Outdoor Patio Heater: Maintenance & Safety Checklists

Propane outdoor patio heater

Outdoor patio heater is the favorite heating appliance if we want to extend the amount time which we have to luxuriate the outdoor areas around our house. There are available some types of fuel to operate this heater, but gas and electric are two dominant fuels that become favorite choice to operate it. It is usually designed will be operated at higher size (BTUs) since its outdoor operation that require the higher energy to heat open space. Like other commonly heating units, it has potential hazards that should be concerned carefully. Therefore, there are some safety procedures and proper maintenances which you should take precautions prior to using it.

The combustibles should far away from the unit (three feet is the minimal safety distance that recommended, particularly for the large units). Those combustible materials are easy to burn or catch fire, such as; cloths, lighters, hanging trees, paper, etc. The location to place and install the unit should be able of bearing its heavy weight. The place installation as much as possible should be also out of the wind in order to prevent the overheating incident. If you want to move the unit, make sure it has been turn off completely, and never try to move it while running! Don’t miss to keep the safe distance for children and your pets from the unit.

Like mentioned before, outdoor patio heaters are purposed for outdoor use, and therefore their sizes (BTUs) are relatively higher than indoor units. The point of this design is as possible never use them for enclosed environment purposes, because of to prevent the higher potential risk of starting a fire accident. And then, if your unit use gas either methane or propane as the source energy, make ensure the airflow works properly. Check the vents and ensure they are free from debris. In addition, the bad performance of vents will make the units cannot work powerfully or optimally.

Realizing that the heating units can result the unwanted hazard accidents, particularly if users ignore the safety procedures, there are many manufactures design their outdoor patio heater products with some safety features, such as; the electric starter feature that helpful to prevent a pilot light problem, the automatic shut-down feature that will make the unit turn off itself automatically when overheating, ODS (Oxygen Depletion Sensor) feature for gas units, etc.

Last but not least, the maintenance is not only helpful to make unit longer in lifetime but also useful to ensure the unit works optimally, properly, and safely. Below is helpful guide on how to give the proper maintenance to outdoor patio heaters:

1. The cleaning procedure should be done at least two times a year. Use a wet cloth to wipe down the stainless steel in order to keep its shine. We can use a wet cloth and warm soapy to make easy the cleaning process.
2. During the off period, the unit should be stored properly. We can use the patio heater cover to ensure the unit gets the best secure place.
3. If you use the gas unit, then ensure there are no leakages. Check the supply lines, hoses, and connections periodically. This procedure should be obeyed before and after using the unit.
4. The fire risk could be happen due to exposing the ashes to an influx of O2. Therefore, clean and remove the ashes and soot out of a fire-burning, particularly after operating the unit several times. A hand broom can be used to make easy the ashes cleaning process.
5. The last, if your unit is propane model, the pressurized tank is usually used to the propane fuel as source energy. The upright position is the recommended position to set the tank either while in use or while not in use. Check the valve and ensure it is still in good condition. Don’t use the excessive force while doing connections. Because the frequently excessive force could make the valves damage quickly.

Other articles: Green house heating, The right time to replace hot water heater, & Eco-friendly water heaters!

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