Top 10 Most Common Patio Heater Repair Questions Answered

1. Why won’t my patio heater ignite or light at all?

If your patio heater won’t light, start with the basics. Check that the gas tank is not empty and the valve is fully open. Make sure the control knob is set to “Ignite/Start” and hold it in for 30–60 seconds so gas can reach the burner. Inspect the igniter: do you see a spark when you press the button? If not, the igniter battery may be dead or the electrode misaligned.

Quick troubleshooting steps:

• Confirm fuel level and valve position
• Check for a visible spark
• Try lighting with a long match (if manual-lighting is allowed by your model)
• Listen/smell for gas (without lingering near it)

Call a professional if you smell gas continuously, see damaged gas lines, or suspect a regulator issue. 🔧

2. Why does my patio heater keep going out after a few minutes?

A patio heater that lights but quickly shuts off usually has a safety sensor problem or poor gas flow. Most models use a thermocouple or flame sensor that must stay hot to signal “flame is present.” If it’s dirty, misaligned, or failing, the gas valve will close.

Typical causes and fixes:

Ensure the flame fully engulfs the thermocouple tip. If cleaning and repositioning don’t help, have a tech replace the sensor or regulator.

3. Why is the flame weak or not hot enough?

Weak heat usually points to restricted gas flow or partial blockages. First, confirm your propane tank isn’t nearly empty—low pressure can cause a small flame. Next, verify the gas valve and control knob are fully open and the regulator is correctly attached.

Check for:

• Kinked gas hose or crushed line
• Dirty burner ports (small holes around the burner head)
• Partially blocked orifice (the small brass nozzle feeding the burner)

You can often restore performance by brushing the burner ports with a soft wire brush and blowing out debris with compressed air. Don’t poke ports aggressively with metal objects. If the flame is mostly yellow or continues to be weak with a full tank and clear burner, contact a professional to inspect the regulator and internal gas components.

4. Why does my patio heater keep shutting off in windy or cold weather?

Patio heaters are sensitive to wind and extreme cold, and safety sensors will shut off gas if the flame becomes unstable. In windy conditions, the flame can blow off the burner or pull away from the thermocouple, tricking the heater into thinking the flame went out.

Helpful comparisons:

Position the heater in a more protected spot, away from open corners and strong cross-breezes. Make sure the flame is properly adjusted and the thermocouple sits in the flame. If it still shuts down in mild conditions, a thermocouple or regulator replacement may be needed by a pro.

5. Why is my patio heater clicking but not lighting?

Continuous clicking means the igniter is trying to spark, but the flame isn’t catching. First, confirm gas supply: is the tank valve open and not empty? Then look at the igniter electrode near the burner.

Check for:

• Spark position – the tip should be close (but not touching) to the burner hood
• Cracked ceramic insulator – can cause weak or shorted spark
• Loose wiring to the igniter module or battery box

You can gently bend the electrode closer to the burner to improve the spark gap. Also, clean off soot or corrosion. If you can light the heater with a match but not the igniter, the issue is almost always ignition-related. Replace the battery or electrode if needed. If no spark is visible at all, consider a new igniter module or professional service.

6. Why does my patio heater smell like gas?

A noticeable gas smell is a serious safety concern. Occasional brief whiffs during lighting can be normal, but a persistent or strong odor means a leak or incomplete combustion.

Immediate steps:

• Turn off the gas at the tank right away
• Do not ignite open flames or smoke nearby
• Move people away from the heater area

Common causes:

Use a soapy water solution on hose and fittings (with gas on but heater off) to check for bubbling, which indicates leaks. Never use a flame to test for leaks. Any confirmed leak, damaged hose, or suspected valve issue should be handled by a licensed gas professional—do not keep using the heater until it’s inspected.

7. Why is my patio heater making popping or roaring noises?

Abnormal noises often relate to air–gas mixture problems or debris in the burner. A gentle “whoosh” is normal, but loud roaring, whistling, or popping suggests a problem.

Possible causes:

• Burner ports partially blocked by rust, insects, or dirt
• Too much gas pressure from a faulty regulator
• Loose burner or misaligned components

Try these steps:

1. Turn off the gas and let the heater cool completely.
2. Remove the burner screen and clean the burner ports with a soft brush.
3. Check that all screws, brackets, and burner pieces are tight.

If the noise persists or you see flame lifting off the burner or burning inside the burner head, turn off the heater and call a professional. Continued use could damage components or create unsafe combustion.

8. Why does my patio heater have a yellow or sooty flame?

A proper patio heater flame should be mostly blue with small yellow tips. A large, lazy yellow flame or visible soot on the emitter screen or dome indicates incomplete combustion—often caused by blocked air or burner openings.

Common causes and fixes:

Gently clean the burner and air intake holes, making sure spiders, insects, or rust haven’t clogged them. Ensure the heater is used in a well-ventilated outdoor space. If the yellow flame continues after cleaning and repositioning, have a qualified technician adjust the gas pressure or inspect the regulator and burner assembly.

9. Why does the top of my patio heater not get hot enough?

If the dome or emitter screen stays lukewarm, heat is not transferring properly from the flame to the upper assembly. This might happen if:

• The burner flame is too small or uneven
• The reflector (dome) is dirty, bent, or misaligned
• Internal parts are rusted or partially blocked

Check that the flame reaches evenly across the emitter screen. Clean any dirt, spider webs, or rust from the emitter and dome. Also ensure the reflector is properly attached and centered; a warped reflector can send heat away from the desired area.

If everything looks aligned and clean but heat output is still poor, the issue may be reduced gas pressure or a failing regulator, especially with older units. At that point, a professional inspection is wise to avoid ongoing performance and safety issues.

10. When should I repair my patio heater vs. replace it?

Deciding between repair and replacement depends on age, damage level, and cost. Many issues—like dirty burners, bad igniters, clogged orifices, and thermocouples—are inexpensive repairs and worth doing on most heaters.

Use this quick guide:

Replace the unit if there’s severe corrosion, structural instability, or hard-to-source parts. If you’re unsure, get a professional estimate and compare it with the price and warranty of a new, more efficient model. 💡

Helpful Tips for Keeping Your Patio Heater Running Smoothly

1. Clean the burner and emitter regularly
   Every 1–2 months during heavy use, gently brush the burner ports and wipe down the emitter screen and reflector to prevent soot and blockages.

2. Inspect hoses and connections before each season
   Look for cracks, stiffness, or damage in gas hoses and test connections with soapy water to catch leaks early.

3. Protect your heater from the elements
   Use a weatherproof cover and, if possible, store the heater in a sheltered area when not in use to reduce rust and corrosion.

4. Keep the propane tank upright and stable
   Ensure the tank is securely fastened and always upright; this improves gas flow and minimizes regulator stress.

5. Schedule periodic professional checkups
   Every 1–2 years, have a qualified technician inspect regulators, valves, and safety devices—especially for commercial or heavy use.

6. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines
   Always use the correct fuel type, clearances, and lighting procedures recommended for your specific model to maximize both safety and longevity.