7 Best Wall Furnace Options in 2020

There are many ways to heat the home. And while there is no right way for every home and family, there usually is a “best” type of heating depending on the homeowners’ needs and home layout. Many homes are already set up for central heating and air condition, while others do not have the capacity for ducting and will need something that does not require preinstalled ductwork such as ductless mini-splits or wall heaters.

What is a Wall Furnace?

Wall heaters are ideal for small spaces, in small homes or apartments, compact living areas, and offices, as well as in many of San Diego’s older craftsman style homes.

Heating systems have been evolving since their invention. Wall furnaces became more common in the 1950’s as an alternative to baseboard heating or radiator style heating systems. While there are many homes across the country that still utilize both of those styles of heating their home, in San Diego, they are less common. However, wall furnaces are still very much in use.

Wall furnaces are installed directly into the wall and vented out through the home in single-story homes, and through the ceiling in multiple story homes. Plumbing Code requires wall furnaces to have new venting installed during routine replacements.

Although wall furnaces are small and compact, they heat very effectively. Wall furnaces are typically less expensive than traditional central heating, as well as the mini-split ductless units.

Are Wall Furnaces Safe?

For any appliance that utilizes natural gas, there are safety concerns all homeowners should take into consideration. Just like traditional central heating, wall furnaces have the potential to produce carbon monoxide gases as well as natural gas leaks.

It is important to only have a licensed specialist install wall furnaces to ensure proper venting.  There are many reasons why a vented wall heater will leak dangerous gases including for seals and connections. By hiring a licensed contractor with experience in wall furnaces and gas lines, homeowners can be assured of safety. Licensed professionals will also permit the installation so that a city inspector and gas utility professional will perform a final inspection.

Are Wall Furnaces Expensive?

Wall furnaces are much less than central furnaces and ductless systems, but they are also only ideal in small spaces such as a room in the home or a small apartment or condominium. Many of the craftsman style homes in San Diego were built with either wall furnaces or a floor furnace. Bill Howe does not service or replace floor furnaces, and typically recommends upgrading to a central or ductless system, or in ideal spaces, simply replacing an old floor furnace with a wall furnace. If the homeowner has not replaced these systems, replacing their wall furnace(s) with new ones versus a central system or ductless will be a breeze.

Wall Furnace Cost Guide

A wall furnace is a heating system that is installed within the walls of a home, typically between the studs of the wall itself and a room’s drywall. It is not uncommon for a wall furnace to project at least a few inches into the room that it services. A wall furnace works through simply drawing cool air through the bottom of the unit, heating it, and then expelling it through a vent located at the top. Typically, a wall furnace is used in smaller homes, apartments or in rooms added on to homes. Often times, homeowners opt for wall furnaces in the new additions of their homes as a way of saving money on the expensive duct work that would need to be done to connect the new part of the home to existing furnace system.

The Costs

The minimum reported cost for wall furnace installation is $740.

The maximum cost reported for wall furnace installation is $900.

Pros & Cons of Wall Furnaces

Homeowners should weigh both the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a wall furnace before making the decision to purchase one. Because of their relatively low cost when compared to more robust furnace systems, many homeowners turn to wall furnaces as a means of efficiently heating select spaces of their homes without having to spend thousands of dollars on ductwork. This is especially true in areas of homes where new construction is being done. Rather than paying to have the new duct work done, homeowners may opt to spend under $1,000 on a wall furnace.

Wall furnaces do come with their inherent disadvantages. For example, wall furnaces are generally suitable for homes in relatively mild climates. In colder climates, the part of the furnace exposed to the cooler elements in the walls can be damaged by excessively cold temperatures, leading to potentially expensive repairs down the road. Furthermore, wall furnaces are only meant to heat small spaces. Since they use convection and radiation to heat a space, rooms that are further away from the location of the furnace itself will not be as warm. Homeowners should be prepared for the lack of consistency in heat commonly associated with wall furnaces.

Types of Wall Furnaces

Gas and electric are the two most common types of wall furnaces. The latter option is the most popular, as it is the easiest to install and tends to be the least expensive. The price for electric wall heaters typically falls on the lower end of the spectrum at about $740 for installation. Since electric wall heaters can be installed anywhere electric power is available, homeowners have more options when it comes to the unit’s placement as compared to gas heaters. Gas wall heaters are generally more efficient and better for the environment.

Gas wall heaters are generally more efficient and better for the environment. Because of the built-in, double-vent system associated with these heaters, better air circulation tends to occur, allowing for better air quality within the home. Homeowners who opt for gas wall heaters tend to spend less money in heating costs throughout the year. On the other hand, installation of gas wall heaters can be expensive if the proper ducts and gas lines are not available, easily driving up the cost hundreds of dollars. At that point, homeowners may be better off choosing an electric wall heater.

Best Wall Furnaces:

1. Stiebel Eltron 074057 – Aesthetically Pleasing & Reliable

• Power: 2,000 W , 240 V
• Dimensions: 20.1 inches x 15.3 inches x 6.3 inches

2. Broan 174 – Energy Efficient & Flexible

• Power: 750 W, 120 V / 1,500 W, 240 V
• Heating Area: 150 square feet
• Dimensions: 15.2 inches x 11.1 inches x 6.1 inches

3. King PAW2422-W – High Performance & Heavy-Duty

• Power: 2,250 W, 240 V
• Heating Area: 400 square feet
• Dimensions: 13.5 inches x 7.5 inches x 4 inches

4. Cadet CSC152TW – Best Compact Electric Wall Heater

• Power: 1,500 W, 240 V
• Dimensions: 12 inches x 9 inches x 4 inches

5. DeLonghi HMP1500 – Portable & Can be Installed Anywhere

• Power: 750 W and 1,500 W, 110 V
• Heating Area: 300 square feet
• Dimensions: 27 inches x 10 inches x 22 inches

6. Cadet 79241 – Most Energy Efficient Model

• Power: 1,000 W, 120 V
• Heating Area: 150 square feet
• Dimensions: 16.9 inches x 3.9 inches x 10.1 inches

7. King W2420-W – Most Affordable Solution

• Power: 2,000 W, 240 V
• Heating Area: 250 square feet
• Dimensions: 16 inches x 11.9 inches x 5.1 inches

Wall Furnace Safety Tips:

Tip #1 – Install in a Well-Ventilated Area:

Due to space constraints, many people are often tempted to install the electric wall heater anywhere they like.

Tip #2 – Clean Regularly:

Since the electric wall heater contains a fan inside, it easily accumulates dust.

Tip #3 – Keep Pets and Children Away:

Due to the high heat output of the electric wall heater, this device should always be installed in a place that is not easily accessible by pets and children.

Tip #4 – Check your Electrical Socket:

The electric wall heater can be very demanding in terms of electricity.