Why my patio heater won’t stay lit?

Maintenance, all is about maintenance. Especially regarding tech outdoors. If you wonder: why won’t my patio heater stay lit? First, we need to try to understand how a patio heater works, there are two basic types of heating components that patio heaters use: fuel and electricity. Instead of forcing hot air out, like a space heater, patio heaters use radiant heat. Radiant heat travels through the air to keep you toasty warm.

There are a few reasons why your patio heater might not be staying lit. Here are some things you can try:

1. Check the fuel level. If the fuel level is too low, the heater may not have enough gas to stay lit.
2. Check the fuel lines. Make sure the fuel lines are properly connected and there are no leaks.
3. Check the ignition system. If the ignition system is not working properly, the heater may not stay lit.
4. Check for any blockages. If there are any blockages in the burner or venturi tubes, the heater may not stay lit.
5. Check the thermostat. If the thermostat is not set correctly, the heater may turn off before it has a chance to stay lit.
6. Check for any damage. If the heater has been damaged in any way, it may not function properly.

If you have tried these steps and your patio heater still won’t stay lit, it may be a good idea to consult the owner’s manual or a professional for further assistance.

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How do you clean a thermocouple on a patio heater?

To clean a thermocouple on a patio heater, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Turn off the gas supply to the patio heater and allow it to cool down.
2. Locate the thermocouple. It is usually a small tube or rod located near the pilot light or burners of the patio heater.
3. Use a small wire brush or toothbrush to gently scrub the thermocouple to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on it.
4. Wipe the thermocouple with a clean cloth to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
5. Turn the gas supply back on and test the patio heater to ensure that it is functioning properly.

If the patio heater is still not working after cleaning the thermocouple, there may be other issues that need to be addressed. In this case, it is recommended that you consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek the assistance of a qualified technician.

Read more: Why is my electric heater blowing cold air?

Why does my propane patio heater keep shutting off?

There are several possible reasons why a propane patio heater may keep shutting off, including:

1. The gas supply is running low: If the propane tank is running low on gas, the patio heater may shut off unexpectedly.
2. The thermocouple is dirty or faulty: The thermocouple is a safety device that shuts off the gas supply to the patio heater if it detects that the pilot light is not lit. If the thermocouple is dirty or faulty, it may shut off the gas supply unnecessarily.
3. The control valve is stuck: If the control valve that regulates the flow of gas to the patio heater is stuck, it may cause the heater to shut off.
4. The heater is overheating: If the patio heater is overheating, it may have a safety feature that shuts it off to prevent damage.
5. There is a gas leak: If there is a gas leak in the patio heater, it may shut off as a safety precaution.

Read more: Cost to install a propane tank

Why my patio heater lights but won’t stay lit?

If your patio heater lights but won’t stay lit it might be because of some of these reasons:

• The cylinder valve remains closed
• The pilot tube gets clogged by dirt & debris
• Defective igniter
• You may not turn the control knob to the pilot position

To fix the pilot issue, make sure you open the cylinder valve. Then, check out the pilot tube for a clog. If there is any dirt and debris, clean the pilot tube by removing the dirt, dust, and spider webs.

Of course, don’t forget to check out the igniter condition. If it gets faulty, replace it with a new one. Lastly, ensure you turn the control knob to the pilot position. Your patio will be a perfect spot even in winter.

Read more: Saving money on home maintenance

Written by Vanessa Gallanti. January 31, 2023

Enthusiast about planning, project management, construction materials and technology, and construction. A civil engineer from Los Andes University and a content writer for Kukun.