FAQs About Gas Patio Heaters

Gas patio heaters offer instant heat and ambiance and bring a world of atmosphere to outdoor living spaces. A gas patio heater extends the outdoor season by generating a warm blanket of heat so you can enjoy your outdoor area long into the cold fall and winter seasons. Gas patio heaters are available in an assortment of sizes, styles and fuel types that are designed to enhance your outdoor experience.

We've compiled this list of frequently asked questions and answers about gas patio heaters to help you get the most use and enjoyment out of your outdoor area.

Gas Patio Heater Frequently Asked Questions

What types of gas patio heaters are there?

Are all gas patio heaters portable?

What are the clearances to combustible materials for gas patio heaters?

Do the LP tanks come with propane gas patio heaters?

How long will an LP tank last in my gas patio heater?

Can I use my gas patio heater indoors?

What is the difference between a gas patio heater that has one dome and a gas heater that has two domes?

Will my gas patio heater be used when it's extremely cold out?

Can I use my gas patio heater when strong winds are present?

Are there covers available for my gas patio heater?

Can I leave my gas patio heater out in the rain?

What is the difference between a natural gas and propane outdoor patio heater?

How much does a gas patio heater cost to operate?

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Answers to Frequently Asked Outdoor Gas Heater Questions

Question: What types of gas patio heaters are there?

• Answer: Outdoor gas heaters are available in models that use natural gas and liquid propane for outdoor heating. Gas patio heaters that use liquid propane are available in portable and table top models, standing models, hanging and wall and ceiling mount models. Gas patio heaters that use natural gas are available in standing models, in-ground models, and hanging wall and ceiling models.

Question: Are all gas patio heaters portable?

• Answer: Portability can be a little challenging  with natural gas patio heaters unless you plan your outdoor area ahead of time. Even if the gas line is already there it can be extended and you can have more outlets installed. Propane gas heaters are easily moved to any area you want because they simply connect to 20lb. propane cylinders to operate.

Question: What are the clearances to combustible materials for gas patio heaters?

• Answer: Consult your owner's manual and check your state and local codes to make sure that you meet the required clearances to combustible materials.

Question: Do the LP tanks come with propane gas patio heaters?

• Answer: No. Standard 20lb. liquid propane cylinders will need to be purchased separately. You can purchase standard 20lb. liquid propane cylinders from NorthlineExpress.com.

Question: How long will an LP tank last in my gas patio heater?

• Answer: A standard 20lb. propane cylinder will provide anywhere from 9 to 15 hours of heat depending on which heat setting you use.

Question: Can I use my gas patio heater indoors?

• Answer: Gas patio heaters should not be used in enclosed areas. Outdoor gas heaters should only be used in rooms that have open areas to allow fresh air to enter the room.

Question: What is the difference between a gas patio heater that has one dome and a gas heater that has multiple domes?

• Answer: An outdoor gas heater with a single dome will direct heat in one direction. Multiple domes on an outdoor gas heater will direct the heat into three separate areas.

Question: Will my gas patio heater be used when it's extremely cold out?

• Answer: Gas patio heaters will operate with decreased efficiency if the external temperature drops below 40 degrees F.

Question: Can I use my gas patio heater when strong winds are present?

• Answer: Most outdoor gas heaters are designed to be operated in winds up to 10mph. If the wind exceeds 10mph during outdoor heating, outdoor gas heaters will blow out and the gas will shut off.

Question: Are there covers available for my patio heater?

• Answer: Yes. There are covers available to protect most gas patio heaters. Some covers are meant to cover just the head of the outdoor gas heater while others are designed to cover the entire outdoor gas heater from top to bottom. NorthlineExpress.com carries a large selection of patio heater covers.

Question: Can I leave my gas heater out in the rain?

• Answer: No. Outdoor gas heaters should be stored in the upright position in an area that is sheltered from direct contact with rain and other inclement weather conditions.

Question: What is the difference between a natural gas and propane outdoor patio heater?

• Answer: Natural gas heaters will need to be connected to a gas line. They offer continuous use without having to refill fuel cylinders and are not easily moved or relocated. Propane gas patio heaters simply connect to a standard 20lb. liquid propane cylinder for operation and when the cylinder empties it will need to be replaced. Propane gas patio heaters are easily relocated and extremely portable.

Question: How much does a gas patio heater cost to operate?

• Answer: Based on a 40,000 BTU rating, an outdoor gas heater that operates on liquid propane will cost on average $1.60 per hour to operate. This is based on the operation of the outdoor gas heater itself as well as the average cost of filling the propane cylinder which is about $16 to fill a standard 20lb. cylinder. A standard 20lb. propane cylinder will last for up to 10 hours in an outdoor gas heater.
  
  Natural gas patio heaters are less costly to operate than propane patio heaters since there are no upfront fuel costs. Based on a 40,000 BTU rating, an outdoor gas heater that operates on natural gas will cost about $.476 per hour to operate.