The Dyna-Glo 30,000 BTU Wall Heater requires no power and produces enough heat to warm a room up to 1,000 sqft.
The great thing with this heater is that you can mount it on the wall or use a foot mounting kit to stand the heater anywhere within a room. The heater doesn’t need a chimney or flu as the ventless design and the oxygen depletion sensor with overheat detection enable it to be used in enclosed spaces.
It is the ideal heater for emergency situations or heating for a cabin in the woods, a home garage or a large room in your house. Options are available to use liquid propane or plumbed natural gas.
Available in Orange (Infrared) and Blue flame options, the following promo video for the infrared model has been produced by the manufacturer
Contents
Our Verdict (If you’re in a hurry)
If you need to heat a large room and don’t have a built-in flu or vent, the Dyna-Glo heaters are an ideal choice.
Make sure that the room has a slight draft and good airflow, or crack open a window slightly when the heater is operating to avoid moisture build-up.
The heater comes with excellent instructions and is good value for money. The hardest choice will be deciding if you want the Orange or Blue flame.
In our opinion, the decision comes down to price and availability. Always make sure that the heater can be installed in your home state or country before purchasing.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Heating for up to 1,000 sq ft
- No electricity require
- CSA Safety certified
- Oxygen depletion sensor
- Ventless Design (Pro and Con)
Cons
- Not for Sale in California or Canada
- Gas Tank Not Include
- Fan blower is not included (optional extra)
Out of the Box – A Detailed Review
When you take the heater out of the box, the first thing you will notice is that it comes with a wall mounting bracket and screws. You will also notice that it doesn’t come with any of the fitting required to connect it to your propane or natural gas source.
This unit is not UL listed but is certified by SA, CSA and complies with ANSI gas appliance standards.
However, if you have an existing connection or you are connecting to a propane bottle, you can normally install the heater yourself with the screw connection located on the back of the unit. In this case, a typical installation takes around 15 minutes.
Fuel Options
Before ordering a Dyna-Glo heater, you need to decide what type of fuel you want to use.
The heaters are normally made to work with a single fuel source and fuel conversion is not permitted, so it’s important that you select the correct model before starting your installation.
Option 1: Liquid Propane – A 100lb or larger liquid propane tank is recommended (or an installed supply for a house or apartment block).
You can use a smaller size bottle, but the flow rate may mean that you can’t use high heat settings on cold days (more about this later in the review)
You will also need a connecting hose and a 2 stage regulator (unless your building is preconnected with regulated liquid propane)
Option 2: Natural Gas – This is normally supplied directly from the utility company and comes with a (virtually) unlimited supply.
Option 3: Dual Units – These units can be plumbed for liquid propane or natural gas. However, you can’t use both at the same time.
Liquid Propane Versions
| Model | Flame Color | Thermostat | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR30PMDG-1 | Orange | No | |
| IRSS30LPT-2P | Orange | Yes | View on Amazon |
| BF30PMDG | Blue | No | View on Amazon |
| BFSS30LPT-2P | Blue | Yes | View on Amazon |
Natural Gas Versions
| Model | Flame Color | Thermostat | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR30NMDG-1 | Orange | No | |
| IRSS30NGT-2P | Orange | Yes | View on Amazon |
| BF30NMDG | Blue | No | View on Amazon |
| BFSS30NGT-2N | Blue | Yes | View on Amazon |
Dual Fuel Versions
| Model | Flame Color | Thermostat | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR30DTDG-2 | Orange | Yes | View on Amazon |
| BF30DTDG-2 | Blue | Yes | View on Amazon |
Installation
The instructions are very good and provide clear details on how to install the heater.
The unit mounts flush against the wall on the provided mounting bracket and are 28.07″ wide x 24.09″ high x 10.51″ deep
You won’t need to cut any holes and it can be mounted near shelves and other items as long as you abide by the recommended clearances of 8″ from the sides, 36″ from the top (and shelves or anything above the unit), 3″ from floor coverings and 36″ from anything in front of the heater.
If you prefer, you can use heater base legs to make the heater portable. However, base legs should not be used in a residential garage setting where it must be firmly secured to a wall.
The legs are not included and can be purchased from Amazon or your local heater supplier.
- Stabilizes floor mounting of heater
- Finish compliments heater color
- Fits all Dyna-Glo models (Not for use with models IBF10PMDG & GBF30DTDG-1)
- Mounts to heater with two phillips head screws
- 1 Year Warranty
Heat Settings
The top of the heater has a heat setting switch and a starter or ignition button.
