What NOT To Do With A Patio Heater By Joseph Kortez At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

The proper care and concern of your patio heater will guarantee you a solid investment for years to come – if you know how to take care of it right. And if you are a first time owner of a patio heater (as I once was), trying to figure out where to start can be a very taxing task. With a little research and technical know-how, you too can keep your heater working efficiently for years to come. All you have to do is know what you can and can not do with your patio heater.

Always remember to disconnect your fuel source from your patio heater before doing anything with it. Never move or work on your patio heater at all without disconnecting your fuel source. If you do anything with your heater while the fuel source is connected (propane tank, etc.), you are putting yourself at high risk of injury or death, not to mention damage caused by burning or explosion. It is a major safety issue: always unplug before taking action.

As time wears on, you may find that your patio heater will get dirty from being outdoors throughout the seasons. While washing it down with a hose or power washer may sound like a good idea, never try to attempt this. There are many different working parts of your patio heater that were not designed for moisture to get into. By forcing moisture into them with a hose or power washer, you could be sending water into places where water will not evaporate, but erode the metal parts. This could lead to rusting, which would lower the life span of your heater, costing you money in the long run. Rather, to clean your patio heater, mix a neutral cleaner and water, and use a rag to wipe down the dirt off your heater. Dry with a clean towel.

As the seasons change, you will want to store your patio heater away for the harsh winter months. While taking it out of the elements is a great way to protect your investment from corrosion and deterioration, it is never a good idea to move it on your own. Taller models are usually very top-heavy, which can be very awkward and hard to move alone. Dropping a unit like this can cause your unit to break, creating a possible safety hazard that could start a fire, or even explosion. When moving your unit, use at least another person. This way, you can ensure the safety of your patio heater.

During normal use of your patio heater, the collection of soot is a naturally occurring phenomenon. However, it can cause an unsightly, black residue on the grill of your heater. While it may be tempting to use a vacuum cleaner or compressed air blower to clear away the soot, never do this. The three main ingredients of a fire are heat, fuel, and oxygen. By blowing in or sucking air out of your heater, you will introduce an oxygen flow, possibly resulting in a fire sparking in your heater. Combine this with an active fuel source attached (such as a propane or butane tank, or even wood), and you have all the makings of an explosion. When cleaning soot from your patio heater grill, always use a mix of warm water and neutral cleaner, and wipe away with a washcloth, but be sure to dry immediately afterwards. Sweep away your ashes with a dust pan and broom.

Taking care of your patio heater can be a tall task if you are unsure of what you are doing. But with simple preparation, and knowing what not to do when cleaning and caring for your patio heater, you will be preparing yourself to not only have an investment for years, but to keep you and your family safe and sound as well.

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