How Does a Patio Heater Work? A Look at the Inner Workings

Basic steps to repair all types of heaters

1. Check the Fuel Source

• Electric: Make sure the breaker is on
• Natural Gas: Make sure there is no kink in the gas line
• Propane: Make sure the cylinder isn’t empty and regulator is on and working OK

2. Clear Debris

• Clear debris around the burner pilot

3. Check for Critters and Evict Them

• Especially on first use in the season
• Bugs and small animals tend to nest in heaters

4. Check the Gas Tank

• Make sure there’s fuel in the cylinder
• Ensure that the regulator is fitted correctly and that it’s the right type for the cylinder
• Note: Cold weather (below 6° Fahrenheit) requires use of a propane cylinder, as butane struggles at low temperatures

5. Vent the Gas Hose

Turn the gas cylinder ON, turn the gas knob to “pilot” and hold for 90 seconds
• Turn the gas knob to “On” but don’t light it, then turn to “Off”
• Finally, turn back to “Pilot,” click on the ignitor and hold for 30 seconds.
• Slowly release the button and try not to shake the pole (on some heaters this is an issue)

6. Check the Burner

• Remove the LPG hose and check for a blockage
• If you can, use a blower to blow through the LPG hose to be sure it’s clear
• Remove the flame emitter screen (remove the screws holding it in place)
• Check the piezo ignitor spark and thermocouple for signs of carbon build-up
• Clean any carbon build-up, debris, insects, or water from the area

4. Check the Ignition/Test that the Piezo is Sparking Properly

• Test that the piezo is sparking properly
• Turn the gas OFF and push the igniter, you should see a spark
• Test the piezo by removing the ignition lead at the rear of the ignitor, place your thumb over the end and press the red button… you should feel a small sting. Replace the ignition lead
• Igniter should be close to the thermocouple. If it has become dislodged adjust it until the spark is closer to the thermocouple
• If igniter isn’t sparking, a new igniter should be ordered from the manufacturer and replaced in the unit (universal patio heater ignitors are also available)

5. Check the Anti-Tilt Switch

• If your heater has a tilt switch, it is intended to prevent the LP gas from entering the control valve if it senses that the unit has tipped
• Older heaters have a factory fitted mercury tilt switch, while newer models have a mechanical tilt switch type A (very simple to replace)
• If found to be faulty, replace the tilt switch

6. Replace Defective Valves

• Remove the electromagnetic valve (typically at the rear of the gas control valve)
• Inspect for damage
• There is no real test; these valves can be damaged by frost and weather
• Replace the valve with a new one

7. Check all of the Connections, Perform a Leakage Test

• Make a soapy solution of one part dishwashing soap and one part water
• Apply the solution (with a clean spray bottle or a clean paint brush)
• Turn on the LP gas supply, but DO NOT light the burner (make sure the valve is OFF on the heater)
• If a leak is found, tighten any fittings and use plumber’s tape to seal
• Retest the newly sealed fitting until no leaks are present
• Make sure the gas is OFF, push the igniter… you should see a spark
• No spark? Remove the ignition lead on the rear of the ignitor and place your thumb over the end of the igniter and push the ignite button… you should feel a little sting
• Make sure that the igniter is close to the thermocouple, use some pliers to move it closer if it seems to be dislodged
• If still not igniting, a new igniter should be purchased (either from the manufacturer directly or by purchasing a universal patio heater igniter)

Heater won’t start, or gives off less heat than normal

• Turn OFF the gas
• Remove the emitter screen (typically a few screws hold it on)
• DO NOT USE WATER or a damp cloth to clean your heater; use compressed air or a pipe or straw brush
• Clean off the emitter screen and the ignition element

If still not fixed, you may have a damaged gas line.

1. Visually inspect the gas lines for cracks, kinks or other abnormalities.

2. Perform a leakage test

• Make a soapy solution of one part dishwashing soap and one part water
• Apply the solution (with a clean spray bottle or a clean paint brush)
• Turn on the LP gas supply, but DO NOT light the burner (make sure the valve is OFF on the heater)
• If a leak is found, tighten any fittings and use plumber’s tape to seal
• Retest the newly sealed fitting until no leaks are present
• If you have damaged gas lines, replace them

Repairing an electric patio heater

1. Ummm… is it plugged in?

• If your patio heater plugs in to current, verify that the cord is solidly seated

2. Check the fuse

• Many electric patio heaters come with built-in fuses to protect the system from accidental overloads
• Check the fuse and replace it if necessary
• If your heater blows fuses frequently, there is an underlying problem that needs to be fixed (or it’s time for a replacement heater)

3. Reset the Reset

• Some electric patio heaters have reset buttons (think of a circuit breaker reset) …
• Push it and restart your heater

4. Heating Element Issues

• Heating elements in electric patio heaters aren’t meant to last forever – for most heaters, the expected lifetime is up to 5,000 hours
• Check your element to see if it is damaged
• No physical damage? Switch off the power and check the connections of the element
• If you have the ability, check the resistance of the element (should be around 10 ohms)
• If not functioning at this point, replace the element with a new one from the manufacturer