If you don’t have a thermostat, the switch will have 5 filled dots. If you have a thermostat, the switch will have five numbered settings.
With Thermostat
On the units with a thermostat, the dial range has markings that go from 1 to 5 (With 5 being the hottest setting)
Once the room has reached temperature, the flame will go out and the heater will stay off until the room temperature drops. Not only does this conserve fuel, but it allows you to keep the room at a comfortable temperature without needing to manually turn the heater on and off all the time.
Pros
- Automatically switches on and off
- Conserves Fuel
- Cheaper running costs
Cons
- Higher initial purchase price ($30-$50)
Without Thermostat
The power settings (or dots), set the flame height. Unlike the thermostat version, the flame will continue burning and heating the room until you run out of gas, or the heater cuts off for other reasons (eg oxygen sensor).
Unless you use a low setting, the room can quickly become quite hot and you will need to turn the heater off or down until the room cools down again.
Because the flame is burning all the time, you also need to keep in mind that you are also constantly burning fuel.
Pros
- Cheaper initial purchase price
Cons
- Must turn on and off manually
- Hard to control room temperature
- Higher running costs
No Electricity Required
One of the good things about this heater is that you don’t need electricity to make it work (Unless you add the optional fan). This means it is an ideal heater for emergency situations or remote locations where you don’t have power.
Flame Color
As well as selecting the type of fuel you wish to use with the heater, you can also select the type of flame (or color) you prefer.
Blue: A flame heating by convection (like a fireplace)
Orange: Infrared heating over distance (like the sun)
Convection – Blue Flame
The blue flame units heat using convection. With this type of heater, the air around the unit is heated. As the air warms, it rises into the ceiling area and is replaced with the colder air below the heater. This causes the heated air to circulate around the room.
Infrared – Orange Flame
The infrared units generate heat in a direct line. They work more like the rays of the sun. You can be quite a distance away and easily feel the warmth of the heater. Infrared heaters don’t need to heat the air around the room and can provide instant heat.
If you have a high ceiling you will be better off with an infrared heater. The blue flame is good for a low ceiling space or being located under a window where it would catch cold air as it enters the room.
In the end, they both burn with 99.9% efficiency and the decision is based purely on your preference and needs.
Oxygen Depletion Sensor
As a vent free fireplace, the Dyna Glo can be installed in a room without a flu or chimney. This makes it ideal for heating a garage or large room within many modern houses.
They are SA and CSA certified, comply with ANSI gas appliance standards, and customer support is based in the US.
However, at the time of writing, vent-free fireplaces cannot be installed in California or Canada.
In 1996, they were also banned in five other states because of the fear of carbon monoxide buildup (Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a colorless and odorless gas)
After the development of reliable Oxygen Depletion Sensors and CO2 detectors, all of the states except California now permit vent free heaters to be used indoors. If carbon monoxide is detected, the sensors are designed to turn off the gas supply.
This heater has a pilot with an Oxygen Depletion Sensing (ODS) safety shutoff system. The ODS/pilot shuts off the heater if there is not enough fresh air and cuts off main burner gas in the event of a flameout.
The Dyna Glo heaters have the Oxygen Depletion Sensor, but if you are concerned, or simply want a backup detector, you can also get a battery operated carbon monoxide detector from Amazon.
Altitude Limitations
Due to the oxygen depletion sensor and the decreased amount of oxygen present at high altitudes, you may also need to consider your location before purchasing this type of heater.
The Dyna Glo range has been tested up to 5,000 ft. Even though the heaters can work about this altitude, they are not tuned for this environment.
The higher you go, the harder it will be to get the unit to operate. At higher altitudes, the flame will often lift higher off the burner and produces a yellow-tipped flame. This may cause the gas not to burn completely, and for some of the unburnt gas to be released into the air.
If you’re considering using this unit in places like Mexico City (7,000 ft), it may be possible to adjust the gas pressure or you may need a different orifice installed. If you are not completely comfortable with the operation of the gas valve we suggest that you get a gas appliance technician take a look at it.
Air Booster
The fan kit helps to distribute the warmed air into the space more rapidly.
