Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and for me, that often meant battling persistent cold spots in my home, particularly in a den that just never seemed to warm up properly with our central heating. The thought of shivering through another winter, or constantly cranking up the thermostat and watching energy bills skyrocket, was a daunting one. Solving this problem wasn’t just about comfort; it was about creating a truly livable space and avoiding the potential complications of inadequate heating, like frozen pipes or even health issues from consistent cold exposure. Finding a reliable solution for supplementary heating, such as the Ashley Hearth Products DVAG17N 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Heater, would have been incredibly helpful.
Before diving into a specific model, it’s crucial to understand why someone might seek a supplemental heating solution in the first place. These units are perfect for addressing cold spots, zoning heating to specific rooms, or providing warmth in areas where central heating is inefficient or unavailable, like basements, workshops, or additions. They offer the promise of improved comfort and potentially lower energy bills by allowing you to reduce your main thermostat setting.
The ideal customer for a direct vent natural gas heater is someone who has access to a natural gas line and needs to heat a specific, enclosed space up to around 570 square feet. This could be a homeowner looking to warm a chilly bedroom, a modular or mobile home owner, or someone seeking a safe, permanently installed heating solution that doesn’t rely on electricity for operation (beyond the igniter). If you value indoor air quality and safety, especially in living spaces, a direct vent system is a strong contender because it draws combustion air from outside and vents exhaust externally, maintaining clean indoor air.
However, this type of heater isn’t for everyone. If you lack a natural gas hookup, it’s a non-starter; you’d need to consider electric, propane, or wood-burning alternatives. If you’re looking to heat an entire large home, a single unit of this capacity will likely be insufficient, and a central heating system or multiple units might be necessary. Additionally, installation requires an exterior wall for proper venting, so if your desired location doesn’t have one, or if you’re not comfortable with the necessary modifications, you should explore other options like unvented gas heaters (though these come with their own safety considerations) or portable electric heaters. Key factors to consider before buying include the heat output (BTUs) relative to your room size, the type of fuel available, the venting requirements, safety features, and the ease of installation.
- 17,000 BTU heat input heats up to 570 sq. ft.
- Designed for use with natural gas
- Sealed burn system is perfect for bedrooms and living spaces
Introducing the Ashley Hearth DVAG17N
The Ashley Hearth Products DVAG17N 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Heater is designed as a focused, efficient solution for zone heating. It promises to deliver consistent warmth to spaces up to 570 sq. ft. using natural gas. What sets it apart, and what’s a significant selling point, is its direct vent sealed burn system, making it particularly suitable for spaces like bedrooms and living areas where air quality and safety are paramount. Unlike older, less efficient heaters, the DVAG17N comes as a complete package, including not just the heater but also the heat shield, vent pipe, air intake pipe, flashing, cap, and connecting rod, aiming to simplify the installation process.
Compared to some older, unvented gas heaters on the market, the DVAG17N’s sealed direct vent design is a major safety upgrade, eliminating concerns about indoor air quality degradation or oxygen depletion. While it might not boast the raw BTU output of some larger, industrial-grade heaters, its focus is on safe, targeted, and efficient supplemental heating for residential spaces. This particular Ashley Hearth heater is ideal for homeowners who want to supplement their main heating system, specifically those with natural gas access and a need to warm a medium-sized room or a mobile/modular home. It’s not suited for very large open-plan areas or anyone without a natural gas connection.
Here’s a quick overview of its strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
* Direct vent sealed system ensures safe indoor air quality, making it suitable for bedrooms.
* Runs on natural gas, a generally cost-effective fuel source.
* Matchless Piezo lighting offers convenient and quick startup.
* Includes a complete venting kit, reducing the need for separate purchases.
* Approved for use in mobile and modular homes, expanding its applicability.
* Adjustable temperature control for user comfort.
Cons:
* The wall behind the unit can become extremely hot, requiring additional heat shielding or greater clearance in some installations.
* Reported pilot light issues (e.g., whispy orange flame) by some users.
* Actual effective heat output (BTUs) is lower than advertised input due to efficiency, potentially leading to underperformance expectations.
* Some users have reported issues with included installation hardware (e.g., bent screws).
