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Why Do Patio Heaters Stop Working?

Published on
5 min read
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Best Patio Heater Parts to Buy in February 2026

1 Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater with Wheels, Commercial & Residential, Havana Bronze, with Water Tank, 32.1 x 32.1 x 91.3 inches (LxWxH)

Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater with Wheels, Commercial & Residential, Havana Bronze, with Water Tank, 32.1 x 32.1 x 91.3 inches (LxWxH)

  • COZY WARMTH FOR OUTDOOR SETTINGS: IDEAL FOR CAFES AND PATIOS.
  • EFFORTLESS SETUP: ONE-TOUCH IGNITION AND EASY MOBILITY WITH WHEELS.
  • POWERFUL 46,000 BTUS: HEATS UP TO 18 FEET, ADJUSTABLE TEMP CONTROL.
BUY & SAVE
$118.99 $134.99
Save 12%
Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater with Wheels, Commercial & Residential, Havana Bronze, with Water Tank, 32.1 x 32.1 x 91.3 inches (LxWxH)
2 EAST OAK 48,000 BTU Pyramid Patio Heater, Quartz Glass Tube Propane Outdoor Heater with Wheels, Triple Safety Protection, 2025 Upgrade for Home, Backyard & Commercial Spaces, Bronze

EAST OAK 48,000 BTU Pyramid Patio Heater, Quartz Glass Tube Propane Outdoor Heater with Wheels, Triple Safety Protection, 2025 Upgrade for Home, Backyard & Commercial Spaces, Bronze

  • STRONG 48,000 BTU OUTPUT: HEATS LARGE OUTDOOR SPACES EFFICIENTLY.
  • DURABLE DESIGN: PREMIUM, RUST-RESISTANT ALUMINUM FOR LONG-LASTING USE.
  • TRIPLE SAFETY FEATURES: ANTI-TIP AND AUTO-SHUTOFF FOR PEACE OF MIND.
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$239.99
EAST OAK 48,000 BTU Pyramid Patio Heater, Quartz Glass Tube Propane Outdoor Heater with Wheels, Triple Safety Protection, 2025 Upgrade for Home, Backyard & Commercial Spaces, Bronze
3 EAST OAK 55,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Round Table & Stainless Steel Burner, Outdoor Heater with Wheels, Ideal For Large Patios, Gardens, Outdoor Events, and Commercial Use, Bronze

EAST OAK 55,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Round Table & Stainless Steel Burner, Outdoor Heater with Wheels, Ideal For Large Patios, Gardens, Outdoor Events, and Commercial Use, Bronze

  • EFFICIENT 55,000 BTU HEAT: ENJOY POWERFUL WARMTH FOR ANY OUTDOOR EVENT.

  • QUICK 5-SECOND IGNITION: START HEATING INSTANTLY WITH ONE-TOUCH IGNITION.

  • DOUBLE SAFETY PROTECTION: ENHANCED SAFETY WITH TIP-OVER AND FLAME-OUT SYSTEMS.

BUY & SAVE
$159.99
EAST OAK 55,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater with Round Table & Stainless Steel Burner, Outdoor Heater with Wheels, Ideal For Large Patios, Gardens, Outdoor Events, and Commercial Use, Bronze
4 EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Patio Heater for Outdoor Use With Round Table Design, Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner and Wheels, Outdoor Patio Heater for Home and Commercial, Bronze, 31.9" x 31.9" x 86.6"

EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Patio Heater for Outdoor Use With Round Table Design, Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner and Wheels, Outdoor Patio Heater for Home and Commercial, Bronze, 31.9" x 31.9" x 86.6"

  • 50,000 BTU POWER: HEATS UP TO 20 FEET FOR ULTIMATE OUTDOOR COMFORT.

  • DURABLE DESIGN: DOUBLE-LAYER MESH INCREASES DURABILITY AND LIFESPAN BY 20%.

  • SAFETY FIRST: TIP-OVER AND FLAME-OUT PROTECTION FOR PEACE OF MIND.

BUY & SAVE
$148.87
EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Patio Heater for Outdoor Use With Round Table Design, Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner and Wheels, Outdoor Patio Heater for Home and Commercial, Bronze, 31.9" x 31.9" x 86.6"
5 EAST OAK Anti-rust 50,000 BTU Patio Heater for Outdoor Use With Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner, Round Table Design and Wheels, Outdoor Patio Heater for Home and Commercial, Stainless Steel

EAST OAK Anti-rust 50,000 BTU Patio Heater for Outdoor Use With Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner, Round Table Design and Wheels, Outdoor Patio Heater for Home and Commercial, Stainless Steel

  • 50,000 BTU POWER: HEATS UP TO 20-FT DIAMETER FOR COZY OUTDOOR SPACES!

  • DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL: WATERPROOF, SCRATCH-RESISTANT & EASY TO CLEAN!

  • SAFETY FIRST: TIP-OVER & FLAME-OUT PROTECTIONS FOR WORRY-FREE USE!

