A gas patio heater can help keep you and your family warm on cool nights. Whenever a heater malfunctions, troubleshooting can usually aid in resolving the problem. If you have a patio heater, here are some troubleshooting steps you can take before calling in the professionals.
Check the Gas Level
Your gas patio heater is relatively straightforward when it comes to the design. If the heater is not working, there are only a few steps you can take to get it working again. One of the first steps you should take is to check the gas cylinder.
Although the cylinder only needs to have a small amount of gas to power the heater, it might be time to replace it anyway. Before removing the cylinder, remember to place the heater in the off position for safety reasons.
Assess the Connections
A gas patio heater only has a few connections, but if they are in poor condition or loose, it can cause problems during operations. Start your inspection by ensuring that the hoses or wiring for the heater is in good condition. Any worn hoses will need to be replaced.
If the hoses are in good condition though, check the connections for looseness. A simple way to do this is to apply a soapy water solution to the point where the hose and other parts connect. Turn on the heater and watch the solution. If it bubbles, there is a leak and you need to tighten the connections.
Look for Blockage
There is a possibility that a blockage in one of the hoses is preventing the gas from reaching the burner. When this happens, the burner does not receive the fuel it needs to power the patio heater.
To check for blockage, you can remove the hose and visually inspect it. If there is debris, clean it before replacing it. You also need to check the flame emitter screen. Refer to your owner's manual if you are not sure of its location. The screen can have a buildup of debris, such as insects, that prevents the air from flowing freely from it. If there is debris present, clean the screen and replace it.
Other problems with the patio heater need to be assessed by a professional. In addition to diagnosing the problem that you are having, the professional can repair it and perform maintenance on it. You can also learn other troubleshooting steps that apply to your particular type of heater.