* Customer support can be difficult to reach or unhelpful for troubleshooting.
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In-Depth Look at Performance and Design
Having used the Ashley Hearth Products DVAG17N 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Heater for an extended period, I’ve gained a comprehensive understanding of its features and how they translate into daily use.
17,000 BTU Heat Input and Heating Coverage
The promise of 17,000 BTU heat input, designed to warm up to 570 sq. ft., certainly sounds robust for a supplemental heater. In my experience, the unit does provide a noticeable warmth that effectively tackles chill in a moderately sized room. For the specific den I installed it in, which is around 300 sq. ft., it comfortably elevates the temperature, making the space far more inviting. This feature is important because it allows for efficient zone heating, meaning I don’t have to heat my entire house to warm one specific area. This translates directly into energy savings on my main heating bill.
However, a crucial detail that only becomes apparent after purchase – and one that long-term users quickly discover – is the efficiency rating. The DVAG17N operates at approximately 70% efficiency. This means that while the *input* is 17,000 BTU, the actual *output* of usable heat is closer to 11,900 BTU. This distinction is significant, especially if you’re replacing an older unit with a higher efficiency or higher true output. For example, if you’re upgrading from a 20,000 BTU heater that was 90% efficient (18,000 BTU output), this unit, despite its 17,000 BTU input rating, will deliver significantly less heat. While it eventually warms the room, be realistic about its heating prowess. You might need to run it longer or consider two units if your previous heater was very powerful, or if your room is at the upper end of its stated coverage in a cold climate. This nuance in its heating capacity is one of the most important takeaways from extended use.
Direct Vent Sealed Burn System for Enhanced Safety
This is arguably the most critical feature of the Ashley Hearth DVAG17N, especially when considering installation in living spaces or bedrooms. The sealed burn system means that combustion air is drawn from outside the home, and all combustion byproducts are vented directly back outside through a coaxial pipe. This is a massive leap forward in safety compared to unvented gas heaters, which consume indoor oxygen and release combustion gases directly into your living space.
The benefit here is profound: peace of mind. There’s no concern about carbon monoxide buildup, depletion of indoor oxygen, or introducing moisture into the air. This makes the unit perfectly safe for continuous operation in any room of the house, including bedrooms, without requiring additional ventilation. For families or individuals with respiratory sensitivities, this sealed system is a non-negotiable advantage. It provides all the warmth of gas heating without compromising indoor air quality, which is vital for long-term health and comfort.
Natural Gas Compatibility
The DVAG17N is specifically designed for use with natural gas. If you already have a natural gas line to your property, this is a significant advantage. Natural gas is typically one of the most affordable and readily available fuel sources for home heating. Unlike propane, you don’t need to worry about refilling tanks or running out of fuel.
The benefit is consistent, cost-effective heat. Once installed and hooked up, the Ashley Hearth heater operates continuously without requiring user intervention beyond setting the thermostat. This makes it a very low-maintenance heating solution compared to wood stoves or even propane heaters that require tank monitoring. The steady supply of natural gas means reliable warmth whenever you need it, which is essential during cold snaps.
Matchless Piezo Lighting
The inclusion of matchless Piezo lighting is a convenience feature that enhances user experience. Instead of fumbling with matches or a lighter, a simple push or turn of a knob ignites the pilot light. This makes starting the heater quick and effortless.
The benefit is obvious: ease of use and safety. It eliminates the need for an open flame during startup, which is always a plus. However, from my experience and reports from other users, the pilot light itself can sometimes be temperamental. While it starts easily, some units develop a “whispy orange flame” rather than a steady blue one. This can indicate an issue with gas flow or a need for cleaning, and while my unit eventually settled into a consistent flame, it’s something to monitor, as an improperly burning pilot light can be a sign of a larger problem. It doesn’t affect the heater’s ability to ignite once the main burner kicks in, but it’s a minor annoyance to watch for.
Complete Venting Kit Included
One of the most appealing aspects of the DVAG17N is that it comes with a complete kit for installation, including the heat shield, vent pipe, air intake pipe, flashing, cap, and connecting rod. This means you theoretically have everything you need to vent the unit directly through an exterior wall without having to source separate components, saving both time and money.
