Starting Your Patio Heater: The Basic Steps

Most patio heaters turn on in three steps: check the fuel or power source, locate the ignition switch or button, and hold it until the burner lights. The exact process depends on whether you have a propane model, natural gas line, or electric heater—each works differently and has its own safety checks you need to do first.

Before you touch anything, spend 30 seconds looking at your heater. Find the fuel valve (usually at the base or on a tank), the control knob or switch, and any pilot light indicator. If you cannot find these parts, check the manual that came with the heater or look for a model number on the unit and search online for the manufacturer's instructions.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check that the fuel valve is in the open position and that propane tanks are not empty before attempting to light the heater.
  • Most heaters require you to hold the ignition button for 10 to 30 seconds while the pilot light catches, then release it slowly to see if the flame holds.
  • If the heater does not light on the first try, wait five minutes before attempting again to avoid flooding the burner with excess gas.
  • Electric heaters have no ignition process—straightforward plug them in and turn on the power switch, then wait 30 seconds for the heating element to warm up.

Propane Tank Heaters: Checking Fuel and Opening the Valve

Propane heaters have a tank at the base or mounted to the side. Before you attempt to light it, make sure the tank is not empty. Lift or shake the tank gently—if it feels completely light or you hear nothing inside, the tank is empty and needs to be replaced. If the tank feels heavy or you hear liquid sloshing, you have fuel.

Next, locate the fuel valve on the tank itself. It looks like a small knob or lever, usually brass or silver colored. Turn it counterclockwise (to the left) until it stops—this opens the valve and allows gas to flow to the burner. Do not force it; it should turn smoothly. If it is stuck, do not use the heater; contact the manufacturer or a repair service instead.

Wait 10 seconds after opening the valve before you attempt to light the heater. This gives the gas time to reach the burner.

Lighting the Burner: Ignition Button or Spark Starter

Most propane and natural gas heaters use one of two ignition methods: a push-button spark igniter or a piezo igniter (a small button you press repeatedly). Look for a button or knob labeled "Ignition," "Start," or "Light" near the base or on the control panel.

Press and hold the ignition button firmly for 10 to 30 seconds. You should hear a clicking sound—this is the spark trying to light the gas. Keep holding the button even if you do not see a flame when ready. After 15 to 20 seconds, you should see a small blue or orange flame appear at the burner opening. Once the flame is visible, continue holding the button for another 5 to 10 seconds, then slowly release it.

If you have a piezo igniter (a button you click repeatedly rather than hold), press it 5 to 10 times in quick succession while watching the burner. The spark should ignite the gas on one of the clicks.

What to Do If the Heater Will Not Light

If the burner does not light after 30 seconds of holding the ignition button, stop and wait five minutes before trying again. Holding the button too long floods the burner with unburned gas, which makes it harder to light. After you wait, repeat the process: open the fuel valve again (if you closed it), hold the ignition button for 15 to 20 seconds, and watch for the flame.

If it still does not light after two or three attempts, check these common problems: the fuel valve may not be fully open, the tank may be empty, or the igniter may be wet from rain or dew. Wipe the igniter button and the area around the burner with a dry cloth. If the heater still will not light, the igniter may be broken and will need professional repair.

Never use a lighter or match to light a patio heater. The flame can travel back toward your hand, and you cannot control the burn safely.

Electric Patio Heaters: Power and Safety Checks

Electric heaters have no ignition process. Before you plug one in, check that the power cord has no visible cracks, cuts, or damage. If the cord is damaged, do not use the heater—it is a shock hazard.

Plug the heater into a standard outdoor outlet. If you do not have an outdoor outlet nearby, use a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord rated for wet conditions (look for a "W" marking on the cord). Do not use a regular indoor extension cord outdoors; it will degrade in sunlight and moisture.

Once plugged in, locate the power switch on the heater body or control panel. Turn it to the "On" position. The heating element will begin to warm when ready, but it takes 30 to 60 seconds to reach full heat output. You may see a red glow inside the heater element—this is normal.

Natural Gas Line Heaters: Permanent Installation Checks

If your heater is connected to a natural gas line (rather than a propane tank), the fuel valve is usually located where the gas line connects to the heater. This valve should already be open if the heater was installed by a professional. Do not attempt to adjust it unless you are certain of what you are doing.

To turn on the heater, locate the control knob on the heater body. It usually has three positions: "Off," "Pilot," and "On." Turn the knob to "Pilot" and hold the ignition button for 20 to 30 seconds. You should see a small pilot flame appear. Once the pilot is lit, turn the knob to "On" to ignite the main burner.

If you smell gas but do not see a flame, turn the control knob back to "Off" when ready, move away from the heater, and call your gas company or a licensed technician. Do not attempt to relight it yourself.

Safety Checks Before and After Lighting

Before you light any heater, clear the area around it. Keep the heater at least 10 feet away from buildings, trees, fences, and anything flammable. Do not place it under a patio cover or awning unless the cover is at least 8 feet above the heater top—the heat can damage or ignite overhead structures.

After the heater is lit and running, do not leave it unattended for more than a few minutes while you are first learning to use it. Watch to make sure the flame is steady and blue (for propane or natural gas). If the flame is orange or yellow, the burner may be dirty or the air intake may be blocked. Turn off the heater and clean the burner opening with a soft brush or cloth.

Always turn off the heater before you go inside or leave the patio. For propane heaters, turn off the fuel valve at the tank as well as the control knob on the heater itself. This prevents gas from leaking if the valve develops a problem while you are away.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take a patio heater to warm up the area?

Electric heaters reach full heat in 30 to 60 seconds. Propane and natural gas heaters light when ready but take 5 to 10 minutes to warm a 10-by-10-foot area noticeably. The time varies based on outdoor temperature, wind, and how close you are sitting to the heater.

Can I leave a patio heater on while I am inside?

No. Patio heaters are designed for outdoor use while you are present and watching them. Turn off the heater before you go inside or leave the patio unattended. This prevents accidents and reduces the risk of damage if weather changes suddenly.

What should I do if the heater smells like gas but will not light?

Turn off the fuel valve when ready and move away from the heater. Wait 10 minutes for any gas to disperse. If you smell gas again when you return, do not attempt to light it again—call the manufacturer's customer service or a licensed repair technician. A gas smell without ignition usually means a valve or connection problem.

Do I need to do anything special to turn on the heater in cold weather?

Propane heaters work in cold weather, but the igniter may take slightly longer to spark (up to 45 seconds instead of 30). Hold the button longer and be patient. If the heater still will not light in very cold temperatures below 0°F, the propane may be too cold to vaporize—this is a limitation of propane, not a problem with the heater.

Why does my heater make a clicking sound even after it is lit?

The clicking is the spark igniter continuing to fire. This is normal and will stop after a few seconds once the heater detects that the burner is lit. If the clicking continues for more than 10 seconds after the flame appears, the igniter may be faulty and should be inspected by a technician.