Choosing a compact natural gas heater for indoor use requires balancing heat output, installation type, and safety features. The table below summarizes key specs for the selected devices to help compare space heaters and indoor tankless gas units at a glance.
| Product | Brand | Type | BTU / Flow | Coverage / Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyna-Glo IR30NMDG-1 | Dyna-Glo | Infrared Wall Heater (Natural Gas) | 30,000 BTU | Up To 1,000 Sq. Ft. (Space Heating) |
| Comfort Glow Radiant Vent-Free | Comfort Glow | Vent-Free Infrared/ Radiant Space Heater | 30,000 BTU | Up To 1,250 Sq. Ft. |
| ProCom MN300HBA-B | ProCom | Ventless Blue Flame Space Heater | 30,000 BTU | Up To 1,400 Sq. Ft. |
| ProCom MN300TPA-B | ProCom | Infrared Space Heater With Thermostat | 30,000 BTU | Up To 1,400 Sq. Ft. |
| FOGATTI Instagas Comfort 120S | FOGATTI | Tankless Gas Water Heater (Indoor) | 120,000 BTU / Up To 5.1 GPM | On-Demand Hot Water For Multiple Outlets |
Dyna-Glo 30,000 BTU Infrared Wall Heater
This unit Is Natural Gas Ready and uses infrared technology to radiate heat to objects and people rather than just heating air. The manufacturer rates it at 30,000 BTU/hr, claiming coverage up to 1,000 sq. ft.. As an infrared wall heater, it’s designed for wall mounted installation and produces directional radiant warmth similar to sunlight. The features list states fuel conversion is not permitted, so confirm the supply type prior to purchase. This model can be suitable for supplemental heating in living rooms, garages, or workspaces where radiant heating is preferred. Installation should follow local codes and the unit’s clearance and venting requirements.
Comfort Glow 30,000 BTU Vent-Free Heater
The Comfort Glow model is a vent-free, infrared radiant natural gas heater rated at 30,000 BTU and indicated to heat up to 1,250 sq. ft.. It operates without electricity, using piezo ignition, which can be useful during power outages. The product notes flexible installation options including wall mounting and a floor mounting kit for portability. As a vent-free appliance, it releases combustion by-products into the room and requires adherence to ventilation and clearance guidelines, and consideration of indoor air quality. The features emphasize high efficiency and reliable radiant output for home, office, or garage spaces.
ProCom 30,000 BTU Ventless Blue Flame
This ProCom model is a ventless blue flame heater that runs on natural gas with a maximum of 30,000 BTU, claimed to heat up to 1,400 sq. ft.. It features manual control with three heat settings and a push-button piezo ignition so it can operate without power. The listing includes an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) that provides automatic shut-off in low-oxygen conditions. The design includes base feet for floor placement and is intended as a compact supplemental heater. Users should verify clearances, indoor ventilation, and compliance with local codes for ventless appliances.
ProCom Infrared 30,000 BTU With Thermostat
The ProCom MN300TPA-B is a 30,000 BTU infrared mini heater with built-in thermostat control and a compact profile for wall or floor mounting. It’s described as producing up to 30,000 maximum BTU and heating spaces up to 1,400 sq. ft.. The product emphasizes dependable thermostat control with high/medium/low settings and includes mounting hardware and base feet. As an infrared space heater, it focuses on radiant warming and may offer more even perceived warmth in occupied areas. Follow manufacturer installation instructions to maintain clearance, safety, and proper operation indoors.
FOGATTI 120,000 BTU Tankless Indoor Heater
Though this product is a tankless water heater rather than a space heater, it is an indoor natural gas appliance that delivers 120,000 BTU and up to 5.1 GPM for on-demand hot water service. The features highlight precision temperature control with advanced sensors, a four-stage combustion system, and eco-efficient design to maintain temperature within ±1℉. The unit is CSA certified and includes safeguards such as dry combustion protection, overheat protection, and flame failure protection. This model is relevant if space heating needs are coupled with domestic hot water solutions in compact homes or apartments.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Small Indoor Natural Gas Heater
Selecting the right indoor natural gas heater involves multiple technical and practical considerations. Below are the essential factors to evaluate, grouped by function and installation perspective to support informed comparisons.
1. Clarify Intended Use
Decide whether the primary need is space heating (warming rooms) or domestic hot water. Space heaters (infrared, blue flame, vent-free) focus on occupant comfort and zone heating. Tankless gas units provide on-demand hot water and are not space heaters.