- Improve whole room heating with this 2-in-1 mode fan
- MANUAL MODE – Turn ON at the flick of a switch
- AUTO MODE - Fan automatically operates when the heater gets above 113 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s blowing ONLY warm/hot air
- Can be used on wall heaters that are wall mounted or floor mounted
- Includes power supply (3' Cord Length)
NOTE: This is an optional accessory and is not required for operation of the heater
Burn Rate
When connecting the heater to a gas tank, you will also need to consider what size tank you need and how much gas will be burned over the course of an hour or a day.
There is no doubt that 30,000BTU heaters can put out a large amount of heat, and when they are run on the maximum setting, they also require a large amount of gas. However, the reality is that once a room has reached temperature, the setting can be reduced and the gas flow (and use) is greatly reduced.
The average propane tank has the capacity to provide 21,514 BTUs per pound of liquid propane. This means that:
- a 100lb tank can provide approx 2,151,400 BTU of heat (100 x 21,514)
- a 40lb tank can provide approx 860,560 BTU of heat (40 x 21,514)
Once you understand this calculation, it’s simply a matter of dividing the total tank capacity by the burn rate of the heater. In our case, the heater can produce 30,000 BTU per hour. (On its highest setting)
With this in mind, a 100lb tank will last around 72 hours (or 3 days) running on the highest setting (30,000BTU).
While this may not seem like a long time, most people only run a heater on a medium setting until the room heats up. Once the room has reached temperature, the thermostat model will turn the gas off (and effectively stop using gas), and manual units can be turned on or off manually, or put on a reduced heat setting to maintain the temperature of the room.
Another consideration is that most heaters are only used for a few hours of the day.
For example, when a heater is only used for 2 to 4 hours a day, a 100lb tank can last anywhere between 18 and 36 days on the highest setting, and when you also factor in the use of a thermostat and heating the room on a reduced setting, these figures can easily extend out into several months.
Warranty
As we have already mentioned, the heater cannot be installed in California or Canada.
In other states, they are CSA certified and comply with ANSI gas appliance standards.
The customer support is based in the US and the heaters come with a one-year limited warranty.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Dyna-Glo vs Mr Heater
When it comes down to it, the Dyna Glo and Mr Heater range are almost identical. They are both vent-free and both output 30,000 BTU.
Other than a slightly different metal casing design, the heat output, low oxygen cutoff and thermostat features are the same. However, unlike the Dyna-Glo, Mr heater comes with the built-in fan and the portable legs.
Even though the fan is included with the Mr Heater range, it doesn’t add much to the performance. It certainly doesn’t provide enough of a difference to select the Mr Heater over the Dyna-Glo.
In our opinion, the decision really comes down to price. Dyna-Glo also offer a wider range of flame colors and fuel sources (including a dual fuel option).
Mr Heater 30,000 BTU Propane Model
- Fight the freeze! Pick yours and order today! Mr. Heater Vent-Free Heater
- 30,000 BTU"
- Weighs 31 lbs.
- Safe, clean burning heat
- Operates without electricity during power outages
Mr Heater 30,000 BTU Natural Gas Model
- 30,000 BTU Natural Gas heater to heat spaces up to 1000 square feet
- Blue flame burner for even convection heat. Maximum Elevation (Ft)-4500. Fuel Consumption/Burn Rate (Gal/Hr)- .030 MCF
- Automatic low oxygen shut-off system (ODS). CSA Certified
- Operating this heater at altitudes over 4,500 FT above sea level could cause pilot/ODS to shutdown the heater.included.Theromostat, legs and wall mounting hardware
- Fuel Type:Natural Gas.Not for use in bathrooms, bedrooms, or recreational vehicles
Parts
Use the following direct links to view the item on Amazon
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Heating for up to 1,000 sq ft
- No electricity require
- CSA Safety certified
- Oxygen depletion sensor
- Ventless Design (Pro and Con)
Cons
- Not for Sale in California or Canada
- Gas Tank Not Include
- Fan blower is not included (optional extra)
Conclusion
If you need to heat a large room and don’t have a built-in flu or vent, the Dyna-Glo heaters are an ideal choice.
Make sure that the room has a slight draft and good airflow, or crack open a window slightly when the heater is operating to avoid moisture build-up.
The heater comes with excellent instructions and is good value for money. The hardest choice will be deciding if you want the Orange or Blue flame.
In our opinion, the decision comes down to price and availability. Always make sure that the heater can be installed in your home state or country before purchasing.
Image credits: ghpgroupinc.com and Amazon.com
