There’s no question that you can expand the use and enjoyment of your patio or deck with an LP patio heater. However, they do generate a lot of heat from the gas, so are they safe?
It depends on the level of security you are looking for. If you want guaranteed safety, don’t buy an outdoor patio heater. Similarly, don’t live in a house equipped with gas or electric heat, get rid of all appliances and trade in your car for a horse.
Guaranteed security does not exist in anything, outdoor patio heaters and horses included. As with any appliance, machine, or device, safety is ultimately determined by how we use it. Common sense precautions, such as those presented here, will help ensure years of safe enjoyment of this product.
You will most likely be hooking up your LP (propane) heater to a 20lb propane cylinder, which most people use with their gas grill. Rest assured, propane tanks are virtually indestructible. You would find it very difficult to inflate a propane tank even if you tried.
More important to our discussion are the connections between the tank and the heater, as well as the flame involved. Faulty connections can lead to gas leaks, which are very dangerous, as can poorly managed flames from any source. It’s a good idea not to use a dented or rusted propane tank, or one with a damaged valve, collar, or base.
If you smell gas, turn off the gas and extinguish the flame. If the odor continues, contact your gas supplier or fire department. They will be able to restore security and tranquility.
In addition to smell, there are effective ways to test for leaks, including brushing all gas connections with soapy water (with the tank valve open). If this creates bubbles, you have a leak. Manufacturers may provide other testing guidelines, which you should follow.
It’s a good bet that they won’t include the use of matches or lighters, smoking, or consuming adult beverages while checking for leaks. If you’re not sure why, get a restraining order on any gas heater, grill, or appliance.
New patio heaters typically require some assembly. Although major manufacturers generally check factory connections for leaks, movement during shipping can loosen parts. To be safe, check thoroughly for leaks before turning on the unit and gather everyone around.
Be sure to complete all assembly steps and not force parts together. If assembling appliances isn’t your cup of tea, now would be a good time to offer a cup to someone with the right skills.
Outdoor patio heaters should not be used indoors, as each owner’s manual states. Indoor fireplaces have fireplaces for a reason. Burning anything requires proper ventilation and patio heaters are not equipped with a chimney. Burning propane creates carbon monoxide, which, in closed areas, can kill you.
The importance of maintaining the distance recommended by the manufacturer from combustible materials cannot be underestimated. Generally, at least 3′ are needed. On patios and decks, this includes overhanging trees and shrubs, siding, children’s toys, paper plates, clothing…
Some materials require much more clearance, such as gasoline, paint, and other flammable vapors and liquids.
The dome and burner of an outdoor patio heater are extremely hot during operation. The emitter surface of a heater can reach temperatures approaching 1600 degrees Fahrenheit.
Therefore, be especially careful around children and pets. Alert children and adults to the danger of high temperatures and ask them not to touch or go near the heater. Similarly, you should not attempt to move a patio heater when it is in use and never leave a patio heater running unattended.
Be sure to place your heater on a hard, level, stable surface and do not use it when winds exceed 10 mph. Although well-built units are equipped with an automatic tilt shutoff switch, it will not prevent injury if the heater falls on someone. Also, the extra wind can blow out the flame and allow the gas to escape.
Are propane patio heaters safe? Yes. Higher industry standards and expanded regulations have greatly improved the fundamental safety of outdoor patio heaters and propane use. A better question is whether the person using these products has a security mindset, which is what you do if you’ve read this far. For you, therefore, propane patio heaters are safe.