Are Propane Patio Heaters Safe Or Not?

An outdoor patio heater allows you to enjoy your patio or deck year round, especially when there is a chill in the air. LP (propane) patio heaters are particularly popular. However, since they involve a flame, high heat, and gas to fuel the flame, how safe are they?

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.

The most common propane source for patio heaters is the traditional, reliable 20 lb. propane cylinder used for years with outdoor gas grills. It should ease your mind to know that it would take a great deal of conscious, tireless effort for you to explode a propane cylinder. It just does not happen very easily.

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.

Should you smell gas, shut off the gas and extinguish the flame. If the odor continues, contact your gas supplier or fire department. They will be able to restore safety and peace of mind.

In addition to smell, there are effective ways to test for leaks, including brushing soapy water on all gas connections (with tank valve open). If this creates bubbles, you have a leak. Manufacturers may provide other testing guidelines, which you should follow.

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.

Just because some homes have an indoor fireplace does not mean that it is safe to operate an outdoor patio heater indoors. The big difference, of course, is ventilation. Fireplaces have chimneys that serve to control and expel unhealthy biproducts of the fire. An outdoor patio heater does not come with a chimney. In fact, propane patio heaters produce carbon monoxide, which means nothing if the heater is outdoors on the patio or deck. Inside in an enclosed area, however, carbon monixide can accumulate and take your life.

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.

It goes without saying, keeping children and pets away from hot surfaces is important. Adults need to be reminded as well. Fortunately, a patio heater's height keeps the dome and burner area out of reach for many children. Even so, adults and children should be warned about the hazard of touching that part of the heater. Protect yourself as well by not moving the heater while it is in operation. Certainly take care not ever to leave the heater burning and unattended.

Quality made patio heaters are equipped with automatic shut-off switches that turn them off should they tilt. That will not eliminate every undesirable thing that could happen should the unit topple. To really be safe, do not use the heater if winds exceed 10 mph. Also, make sure the unit is sitting on a hard, level and stable surface.

Are propane patio heaters safe? Yes. Higher industry standards and expanded regulations have greatly enhanced the fundamental safety of outdoor patio heaters and propane usage. A better question is whether the person using these products is safety minded, which you are if you have read this far. For you, therefore, propane patio heaters are safe.

Chris Basher is recognized as an authority on outdoor patio heaters , fire pits, outdoor patio fireplaces, and other backyard products. He is the owner of www.FirePitNow.com, an outstanding online place to find these and other related products. For other valuable, free information regarding outdoor patio heaters and similar products, take a moment to check out his website.