Patio heater problems, such as the heater being lit but the burner off, usually occur from the thermocouple being broken, dirty, or rusted. Also, other issues, for example, the patio heater not staying lit, low heat output, the ignitor being broken, etc., are standard and may happen due to lack of maintenance or proper care. In this writing, we have addressed the common malfunction problems and how you can treat them at home.
Why is my burner not Firing Up?
The igniter may be broken if your burner is not firing up. Gas patio heaters commonly have a spark igniter, a tiny electrode used to light the pilot flame. Spark ignition systems eventually wear out due to repeated usage and stop working. However, some patio heater’s ignitors may not work from the very start.
To fix this issue:
- Remove the screen from the main burner by unscrewing the screws with a screwdriver and then test the spark igniter. The presence of a spark can be visually checked by holding the ignition switch down.
- If there is no spark, the igniter may need to be replaced. The spark igniter is typically only held in place by a single retainer nut on the ignition assembly. This nut may be easily removed with a wrench to facilitate replacement. Push-in connectors are typically used to link it to the ignition switch wire on the other end, and they can be removed by hand if necessary.
- After the old spark igniter has been removed, putting in the new one is as easy as taking it out. A generic model or one made especially for your patio heater’s make and model can be purchased online.
Why is My Patio Heater Flame Too Low?
Most of the time, a Patio heater flame that is too low is caused by a clogged burner orifice, a kinked gas hose, or insufficient fuel in the propane tank. A dim flame could be caused by low gas pressure, a bent or kinked supply hose, or a blockage in the orifice or pilot tube.
In this case, you need to turn off the cylinder valve and replace it. You also need to straighten the hose and look for bugs and spiders inside the pilot assembly valve, the venturi tube, and the burner ports. Sometimes, if the outdoor temperature is less than 40°F and the tank is less than 1/4 full, the chances for the low flame are high; in this case, you need to use a full cylinder.
Patio Heater Won't Stay Lit? How to Fix It?
Your patio heater won’t stay lit because of low gas pressure or leakage. A gas patio heater needs sufficient gas pressure to perform correctly. With it, the pilot tube and burner may get enough gas to stay lit or produce less flame and heat.
Also, damaged gas pipes create low gas pressure. First, visually verify all the heater’s gas lines that link to the principal gas source. Cracked or fractured lines that leak are harder to see. Leak detection spray can highlight leaks.
How to Clean the Thermocouple?
To clean the thermocouple, you will need wire wool, wrenches, and a screwdriver.
First, Turn off the gas supply before you do anything else. Then, using the screwdriver, undo the bolts and find the thermocouple. Now, you should remove it from the pilot for cleaning. The thermocouple of a gas patio heater prevents gas from leaking if the pilot goes out and acts as a heat sensor for safe operation.
The thermocouple consists of a copper tube, an attachment, and wires. The line rests atop the bracket, a nut secures the frame and wires in place, and the copper lead wires that connect to the gas valve on the furnace are visible beneath the bracket.
After you have found the thermocouple and removed it, it is time to clean it. Use the wire wool to rub off the dirt from the thermocouple, and you are done. However, if the thermocouple is getting rusted, you can do sanding, then use the wire wool to get rid of the rust.
Why My Burner is Going Out?
If the thermocouple is too distant from the pilot tube, it cannot detect the heat, the gas supply will be restricted, and your burner will keep going out. Because the thermocouple might be dislodged when the heater is being moved, this malfunction will most likely occur in standing portable patio heaters. The thermocouple of a gas patio heater is a safety component that prevents gas leakage in case the pilot goes out. A copper rod sits next to the pilot tube on the other side of the spark igniter; when it detects heat from the pilot light, it lets gas flow through the pilot tube. To repair a thermocouple positioned too far from the pilot light, remove the emitter screen to expose the ignition housing. Using pliers, gently press the thermocouple and pilot tube closer together after locating the thermocouple. Attach the screen again.
Why My Heater Has Reduced Heat Output?
Dust, dead insect, and debris accumulate on a patio heater’s gas or electric heating element, and the heater starts producing low heat output. If your patio heater has these problems, cleaning it may be all that is required. To clean the individual parts of a gas burner:
- Remove the emitter screen and use a pipe cleaner or straw brush to remove dirt and debris.
- Reattach the screen when it has been cleaned.
- Remove the emitter screen to expose the burner or heating elements for cleaning.
- Blast off dust and filth using compressed air rather than a damp towel.
- Remember to clean the patio heater once every week, especially the screen, for more incredible warmth.
Final Verdict
Typical patio heater problems and malfunctions occur due to a lack of proper care and maintenance. During winter, patio heaters are used daily and need more care and maintenance than you can imagine. Even though our heaters can work in harsh outdoor conditions, over time, they will damage the surface protection and, more importantly, shorten the life of the lamp inside. Even if you don’t use the patio heater in the summer or fall, you still have to clean and maintain it once a year. You can also clean and keep it every six months. Anything left in storage for a long time will get dusty, dirty, and full of bugs. Also, it might not work if the weather, bugs, or rust damage any part. Finally, avoid getting tensed over patio heater malfunctions; it is typical for a piece of machinery not to work correctly. Keep patience while fixing and maintaining it for the best results.
