms and other small spaces.

In terms of affordability, the Dyna-Glo is closely followed by the Mr. Heater 20,000 BTU.


Environment

If you want to contribute to a healthier planet by ways of your heating choices, you have reached a good decision with turning to natural gas heaters.

Natural gas burns cleaner than other fossil fuels, thus decreasing air pollution. It produces 50-60% less carbon dioxide than coal, for example, and can be up to 99.9% energy efficient.

Heating your home knowing that you are being conscious of our natural environment will make the experience of a warm home all the more enjoyable!


We hope you found this guide of value and we'd love to know what you think of these models down below in the comments section. 

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About the Author Paul Cathro


Paul is an ex-HVAC engineer with 5 years 'in the trade'.

He acquired tinyhousehugeideas.com in 2022 and aims to make it the internet's most comprehensive HVAC resource for small homes in the next few years.


You can learn more about Paul's story here.

Browse his published work on the website here.

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