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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 January 2026

1 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

  • POWERFUL 55,000 BTU HEAT: EFFICIENT WARMTH FOR COZY OUTDOOR GATHERINGS.

  • QUICK 5-SECOND IGNITION: EASY START WITH ADJUSTABLE HEAT SETTINGS.

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

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
2 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 OUTDOOR WARMTH: PERFECT FOR CAFES, RESTAURANTS, AND PATIOS.
  • QUICK SETUP: ONE-TOUCH IGNITION AND WHEELS FOR EASY MANEUVERING.
  • POWERFUL 46,000 BTUS: ADJUSTABLE HEAT FOR AN 18-FOOT RADIUS.
BUY & SAVE
$131.49
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)
3 DoCred Patio Pellet Heater, 71" H Wood Pellet Heaters Including Thickened Base with Wheels, Smokeless Glass Fire Tube Heater Outdoor Metal Fire Pit for Patio, Backyard, Camping, Porch & Garden

DoCred Patio Pellet Heater, 71" H Wood Pellet Heaters Including Thickened Base with Wheels, Smokeless Glass Fire Tube Heater Outdoor Metal Fire Pit for Patio, Backyard, Camping, Porch & Garden

  • SMOKELESS & ECO-FRIENDLY: ENJOY WARMTH WITH LOW EMISSIONS USING HARDWOOD PELLETS.

  • STURDY & MOBILE DESIGN: HEAVY-DUTY BASE AND WHEELS FOR EASY RELOCATION ANYWHERE.

  • AMBIANCE & HEAT COMBINED: CREATE A ROMANTIC SETTING WITH FLICKERING FLAMES AND WARMTH.

BUY & SAVE
$169.91 $179.91
Save 6%
DoCred Patio Pellet Heater, 71" H Wood Pellet Heaters Including Thickened Base with Wheels, Smokeless Glass Fire Tube Heater Outdoor Metal Fire Pit for Patio, Backyard, Camping, Porch & Garden
4 Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater with Wheels, Commercial & Residential, Slate Gray, 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, Slate Gray, with Water Tank, 32.1 x 32.1 x 91.3 inches (LxWxH)

  • ENJOY COZY OUTDOOR WARMTH WITH 46,000 BTUS FOR ANY SPACE!
  • EFFORTLESS SETUP WITH ONE-TOUCH IGNITION AND EASY-TO-MOVE WHEELS.
  • BUILT FOR SAFETY: AUTO-SHUT OFF, SECURE TANK, AND DURABLE FINISH.
BUY & SAVE
$134.99
Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Outdoor Propane Patio Heater with Wheels, Commercial & Residential, Slate Gray, with Water Tank, 32.1 x 32.1 x 91.3 inches (LxWxH)
5 EAST OAK Pyramid Patio Heater, 48,000 BTU Outdoor Patio Heater, Quartz Glass Tube Propane Heater for Commercial & Residential, Triple Protection System, With Wheels, 2024 Upgrade, Bronze

EAST OAK Pyramid Patio Heater, 48,000 BTU Outdoor Patio Heater, Quartz Glass Tube Propane Heater for Commercial & Residential, Triple Protection System, With Wheels, 2024 Upgrade, Bronze

  • 48,000 BTU POWER: ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE FOR PERFECT OUTDOOR WARMTH!

  • DURABLE & STYLISH: PREMIUM ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION RESISTS RUST, LOOKS GREAT!

  • TRIPLE SAFETY FEATURES: ENJOY PEACE OF MIND WITH AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF SAFETY.

BUY & SAVE
$303.27
EAST OAK Pyramid Patio Heater, 48,000 BTU Outdoor Patio Heater, Quartz Glass Tube Propane Heater for Commercial & Residential, Triple Protection System, With Wheels, 2024 Upgrade, Bronze
6 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 FEET FOR ULTIMATE OUTDOOR COMFORT.

  • DURABLE STAINLESS STEEL: WATERPROOF, SCRATCH-RESISTANT, AND EASY TO CLEAN.

  • SAFETY FIRST: ADVANCED PROTECTION SYSTEMS ENSURE SECURE OPERATION.

BUY & SAVE
$165.70 $179.99
Save 8%
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
7 EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Patio Heater with Sand Box, Table Design, Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner, Wheels, Triple Protection System, Outdoor Heater for Home and Residential, Pinecone

EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Patio Heater with Sand Box, Table Design, Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner, Wheels, Triple Protection System, Outdoor Heater for Home and Residential, Pinecone

  • 50,000 BTUS HEAT OUTPUT: COMFORTABLY WARMS SPACES UP TO 20 FEET WIDE.

  • DURABLE DOUBLE-LAYER BURNER: 304 STAINLESS STEEL FOR ENHANCED SAFETY AND LONGEVITY.

  • STABLE DESIGN: CONICAL SHAPE WITH WEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE TANK RESISTS WIND.

BUY & SAVE
$179.99
EAST OAK 50,000 BTU Patio Heater with Sand Box, Table Design, Double-Layer Stainless Steel Burner, Wheels, Triple Protection System, Outdoor Heater for Home and Residential, Pinecone
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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.