| No question you can expand the use and | | | | during shipping can loosen parts. To be safe, |
| enjoyment of your patio or deck with an LP patio | | | | thoroughly check for leaks before firing up the |
| heater. However, they generate high heat from | | | | unit and gathering everyone around. |
| gas, so are they safe? | | | | Be sure to complete all assembly steps and not |
| It depends on what level of safety you are | | | | to force parts together. If assembling appliances is |
| looking for. If you want guaranteed safety, do | | | | not your cup of tea, this would be a good time to |
| not buy an outdoor patio heater. Likewise, do not | | | | offer a cup to someone who has the right skill |
| live in a home equipped with gas or electric heat, | | | | set. |
| get rid of all appliances, and trade your car for a | | | | Outdoor patio heaters should not be used indoors, |
| horse. | | | | as every owner's manual will state. Indoor |
| Guaranteed safety does not exist in anything, | | | | fireplaces have chimneys for a reason. Burning |
| outdoor patio heaters and horses included. As with | | | | anything requires proper ventilation, and patio |
| any appliance, machine or device, safety ultimately | | | | heaters are not equipped with a chimney. |
| is determined by the way we use it. Common | | | | Combustion of propane creates carbon monoxide, |
| sense precautions, such as those presented here, | | | | which, in enclosed areas, can kill you. |
| will help ensure the safe enjoyment of this | | | | The importance of maintaining the manufacturer's |
| product for many years. | | | | recommended clearance from combustible |
| Most likely you will connect your LP (propane) | | | | materials cannot be overstated. Generally, at least |
| heater to a 20lb propane cylinder, what most | | | | 3' is needed. On patios and decks, this includes |
| people use with their gas grill. Rest assured that | | | | overhanging trees and shrubs, siding, children's |
| propane tanks are virtually indestructible. You | | | | toys, paper plates, clothing.... |
| would have a very hard time blowing up a | | | | Some materials require much more clearance, |
| propane tank even if you tried. | | | | such as gasoline, paint and other flammable |
| More important for our discussion are the | | | | vapors and liquids. |
| connections between the tank and heater, as well | | | | The dome and burner of an outdoor patio heater |
| as the flame that is involved. Faulty connections | | | | are extremely hot during operation. The surface |
| can produce gas leaks, which are very dangerous, | | | | of a heater's emitter can reach temperatures |
| as are poorly managed flames from any source. | | | | approaching 1600 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| A good idea is not to use a dented or rusted | | | | Therefore, take special care with children and |
| propane tank, or one with a damaged valve, collar | | | | pets. Alert children and adults to the hazard of |
| or footing. | | | | high temperature and demand they not touch or |
| Should you smell gas, shut off the gas and | | | | get close to the heater. Likewise, you should not |
| extinguish the flame. If the odor continues, | | | | try to move a patio heater when in use, and |
| contact your gas supplier or fire department. | | | | never leave a lit patio heater unattended. |
| They will be able to restore safety and peace of | | | | Be sure to place your heater on a hard, level and |
| mind. | | | | stable surface and not to use it when winds |
| In addition to smell, there are effective ways to | | | | exceed 10 mph. Although well-made units are |
| test for leaks, including brushing soapy water on | | | | equipped with an automatic tilt shut-off switch, it |
| all gas connections (with tank valve open). If this | | | | will not prevent injury should the heater land on |
| creates bubbles, you have a leak. Manufacturers | | | | someone. Also, extra wind may douse the flame |
| may provide other testing guidelines, which you | | | | and allow gas to escape. |
| should follow. | | | | Are propane patio heaters safe? Yes. Higher |
| It is a good bet they will not include using | | | | industry standards and expanded regulations have |
| matches or lighters, or smoking and consuming | | | | greatly enhanced the fundamental safety of |
| adult beverages while checking for leaks. If unsure | | | | outdoor patio heaters and propane usage. A |
| why that is, please obtain a restraining order from | | | | better question is whether the person using these |
| any gas heater, grill or appliance. | | | | products is safety minded, which you are if you |
| Generally, new patio heaters require some | | | | have read this far. For you, therefore, propane |
| assembly. Although top manufacturers usually | | | | patio heaters are safe. |
| check factory connections for leaks, movement | | | | |