For a mid sized room, finished basement or sunroom where you want set-and-forget thermostat control. Buyers who need heat without power should look at a millivolt furnace instead.
Amazon $1,677.06The Rinnai EnergySaver EX11DTN is the better gas wall heater overall, rated 3.5 to 2.0. The Rinnai EnergySaver EX11DTN leads on warranty and controls. The Empire DV215 Direct Vent Wall Furnace wins on value and heat output. The Empire DV215 Direct Vent Wall Furnace costs $178.06 less ($1,499 vs $1,677.06).
For a bedroom or small room in an area with outages, where heat that runs with no power matters more than automatic temperature control. Budget for the wall thermostat.
Amazon $1,499Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Rinnai EnergySaver EX11DTN for warranty (5-year warranty vs 1-year warranty) and controls (thermostat, blower, electronic ignition vs manual control, push button ignition).
- Choose the Empire DV215 Direct Vent Wall Furnace for value ($99.93 per 1,000 BTU ($1,499, 15,000 BTU) vs $152.46 per 1,000 BTU ($1,677.06, 11,000 BTU)) and heat output (15,000 BTU/hr vs 11,000 BTU/hr).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every direct vent gas wall heater; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Rinnai EnergySaver EX11DTN | Empire DV215 Direct Vent Wall Furnace |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.5/5 | 2.0/5 |
| Value 30% | 23 $152.46 per 1,000 BTU ($1,677.06, 11,000 BTU) | 43 $99.93 per 1,000 BTU ($1,499, 15,000 BTU) |
| Heat output 15% | 3 11,000 BTU/hr | 17 15,000 BTU/hr |
| Controls 20% | 100 thermostat, blower, electronic ignition | 0 manual control, push button ignition |
| Fuel 5% | 0 natural gas only | 0 propane only |
| Warranty 30% | 100 5-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Rinnai EnergySaver EX11DTN | Empire DV215 Direct Vent Wall Furnace | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat | ||
| Venting | Direct vent | Direct vent |
| Heat type | Furnace | Furnace |
| Maximum input | 11,000 BTU/hr | 15,000 BTU/hr |
| Minimum input | 5,500 BTU/hr | - |
| Efficiency | 81% AFUE | - |
| Fuel and controls | ||
| Fuel | Natural gas | Propane |
| Thermostat | Yes | No |
| Blower | Yes | No |
| Ignition | Electronic (120 V) | Push button |
| Needs an outlet | Yes | No |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 42 lb | - |
| Warranty | 5 years | 1 year |
