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?

You should not be considering an outdoor patio heater if you want perfect guaranteed safety. For the same reason, you should not purchase any kind of electric or gas appliance, furnace, hot water heater or similar product. Gas or electric powered cars? Better to saddle a horse.

Ultimately, no one can guarantee anything is perfectly safe, including patio heaters and horses. However, the way we use that patio heater or horse is a huge determining factor in its safety. Learning and following common sense safety measures, such as those presented here, will go a long way toward making sure your experience is a safe and enjoyable one.

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.

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.

Smell is not the only test for gas leaks. Applying soap and water to connection points with the gas valve open will create visible bubbling where there is a leak. Owner's manuals may suggest other ways to test for leaks. One very important and often overlooked precaution is to read and follow owner's manual guidelines.

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.

Be sure to complete all assembly steps and not to force parts together. If assembling appliances is not your cup of tea, this would be a good time to offer a cup to someone who has the right skill set.

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.

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.

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 considered an expert on outdoor patio heaters , fire pits, outdoor patio fireplaces, and other backyard products. He is the owner of www.FirePitNow.com, a unique Internet place to find these and similar products. For other helpful, free information regarding outdoor patio heaters and similar products, take a moment to check out his website.