Rinnai EnergySaver EX17DTN
#3 in Direct ventFull review
For a large room or small home zone that needs steady, thermostat controlled heat. The EX22DTN is worth the small step up if the space is borderline.
Amazon $2,005.92$2,005.92
The Rinnai EnergySaver EX17DTN is the better gas wall heater overall, rated 3.7 to 2.0. The Rinnai EnergySaver EX17DTN leads on warranty and controls. The Empire DV215 Direct Vent Wall Furnace wins on value. The Empire DV215 Direct Vent Wall Furnace costs $506.92 less ($1,499 vs $2,005.92).
Empire DV215 Direct Vent Wall Furnace
#14 in Direct ventFull review
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 $1,499$1,499
Prices 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 EX17DTN 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 $120.11 per 1,000 BTU ($2,005.92, 16,700 BTU)).
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 EX17DTN | Empire DV215 Direct Vent Wall Furnace |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.7/5 | 2.0/5 |
| Value 30% | 35 $120.11 per 1,000 BTU ($2,005.92, 16,700 BTU) | 43 $99.93 per 1,000 BTU ($1,499, 15,000 BTU) |
| Heat output 15% | 22 16,700 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 EX17DTN | Empire DV215 Direct Vent Wall Furnace | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat | ||
| Venting | Direct vent | Direct vent |
| Heat type | Furnace | Furnace |
| Maximum input | 16,700 BTU/hr | 15,000 BTU/hr |
| Minimum input | 8,200 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 | 51 lb | - |
| Warranty | 5 years | 1 year |