How to solve some common problems of Patio heaters

Climate plays a major role in outdoor entertainment; from tropical rainstorms to Midwestern winters predicting weather conditions is no easy. However, this shouldn't stop you from having a great fun time with your loved ones. When unpleasant cold kick in, outdoor patio heaters will keep you snug, while uplifting the look of your backyard. Chances are you might experience some issues from time to time, which may be a cinch. On that rare occasion, when your patio heater requires an overhaul, these troubleshooting techniques is said to help.

  • Low flame burner - Low gas pressure, bent or kinked supply hose or blockage in the orifice or pilot tube may be the causes of low flame. In this case, you need to turn off the cylinder valve and replace them; straighten the hose; check for bugs and spiders inside the pilot assembly valve, venturi tube, burner ports and remove them. Sometimes, if the outdoor temperature is less than 40°F and the tank is less than 1/4 full, then the chances for low flame is high, in this case you need to use a full cylinder.
  • Cleaning carbon build-up in pilot tube - The mesh around the pilot button and igniter should be removed first, along with the screws on top and bottom of the panel. As you do that, you will be able to see the interior guts of the unit, which is mechanically coined as pilot tube adjustment. Carbon build-up in that brass tube is what makes the propane from getting to the top, so clean it.

  • Regulator does not fit onto gas cylinder - the probable cause of this problem is because you may not be using the right gas cylinder. Fix it.

  • Freezing of regulator - One of the difficult problems inflicting a regulator to freeze up is due to liquid propane entering and passing through the control device. In that event, you will have to ensure that cylinders and tanks are located and positioned as designed for use, such that it is kept out of the regulator and downstream appliances designed to work with propane vapor. Considering that this is quite complex, unfortunately, these conditions cannot always be brought about, it is imperative to seek professional advice, when it comes to regulator freeze up and know the circumstance and steps to prevent them.

  • Patio heater not igniting - As with igniting concerns, you should first see whether you are getting a spark on the head of the igniter. If yes, then see whether the pilot light is burning, if it is not lit, then check for blockages if any. Remove the emitter and manually light the pilot light, don't forget to hold the control knob in the pilot position as you do that. If this isn't working, then while still holding the control knob, warm up the thermocouple for 30 seconds approximately and then move the control knob to low flame and try lighting the main burner. When it gets light, turn it to full say for 5 minutes. Doing so, will go out or burn off dust blockage caused and it should work fine. If it still persists, then you will have to remove the hose from the end of the unit, while also taking off control unit from top pole. The control knob should be pushed into the pilot position, as you hold it down, blow air up the pipe where the hose was joined. This will take out dirt and debris build up blocking the pilot light and allow the gas to flow. On the other hand, if you are not getting a spark, then the igniter might have moved in transit, if this is the case, then you should remove the emitter which will expose the ignition system. Without touching it, move the electrode closer to the spark guard, if still you don't get a spark then replacement is the only choice.

Whether you need some extra heat on those spring evenings or just wanted to have it as a style statement, patio heaters are a useful addition to your yards or outdoor areas. Irrespective of the type of heater you own, be it an electric heater, propane heater or a natural gas heater, each has its own troubleshooting techniques, so always refer the manual for general safety information.

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