No, it would be best if you never use patio heaters indoors. Patio heaters designed for outdoor usage are harmful to use indoors. As part of its combustion gases, patio heaters can emit dangerous Carbon Monoxide (CO) gas.
Another concern is safety. Outdoor heaters tend to be heavy and may get tipped or come in contact with anything flammable and cause fire hazards.
However, some heaters are compatible with both indoor and outdoor, using those types indoors is safe.
Is It Safe Using Outdoor Heaters Inside the House?
No, it is unsafe to use outdoor patio heaters inside the house, and it imposes enormous risks and safety concerns. Outdoor patio heaters are only made for outdoor purposes, and using them indoors will pose a considerable threat. For your and the family members’ safety, you must maintain and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, especially for fire features. A little warmth and enjoyment in the wrong place can cost your property and lives.
Here are some reasons why outdoor heaters are not safe indoors:
1. Harmful and toxic gas emission
Propane and gas patio heaters produce heat by burning the gas and emitting carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide gas particles instantly scatter towards the sky in an open environment like the outdoors, and you won’t have to inhale them due to ventilation.
When used in an enclosed place, the gas scatters around the room, and everyone in your home will inhale the toxic gases. These gases could poison you if you breathe them consistently over an extended time, and this gas inhalation causes cancer. Carbon monoxide poisoning is lethal because, unlike most other gases, it has a comparatively high fatality rate when inhaled for an extended period.
2. Fire accident and safety risk
When you use a patio heater inside, remember there are substantial flammable materials, for example, papers, books, furniture, etc. And it is pretty impossible to maintain the safety clearance distance indoors. Therefore, patio heaters pose a fire hazard regardless of size or design. However, unlike interior heaters, the possibility of a patio heater becoming a fire hazard is substantially increased because most of these units contain raw fuel and are more likely to tip over due to their slender construction.
Electric patio heaters have some safety risks, especially for children and pets. For example, when touched with a wet hand, or if by accident it gets wet, it can cause an electric shock. And also, tipping over and burning is another issue.
You may also like: Can I Leave My Patio Heater in the Rain?
Can I Use Portable Patio Heaters Indoors?
Yes, you can if it is a portable tabletop or hand-carrying heater, but by maintaining some safety concerns. Portable patio heaters do have their manufacturer’s instructions and safety clearances. Do check them before using any portable heaters inside. And maintain massive ventilation and safety clearance with flammable substances.
Can I Use Propane/Gas Heaters Indoors?
No, propane or gas heaters are the worst to use in an enclosed room. This is because propane or gas heaters emit carbon monoxide, carbon particles, and nitrogen as part of the combustion. And you will not only get sick by inhaling them for a long time, but you or your family member may die from inhaling toxic gases for a long time.
You can use them under a gazebo, pergola, canopy, or covered porch if they have enough ventilation. Remember to place the heater over a smooth surface, as tipping can cause fire hazards. There are some smokeless patio heaters designed for indoor usage available in the market; it is better to purchase them if your target is to use the heater for indoor purposes.
Where Should You Never Use a Patio Heater?
Patio heaters are safer than fire pits as they have lesser fire exposure and are very portable. However, there are some places where you should never use a patio heater;
1. Enclosed room
Bedrooms, drawing rooms, store rooms,s or any living room with only a door and small windows are a risk for using a patio heater. Only use heaters in these rooms if you have kept the windows open. It is better to use a fireplace or room heater for the home.
2. Indoor balconies
We often plan on using the heater to warm ourselves while having tea or snacks with the family members on the balconies. However, only use the heater if your patio has enough ventilation.
3. Enclosed tent or camp
When camping or using a winter tent for picnics, you may often place a portable heater inside, which is dangerous if the tent has no ventilation. Also, the heater can tip over and burn everything in the tent.
Is it Safe to Use a Patio/Outdoor Heater in a Garage?
It is not recommended to use a patio heater in a garage. Instead use a wall-mounted heater or indoor heater for better safety. However, you can use a patio heater if the door and windows are open and enough ventilation is ensured. Patio heaters not only produce harmful gases, but also they are a threat to garage accessories. As patio heaters are designed for outdoor places, using them in the garage can harm the goods for excessive heat. Also, the risk of tipping over and burning things is constant.
So, avoiding using a patio heater in the garage is better.
[On a side note: How to choose the best electric patio heater?]
Does a Propane Heater Produce Carbon Monoxide?
Yes, propane and gas-burning fire pits, heaters, or fire features will produce carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is called a “silent killer” because it deprives the heart, brain, and other critical organs of oxygen; it is hazardous when inhaled. You may become unconscious and suffocate in minutes if exposed to significant CO levels. And the worst thing is if you use a propane patio heater indoors and forget to turn it off and sleep, you can even die from the lack of oxygen in the room.
How Much Room do You Need above a Patio Heater?
The patio heater needs three feet above clearance and two feet side clearance from all types of flammable items and structures. A patio heater should never be used indoors or anywhere without ventilation.
However, operating under a gazebo, pergola, pavilion, or canopy is safe.
How to Use a Patio Heaters Indoors? (Safety Tips)
- Firstly, Choose the Right Type of Patio Heater: Electric patio heaters are the safest option for indoor use as they do not emit any harmful gases like propane or gas heaters. We highly recommend you use an electric patio heater if you need to use it indoors.
- Placement: Keep the patio heater away from any flammable materials and put it at a safe distance from curtains, furniture, or other decorative items. Must use your patio heater with at least 5 feet of clearance from all sides of the heater.
- Proper ventilation: As we have mentioned earlier, gas patio heaters can emit carbon monoxide. So you must ensure proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide in the room.
- Safety Precautions: Always keep the patio heater on a surface level and never leave it unattended while in use. Also, please turn it off when you leave or go to bed.
Final Verdict:
Although it is strictly prohibited to use outdoor heaters inside the house, you can still use them if you maintain proper placement, ventilation, and safety features. You can also use other types of heaters like electric or radiant heaters instead. Hope this article helps. If you have any query then feel free to comment below.
