Selecting a hydronic unit heater for a workshop, warehouse, or other open space usually comes down to how much BtuH the unit can deliver and how much space it will take up near the ceiling. Both of these Dayton models are suspended horizontal units for steam or hot water, and both are rated for the same 2,200 CFM airflow.
Quick Verdict
Both Dayton hydronic unit heaters are suspended horizontal models for steam or hot water systems, with a wall or ceiling mount. They share the same 2,200 CFM fan, 18-inch fan diameter, 1-1/2-inch threaded female NPT connections, and single-phase 4.5 A operation. The main difference is heat output: the 5Pv33 is rated for 180,000 BtuH on steam and 118,000 BtuH on water, while the 5Pv27 produces 144,000 BtuH on steam and 104,000 BtuH on water. The 5Pv27 has a lower listed price. Both listings describe the units as new/other from an open box, and neither has been used or tested.
Comparison
| Product | Listed Price | Relative Price | Steam Output | Water Output | Height | Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dayton 5Pv33 Hydronic Unit Heater | USD 1,500.00 | 180,000 BtuH | 118,000 BtuH | 29 in | 24-5/8 in | |
| Dayton 5Pv27 Hydronic Unit Heater | USD 769.00 | 144,000 BtuH | 104,000 BtuH | 27-3/4 in | 23-3/8 in |
The listed prices differ by $731. Both units move the same 2,200 CFM of air, so the meaningful differences are output capacity and overall size.
Where Each Product Wins
- Choose the Dayton 5Pv33 if you need the higher BtuH capacity for a larger area or colder conditions.
- Choose the Dayton 5Pv27 if the lower listed price is more important and the moderate output is sufficient for the space.
Product Notes
Dayton 5Pv33 Hydronic Unit Heater
This unit is the stronger performer, with 180,000 BtuH on 2 PSI steam and 118,000 BtuH on 200°F water. It uses the same 2,200 CFM fan as the smaller model, so the extra heat output is available without a higher airflow requirement. The 5Pv33 is also the taller and wider of the two, at 29 inches high and 24-5/8 inches wide, so it needs a bit more clearance when mounted from a wall or ceiling. Both units are listed as new/other from an open box, and this one has not been used or tested. If your heating load is closer to that higher output, this is the unit to choose.
Dayton 5Pv27 Hydronic Unit Heater
The 5Pv27 is the more compact option, standing 27-3/4 inches tall and 23-3/8 inches wide. It still delivers 2,200 CFM of airflow, but with lower heating output: 144,000 BtuH on steam and 104,000 BtuH on water. That means it will handle a lighter heat load than the 5Pv33, so it is best suited to spaces that do not need the higher output. It also comes with the same open-box new/other listing type, and has not been used or tested. If your priority is a smaller footprint and you can work with a lower output, this is the model to consider.
Final Choice by Use Case
For a space with a high heating demand, the Dayton 5Pv33 Hydronic Unit Heater at USD 1,500 is the appropriate pick because its steam and water outputs are the highest in this pair. For a space that can be heated by 144,000 BtuH on steam or 104,000 BtuH on water, the Dayton 5Pv27 Hydronic Unit Heater at USD 769 offers the lower listed price and a smaller package. Since both units move the same 2,200 CFM, the decision comes down to heat load and clearance.
