The Patio Heater In Summer: Caring For Your Heater When Not In Use By Joseph Kortez At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

As summer heats up, the need for a patio heater reduces. Warmer temperatures at night means your friends and family will be quite comfortable enjoying the evening weather. With all signs pointing to warmer weather, it is time to put away your patio heater until the autumn.

Putting away a patio heater is not as simple as storing it in a shed until colder weather returns. As with any piece of equipment, it requires special instructions and maintenance to be kept like new for the life of the heater. By following the right steps, your patio heater will be ready to last for years to come.

Important to any fuel burning equipment, remember to follow all instructions that came with your patio heater. Failure to do this can result in permanent damage to your heater, and even injury or death. Remember to have the instruction manual handy, and consult it with any questions or concerns.

When storing your patio heater for the summer, the first step is to disconnect the fuel source from the heater unit. For propane or natural gas fueled heaters, your fuel tank will need to be disconnected – remember to turn off the natural gas before trying to remove it. Store the fuel tank in a cool, dry place free of humidity and varying temperatures. For those with electric heaters, unplug the heater and safely wind the cord.

After you have removed the fuel source from your patio heater, it is now time to disassemble the heater. Even if you can store the entire heater in one piece, it may be a good time to check the heater for structural integrity. Check the reflector dish for chips in the paint – exposed parts in the dish can open your heater up to rust, which will cost you more in replacement parts in the long run.

Once your patio heater has been checked for structural integrity, it is time to protect the moving parts from corrosion or other damage. In humid areas, moisture can get into your heater when it is not working on a regular basis, causing rust or corrosion. To protect these items (including the emitter, gas valve, and burner head), use a silicone-based spray. Spraying silicone on these items will displace moisture that can gather, keeping them brand new throughout the warm summer.

Now that your patio heater has been inspected thoroughly, you can stow it away until you are ready to use it when the temperatures drop once again. Remember to keep the heater in a cool, enclosed place. By doing this, you are reducing the risk of weather damage throughout the summer, and protecting your investment for the next season.

Of course, this will not be the only maintenance you will be working on your patio heater. Before you go to use your patio heater once again, it will need to be inspected for gas leaks. This is a major safety check, as one leak can cause injury or death to you or your guests. An easy way to check for these leaks is attaching the propane or gas tank to your heater, and spraying a mixture of dishwashing soap and water to the connection. If the mixture begins to bubble, a gas leak is present, and signifies that the hose and connection need to be repaired immediately. Never start your heater for the first time before checking these connections.

Taking the proper steps to protect your patio heater now can safely protect your investment for years to come. Tender care now will make sure you have a beautiful heater to keep friends and family warm throughout the seasons.

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