BUY & SAVE
$149.98 $179.99
Save 17%
EAST OAK Anti-rust 50,000 BTU Patio Heater for Outdoor Use With Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner, Round Table Design and Wheels, Outdoor Patio Heater for Home and Commercial, Stainless Steel
6 DIAMONDFORGE 50,000 BTU Patio Heater - Propane Patio Heater with Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner, Space Heater, Outdoor Heaters with Wheels Used for Garden, Patio and Residential, Brown

DIAMONDFORGE 50,000 BTU Patio Heater - Propane Patio Heater with Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner, Space Heater, Outdoor Heaters with Wheels Used for Garden, Patio and Residential, Brown

  • POWERFUL 50,000 BTU HEAT: HEATS 20 FT RADIUS; PERFECT FOR OUTDOOR GATHERINGS!
  • DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL: 20% LONGER LIFESPAN; BUILT TO WITHSTAND THE ELEMENTS.
  • WINDPROOF & SAFE: STABLE DESIGN WITH SAFETY FEATURES FOR WORRY-FREE USE.
BUY & SAVE
$143.83
DIAMONDFORGE 50,000 BTU Patio Heater - Propane Patio Heater with Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner, Space Heater, Outdoor Heaters with Wheels Used for Garden, Patio and Residential, Brown
7 Hykolity 50,000 BTU Patio Heater with Sand Box, Table Design, Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner, Wheels, Tip-over Protection System, Outdoor Heater for Home and Residential, Brown

Hykolity 50,000 BTU Patio Heater with Sand Box, Table Design, Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner, Wheels, Tip-over Protection System, Outdoor Heater for Home and Residential, Brown

  • QUICK, ONE-PRESS IGNITION FOR EFFORTLESS, INSTANT WARMTH OUTDOORS.
  • DURABLE DOUBLE-LAYER STAINLESS STEEL ENSURES LONG-LASTING SAFETY.
  • PORTABLE DESIGN WITH WHEELS MAKES IT PERFECT FOR ANY OUTDOOR EVENT.
BUY & SAVE
$119.99 $139.99
Save 14%
Hykolity 50,000 BTU Patio Heater with Sand Box, Table Design, Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner, Wheels, Tip-over Protection System, Outdoor Heater for Home and Residential, Brown
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ONE MORE?

Patio heaters are a popular addition to outdoor spaces, as they provide warmth and comfort during chilly evenings or cold seasons. However, like any other appliance, patio heaters can encounter issues and stop working. Several common reasons can lead to the malfunctioning of patio heaters.

  1. Propane Supply: Most patio heaters use propane as fuel, and if the propane tank is empty or low, the heater will not work. It is important to check and ensure that there is enough propane in the tank before operating the patio heater.
  2. Pilot Light Problems: In some cases, the pilot light may not ignite or stay lit, leading to a dysfunctional patio heater. If the pilot light goes out, it could be due to a clogged orifice or a faulty thermocouple. Cleaning or replacing these components can often resolve the issue.
  3. Gas Pressure Issues: Patio heaters require a certain gas pressure to function properly. If the gas pressure is too high or too low, it can prevent the heater from working effectively. Gas pressure problems may be caused by issues with the regulator or gas supply lines.
  4. Faulty Igniter: The igniter is responsible for starting the flame in the patio heater. If the igniter is malfunctioning or broken, it will prevent the patio heater from turning on. Replacing the igniter can solve this problem.
  5. Clogged Burner: Over time, the burner tube and emitter screen of a patio heater can accumulate debris, dust, or insects, leading to clogs. These clogs can obstruct the flow of gas, causing the heater to stop working. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent this issue.
  6. Electric Connection Problems: Electric patio heaters may experience difficulties due to issues with the power source or the wiring. Poor connections, disconnected cords, or blown fuses can result in a non-functional patio heater.
  7. Safety Features: Some patio heaters are equipped with safety features that automatically shut off the heater if certain conditions are not met. This could include an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) or a tilt switch. If these safety mechanisms are triggered, the patio heater may cease to function until the issue is resolved.

It is recommended to consult the manufacturer's instructions or contact a professional technician if a patio heater stops working. They can diagnose and repair the specific problem or replace any faulty components to ensure the heater is safe and functional again.

Is a clogged fuel line a common cause for patio heaters to stop working?

A clogged fuel line can indeed be a common cause for patio heaters to stop working. Patio heaters typically run on propane or natural gas, and over time, these fuel lines can become clogged with debris or residue. This can occur due to the accumulation of dirt, rust, or sediment within the gas line, or even due to insects or spiders building nests inside the line. When the fuel line gets clogged, it restricts the flow of gas to the burners, resulting in the patio heater not functioning properly or not igniting at all. In such cases, it is essential to clean or unclog the fuel line to restore its proper functioning.

Can wear and tear on the heating element cause a patio heater to stop working effectively?

Yes, wear and tear on the heating element can definitely cause a patio heater to stop working effectively. The heating element is a crucial component that provides the heat necessary for the heater to function properly. Over time, it can become damaged or worn out due to various factors such as regular usage, exposure to harsh weather conditions, or poor maintenance. This can lead to reduced heat output, inefficient heating, or even a complete failure of the patio heater to generate heat. It is important to regularly inspect and maintain the heating element to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the patio heater.

Can gas leaks cause a patio heater to stop working or become unsafe?

Yes, gas leaks can cause a patio heater to stop working and become unsafe. Gas leaks can lead to a decrease in gas supply and consequently hinder the proper functioning of the patio heater. Moreover, gas leaks are highly flammable and can increase the risk of fire or explosion. In addition, inhaling gas fumes can be harmful to health. Hence, it is crucial to ensure that there are no gas leaks and to promptly address any suspected gas leaks by a qualified professional.

Can installation errors affect the functionality of a patio heater and cause it to stop working?

Yes, installation errors can affect the functionality of a patio heater and cause it to stop working. Poor installation can result in improper gas or electrical connections, inadequate ventilation, or insufficient or incorrect assembly of components. These errors can lead to gas leaks, malfunctioning ignition systems, improper heat output, or even safety hazards. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines during installation to ensure proper functionality and safety of the patio heater.