Heaters: Small space, big heat

Reviewed by:
Scott Gibson, Contributing Editor

Only 16" wide, the Empire DV-55 heats up to 1,200 square feet of space. The wall-mounted heater can operate on either propane or natural gas. It doesnt take up much floor area, and the heater can be recessed as much as 4" into the wall.

The DV-55 is rated at 55,000 BTUs, enough to heat an area of 900 to 1,200 square feet. It does not require a chimney. Instead, the heater is connected to a 7-1/2"-diameter through-the-wall vent that provides combustion air as well as an outlet for exhaust gases.

Minimum clearances are 4" above and 18" to the closest sidewall. The heater comes with a thermostat and a blower with a capacity of 400 cubic feet per minute.

Its available with a standing pilot light or electronic ignition. In October 2004, the DV-55 cost about $1,600.