Patio Heater Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size propane tank do I need for my patio heater?

Most full size patio heaters use a standard 20 pound propane tank. These are the same type of tanks that are commonly used with BBQ grills.

Q: Does the propane tank come with my patio heater?

Propane tanks do not typically come with the patio heater and must be purchased separately.

Q: Where do I purchase a propane tank?

20-lb propane tanks are widely available at home improvement stores, gas stations, grocery stores, and elsewhere. Additionally, there are several propane tank exchange companies where the customer can simply exchange an empty tank for a full one. This is very quick and easy.

Q: How much clearance is required above my patio heater?

Patio heaters must have clearance on all sides. It is recommended that there be three feet above the unit and two feet on each side of the unit.

Q: Can I use my patio heater indoors?

Propane patio heaters are never to be used indoors. Electric patio heaters may be suitable for indoor/outdoor use. Always check the owner's manual for safe use of your particular unit.

Q: Can I shorten the post on my patio heater so the unit is not so tall?

You should never shorten the center post on the patio heater. Patio heaters are only to be used at their original height.

Q: There is a piece of foam inside the bottom of the burner assembly around the hose? Should I remove this?

Some patio heaters come with a piece of foam inside the bottom of the burner assembly around the hose. This foam should be removed before assembling the head unit to the top of the center post. The foam is in place to keep the gas hose from being cut during shipping.

Q: Can my propane patio heater be converted to natural gas?

Our patio heaters are manufactured and safety certified for LPG only and should not be altered in any way. To do so could cause irreparable damage to the unit. If your home has a natural gas hook up then you should consider purchasing our natural gas patio heater.

Q: What is a Piezo igniter?

Many patio heaters come with what is called a Piezo igniter.  A Piezo igniter is a hammer/quartz crystal mechanism. The igniter button is pressed which causes the hammer to strike the quartz crystal, creating a spark that ignites the propane. 

Q: Can my patio heater be used on a wooden deck?

Patio heaters can be used on wooden decks provided that they are never left unattended. Like any fire, a responsible adult must be present at all times during use.

Q: What is covered under warranty?

There is a warranty provided with each heater. This warranty is typically a one year warranty from the date of purchase. Warranty coverage is extended to damaged parts upon delivery and defective parts during the warranty period. The warranty does not cover normal wear due to use and weather related damage issues.

Q: Can I use my patio heater when it is windy?

It is recommended that you do not use a patio heater if wind conditions exceed 10 miles per hour. Wind will affect heat distribution/dispersion. Additionally, a heater should be secured to an immovable object whenever it is not in use and supervised, since wind can blow over a narrow vertical object.

Q: Will low temperatures affect my patio heater?

The composition of propane changes in temperatures below 40 degrees F. While the heater may function, it will not function efficiently and will produce less heat than in temperatures over 40 degrees F. 

Q: Can my patio heater be left in the rain and snow?

Patio heaters are outdoor products. However, leaving the heater exposed to the elements when not in use could cause the finish of the heater to deteriorate over time.

Q: Should I purchase a cover for my patio heater?

One excellent way to protect and extend the life of your patio heater is to purchase a cover. Covering your unit when not in use will keep your unit looking new by protecting it from the elements and also keep dust, moisture and bugs out of the burner assembly. It should be noted that a cover can act like a sail if the wind catches it so use caution when leaving covered patio heater unattended. Move the heater to an area protected from the wind or secure the heater to something immobile to keep the heater from blowing over.

Q: What size propane canister is used on a table top patio heater?

Table top patio heaters use a one pound propane canister that can be purchased at most home improvement stores.

Q: Can I use a 20 lb. propane tank with my table top patio heater?

There is an adapter hose available for purchase so that a table top patio heater can use a 20 pound propane tank.

Q: How does an infrared patio heater work?

Electric infrared patio heaters are a popular choice and an excellent alternative to gas heaters. Infrared patio heaters are electrical heaters that utilize an infrared bulb to heat the object within the glow of the bulb.  It does not heat the air so it is not affected by wind. Electric infrared patio heaters are very inexpensive to operate as compared to gas heaters.

Q: How much does it cost to operate?

A 1500 watt electric infrared patio heater costs approximately 29 cents an hour to operate.

Q: Can it be operated in the rain?

Because infrared heaters are an electrical appliance, it is not recommended that they be used in the rain as there could be risk of electrocution.  

Q: Do infrared patio heaters require special wiring?

A 1500 watt electric infrared patio heater draws close to 14 amps.  It is recommended that it be on a dedicated line with no other appliances.  A 20 amp circuit breaker is ideal.

Q: Which is hotter, infrared or halogen?

Infrared patio heaters have a more intense heat output than halogen patio heaters.