Using a patio heater is one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about the cold weather. In the past you would only find them at restaurants, now they are a household necessity for most people. However, when it refuses to start automatically, it can make your life complicated very quickly. In this case, you will have to start it up manually.
To light your patio heater manually, push down the control knob and turn left. Hold it down for 45 seconds, then press the stick button below while holding the knob. Once the pilot is lit, let go of the knob and turn it to your desired setting. If this doesn’t work, insert a long candle lighter through the pilot hole.
In this article, we will go through the steps and make sure you know how to light your patio heater manually when the automatic function isn’t working. But first, let’s go over some safety precautions and common practices.
Patio Heater Lighting Instructions
You should always be cautious when lighting the heater. The first thing you should do is to make sure it’s not close to any combustible or explosive items that may cause an accident. Apart from that, make sure that you have enough distance between the wall or roof when lighting an open flame.
How to Light Patio Heater With The Pilot Ignition System
The ignition system is built-in and is a part of the valve control system. Turn on the ignition system clockwise and here is what you should do-
- Push-turn the control knob into position, and keep it for 45 seconds. This will ignite a pilot flame and check it through the ½’’ match lighting hole.
- Do not let go of the knob. Instead, press 4-5 times on the stick button. And if it doesn’t work, use a long candle lighter to ensure that you do not get close to the flame.
- Now that you have your flame pop out the knob, turn to high on the recommended degree that you may want to take into consideration the space that you have.
How to Light Patio Heater Without Pilot Ignition System
- First, ensure that you are on the safe side by checking if the liquefied gas tank is completely closed.
- Now you may attach the tank and open it carefully slow until you have a full open for maximum patio heater gas usage.
- Thirdly, depress the gas control knob and turn it to the low position and do not let go. Then, press the ignition for 3-4 times. If it doesn’t ignite, use a long candle lighter. You may need to follow the instructions provided with the lighter to learn lighting the patio heater with a lighter.
- Keep the gas knob depressed so that gas may flow still without any hitch.
- Finally, you may release the gas knob and turn it to the desirable high or low setting that takes into consideration.
Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks
Sometimes your patio heater just isn’t working. If you are still having issues with lighting your patio heater manually, keep these helpful tips and tricks in mind. Remember to always read all the steps prior to attempting to light your patio heater manually for the first time.
1. Check Your Gas Tank Connection
As you are certainly going to use gases like LPG, propane, or butane, you have to ensure that your tank is completely full. If not, it’s empty. The gas tank for the patio heater is at the base of it and by just lifting it you will examine if it is full or empty.
By doing this, you are ensuring that you don’t light the heater on an empty tank or light it on a tank that will not last the period you are planning on using it for. If you realize it’s almost empty, just be wise and get a replacement to save you the shame.
2. Check to See if You Have a Leak
The gas delivery pipe is key for you to have a proper heating time. As gas is being delivered to the heater through the pipe, there will be a sound of it. Be keen to listen out for this.
For the patio that uses electronic ignitions, there will be a spark that makes a sound as the gas is being delivered.
If you notice any smell of gas as you have turned on the patio, don’t waste time. Just turn it off as this may cause a disastrous blast that you do not want to experience. This may be due to a patio heater gas leak and you should consider replacing it immediately with a new one.
Always ensure that there are no flammable items near the heater as this may also cause a blast.
3. Check to See if Your Regulator Switch is Off
The gas regulator for patio heater acts as the guide to control the heat of the patio heater. Ensure that you follow the gas regulator as indicated on the labels. The regulator connects the gas delivery pipe and the carrier up to the burner.
Always ensure that the regulator is properly working as you certainly do not want a fault on it. Some have switches that turn the valve off and on preventing the cylinder from being depressed.
4. Your Gas Pipe Might Be Clogged Up
The patio heater gas pipe should always be of a clear path. Very rarely you will find it blocked or clogged. But if it happens, always make sure to clean it. You can detach it from the gas tank and blow it to ensure that it’s clear. If it is blocked, attend to it by clearing the path as the pipe is in charge of the gas delivery from the tank to the heater.
5. Your Burner Might Be Blocked
The burner should always be clear to have an even distribution of heat. Always inspect it for any irregularities by taking it out and looking for any elements that may cause a blockage. This has to be always done when the patio heater is closed as you do not want to mess with fire.
Beneath the burner, there is an inlet that allows gas to mix with air. This part also should be air free and should have no blockage at all.
6. Double-Check Your Bug Screen
The bug screen should always be clear. This is will guarantee your flame is clean and free from insects. The screen acts as a guard to insects that are attracted to light hence keeping them away from the roast. When cleaning detach the bug screen, give it a proper water wash and dry properly. This should be done as often as possible so as not to have any bad stain on it.
Commonly Asked Questions
Where do you get a patio heater that you can manually light?
You can go to any of your local home hardware stores or even obtain your patio heater online. You will be able to manually light any patio heater you buy, however, you’ll want to double-check to see if it has an automatic ignition if that’s a feature you desire. Make sure to read your manual thoroughly prior to using your patio heater.
What happens if I don’t use the patio heater for a while?
If you don’t use it, you lose it! Patio heaters sometimes go a long time without use. This can produce issues like dirt or debris build-up. Make sure to keep your patio heater clean and tidy and use it once in a while.
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