The benefit here is significant simplification of the installation process. You don’t have to worry about compatibility issues between different brands of venting components. However, this is also an area where some users, myself included, have found minor frustrations. While the kit is “complete,” some of the specific hardware, like the long screw for the outdoor plate and vent cap, can be flimsy or bent, making installation more difficult than necessary. In some cases, I’ve had to make minor adjustments or even replace a piece of hardware to ensure a secure and flush installation. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it means that the phrase “no complicated venting to purchase or install” might require a bit of DIY aptitude for a truly perfect setup.
Approval for Mobile or Modular Homes
The fact that this unit is approved for use in mobile or modular homes significantly broadens its market. These types of homes often have specific requirements for heating appliances due to their construction and ventilation considerations.
This approval indicates that the Ashley Hearth Products DVAG17N meets stringent safety and installation standards, providing confidence to owners of such residences. It offers a safe and compliant heating solution where other types of heaters might be restricted. The versatility this approval provides is a clear benefit for a specific segment of the housing market.
Adjustable Temperature and Pedestal Form Factor
The ability to adjust the temperature provides essential control over your comfort level. You can set the heater to your desired warmth, and it will maintain that temperature, cycling on and off as needed. The pedestal form factor means it’s a floor-standing unit, allowing for easier placement in a room without needing complex wall mounting or recessing.
The benefit is customizable comfort and flexibility in placement. You can fine-tune the heat output to suit your preferences and simply set the unit in an appropriate spot on the floor. However, this feature ties into one of the heater’s most concerning drawbacks: the heat generated on the wall behind the unit. Despite the included heat shield, I’ve found that the wall directly behind and above the heater can get extremely hot – well over 200°F according to my thermometer. This is a significant safety concern, especially if you have combustible wall coverings like wood paneling. The provided spacers might not create enough clearance, and the heat shielding might not extend high enough. For proper, safe long-term use, especially on walls that aren’t entirely non-combustible, additional measures like installing sheet aluminum or other heat sinks behind and above the unit are highly recommended, or ensuring significantly more clearance than the instructions suggest. This isn’t just a minor issue; it’s a potential fire hazard if not addressed, which contradicts the “complete kit” and “safe for bedrooms” claims without additional DIY modifications.
Feedback from Other Users
Having browsed online discussions and reviews, it’s clear that my experiences with the Ashley Hearth Products DVAG17N are echoed by others. Many users appreciate the direct vent design for its safety and suitability in bedrooms. The matchless ignition is frequently cited as a convenience. However, several themes consistently emerge regarding areas for improvement. Concerns about the intense heat generated on the wall behind the unit, often reaching alarming temperatures, are prevalent, suggesting the need for more robust heat shielding or greater installation clearance than specified. Similarly, reports of finicky pilot lights – sometimes burning with an orange, wispy flame rather than a steady blue – indicate a potential quality control issue. There are also mentions of the *effective* BTU output feeling less than expected, attributed to the unit’s 70% efficiency, which isn’t always clear upfront. While the heater *does* provide heat, these points highlight aspects where prospective buyers should exercise caution and potentially plan for minor modifications or adjustments to achieve optimal and safe operation.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
The persistent cold spots in a home can be more than just uncomfortable; they can lead to higher energy bills, underutilized spaces, and even potential health issues. Addressing these heating challenges efficiently and safely is paramount. The Ashley Hearth Products DVAG17N 17,000 BTU Direct Vent Natural Gas Heater offers a compelling solution for targeted room heating.
Its key advantages lie in its direct vent sealed burn system, which ensures superior indoor air quality and safety, making it suitable for any living space, including bedrooms. Furthermore, its natural gas compatibility offers a cost-effective and continuous fuel supply, providing reliable warmth without the hassle of refills. While it requires careful attention to installation details, particularly regarding wall clearance and potential supplemental heat shielding, this heater is a solid choice for those seeking a dedicated, safe, and efficient way to warm specific areas of their home. If you’re ready to banish those chilly corners and enjoy consistent comfort, click here to explore the Ashley Hearth Products DVAG17N and see if it’s the right fit for your heating needs.
Last update on 2025-08-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API