2. BTU Output And Room Size
Match BTU output to room size and insulation. Roughly, 20–30 BTU per square foot is a common starting point for supplemental heating. Example products listed range from 30,000 BTU (space heaters) suitable for roughly 1,000–1,400 sq. ft. in supplemental roles, to 120,000 BTU tankless units serving multiple plumbing fixtures.
3. Heating Technology: Infrared Vs Blue Flame Vs Vented
Infrared (Radiant) Heaters: Radiate heat to objects and people, often perceived as immediate warmth even if air temperature is lower. Good for spot heating and spaces where direct warmth is desired.
Blue Flame Heaters: Heat ambient air by burning gas and circulating it into the room. They distribute warmth differently than infrared and may be better for whole-room circulation.
Vented Vs Vent-Free: Vent-free appliances exhaust combustion gases into the room; they offer high efficiency and no venting costs but require careful ventilation and occupant consideration for indoor air quality. Vented units remove exhaust outdoors and are typically used where air quality or code requirements mandate venting.
4. Safety Features And Certifications
Look For ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor), overheat protection, and third-party certifications such as CSA or UL. Tankless units commonly list CSA or UL certification and multiple safety protections. Space heaters should list automatic shut-off sensors and meet local appliance standards.
5. Installation Complexity And Local Codes
Installation requirements vary: some units are wall-mounted, some floor-mounted, and tankless units require proper gas line sizing, venting, and water connections. Check local building codes and whether permits or licensed professionals are required. Vent-free appliances may be restricted or regulated in certain jurisdictions.
6. Fuel Type And Conversion Limits
Confirm the natural gas supply at your location. Some units are natural gas ready and explicitly prohibit conversion to propane. Verify conversion options and ensure gas line capacity and pressure meet the unit’s requirements.
7. Efficiency And Operating Profile
Infrared and vent-free models are often marketed as highly efficient for zone heating because they deliver heat directly to occupants and objects. Tankless water heaters operate on-demand and reduce standby losses compared with tank systems. Evaluate energy use patterns—continuous space heating versus intermittent hot water use—and the device’s efficiency claims.
8. Controls, Thermostats, And User Interface
Thermostat control offers set-and-forget comfort and can improve energy use. Manual three-setting controls provide simplicity. Tankless units often include temperature control and modulation for precise water delivery.
9. Indoor Air Quality And Ventilation
Ventless heaters can impact indoor air composition by releasing combustion products into living space. Ensure adequate ventilation, consider CO and combustible gas detectors, and review manufacturer guidance on allowable room sizes and fresh air requirements.
10. Maintenance, Serviceability, And Warranty
Space heaters typically require periodic inspection of burners, pilot/ignition, and clearances. Tankless units need scale prevention and occasional servicing of the heat exchanger. Review warranty coverage and available service networks; some tankless products mention multi-year heat exchanger coverage.
11. Noise, Placement, And Aesthetics
Infrared radiant units are usually quiet. Blue flame and ventless units may produce low operational noise and pilot sounds. Consider placement for clearance, airflow, and integration with room layout and decor.
12. Comparison Perspectives
- Efficiency Comparison: Vent-free infrared and blue flame units reduce losses from venting but require good ventilation practice. Tankless water heaters save on water heating standby losses but do not heat living spaces.
- Installation Comparison: Wall-mounted infrared typically needs less complex venting. Tankless units demand gas and water hookup and might need exhaust venting depending on model.
- Safety Comparison: Tankless models often list multiple built-in safety protections. Ventless space heaters should include ODS and be used per room ventilation guidelines.
- Use-Case Comparison: For targeted room warmth choose an infrared or blue flame space heater. For whole-house hot water pick a tankless indoor unit with appropriate GPM and BTU.
13. Sizing Checklist
- Measure the space and calculate approximate BTU needs (20–30 BTU per sq. ft. as a starting point).
- Confirm gas line capacity and pressure for the chosen BTU.
- Check ventilation and clearance requirements for the heater model.
- For water heaters, size by expected simultaneous fixtures and desired GPM.
14. Final Practical Considerations
When evaluating units, weigh safety certifications, installation complexity, and whether the device will be used as primary or supplemental heat. Ensure detectors for carbon monoxide and combustible gas are installed where appropriate. For water heating needs, prioritize GPM and modulation; for space heating, prioritize BTU, heating type, and thermostat controls.