Are Propane Patio Heaters Safe Or Not?

Lots of people are turning to outdoor patio heaters so they may enjoy their backyard patio or deck even when the weather turns cold. Inasmuch as propane patio heaters involve connecting to a propane tank to generate a flame that produces high heat, should one be concerned with their safety?

Of course, there probably is not anything that is perfectly safe. If that is what you are looking for, forget any kind of patio heater. For that matter, you should have your gas or electric furnace removed, as well as any appliances. You also should buy a horse and give your car away.

Guaranteed safety does not exist in anything, outdoor patio heaters and horses included. As with any appliance, machine or device, safety ultimately is determined by the way we use it. Common sense precautions, such as those presented here, will help ensure the safe enjoyment of your patio heater for many years.

Most likely you will connect your LP (propane) heater to a 20lb propane cylinder, what most people use with their gas grill. Rest assured that propane tanks are virtually indestructible. You would have a very hard time blowing up a propane tank even if you tried.

The connections between a patio heater and propane tank should receive more attention, because if they are faulty, a gas leak may result. A burning flame, no matter how it is fueled, also should demand attention. This is not to say that old rusted, dented or otherwise damaged propane cylinders, valves, collars or footings should ever be used. They should not, because of the increased likelihood of a gas leak.

Do not hesitate if there is a gaseous odor. Turn the gas off and extinguish the flame. If you continue to smell gas, you would be smart to call your gas supplier or fire department. They know how to correct the situation and ensure safety.

There are other perhaps more reliable ways to test for gas leaks than checking for odors. For example, if you open the gas valve and spread soapy water over places where the hose connects to the propane cylinder and heater, a gas leak will show itself in the form of bubbles. Other methods may be recommended by the manufacturer. Definitely do not ignore guidelines and instructions in the owner's manual.

It is a good bet they will not include using matches or lighters, or smoking and consuming adult beverages while checking for leaks. If unsure why that is, please obtain a restraining order from any gas heater, grill or appliance.

Movement during shipping can loosen parts and connections, so it is wise to thoroughly check every connection for leaks, even if you are sure the manufacturer does this. Usually there is some assembly needed when you unpack your new patio heater.

When you put things together, if you are one of those persons who, despite intense concentration and pure intention, somehow end up with extra parts laying around, this would be a good time to lay around while someone else makes sure the heater is assembled correctly.

Outdoor patio heaters should not be used indoors, as every owner's manual will state. Indoor fireplaces have chimneys for a reason. Burning anything requires proper ventilation, and patio heaters are not equipped with a chimney. Combustion of propane creates carbon monoxide, which, in enclosed areas, can kill you.

Another common sense precaution is to keep things away from the heater that could catch fire. Clothing, paper products, toys, the siding on your house, shrubs and other vegetation are all examples of things you should keep at least three feet from the heater. If the manufacturer recommends greater clearance than that, then follow those guidelines. For instance, materials such as gasoline, paint, and other flammable liquids and vapors require far greater clearance.

The surface around the patio heater's dome and burner becomes extremely hot. Temperatures approaching 1600 Fahrenheit are possible on the heater's emitter.

Alert everyone, therefore, of the high temperature, especially children. Set clear boundaries for not touching or getting too close to the heater. Then, listen to your own advice, such as not trying to move a patio heater while it is in operation. As you may expect, leaving a patio heater unattended while it is lit just does not make sense.

Manufacturers usually recommend not using a patio heater if there are winds in excess of 10 mph. That is good advice. So is placing your heater on a stable, hard and level surface. Following these two guidelines will eliminate all kinds of risks should the heater fall over. Well-made units have automatic shut-off switches, but they do not eliminate every potentiality.

If you are the person planning to operate and supervise its use, and you have read this far, the original question about the safety of a propane patio heater may now be answered with some confidence. Industry standards and expanded regulations pretty much ensure this product is safe coming out of the box. That you are safety conscious and willing to learn common sense precautions should ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for many years.

Chris Basher is considered an authority on outdoor patio heaters , fire pits, outdoor patio fireplaces, and other backyard products. He is the owner of www.FirePitNow.com, a unique online source for these and other related products. For other helpful, free information regarding outdoor patio heaters and similar items, take a moment to check out his website.

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