Luxury patio heaters are a fantastic addition to outdoor spaces, providing warmth and comfort that extends the usability of your patio. To ensure your heater performs efficiently and safely, it’s essential to conduct regular maintenance, especially before the cooler seasons when it will be in frequent use. The following guide outlines general care tips to keep your heater in top shape for many seasons to come.
General Safety Precautions:
- Shut off the gas and electrical supply to the heater before starting any seasonal maintenance.
- Ensure the heater is placed on a stable, level surface.
- Keep the area surrounding the heater clear of combustible materials and flammable liquids.
- Do not obstruct the flow of combustion or ventilation air.
- Regularly inspect all gas connections for leaks using a soapy water solution.
Seasonal Maintenance
Patio heaters, though built to withstand outdoor elements, can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris during the off-season. Seasonal maintenance helps reduce downtime and ensures your heater is ready to go when needed. Here’s a general checklist to follow:
- Cleaning:
- For painted surfaces, use a mild soap and water solution to prevent damage to the finish.
- Use stainless steel cleaner for stainless steel parts, but avoid letting cleaning solutions get into combustion or electrical areas.
- Gas Heaters:
- Inspect gas hose supply lines for kinks, tears, or signs of wear.
- Check the gas isolation shut-off valve for damage or wear. Ensure it operates correctly by turning it on and off.
- If any components appear damaged or faulty, contact a certified HVAC or gas technician for inspection and repair.
- Electrical Heaters:
- Confirm that the power supply is turned on if it was disconnected during the off-season.
- Only individuals with appropriate training should operate or inspect electrical disconnects.
By following these maintenance tips, you’ll extend the lifespan of your luxury patio heater while ensuring it remains safe and reliable for use throughout the season.
Open Flame Mushroom Heater, Model GA201, GA301
- Ignitor & Thermocouple (if equipped): Remove soot or debris using a brush. If needed, gently clean the ignitor surface with emery cloth or fine sandpaper, taking care not to damage it and maintaining the correct spark gap. If you notice cracks or discoloration, it may be time to replace the ignitor.
- Pilot Hood: Clear any debris, such as spider webs, to prevent clogging the tiny orifice. Use compressed air at 15 PSIG, blowing across at an angle to the pilot hood to remove debris. Tilt the wind guard aside for better access to the pilot assembly.
- Emitter Assembly: Use compressed air at 15 PSIG, blowing across the emitter ring at an angle to remove dust and debris. Ensure the emitter’s bottom grooves are properly seated on the control arm. If the arm appears distorted, adjust as needed.
- Reflector: Wipe down the inside of the reflector. If you notice excessive soot, further investigation may be required to identify the cause.
- Main Burner: Use a small pipe cleaner to proactively clean the main burner orifice, removing dust, debris, or spider webs.
High-Intensity Spot Heater, Model HAB-M20,40,50
- Ignitor: Remove soot or debris using a brush. If needed, clean the ignitor surface with emery cloth or fine sandpaper, avoiding damage and maintaining the correct spark gap. Cracks or discoloration may indicate it’s time to replace the ignitor.
- Emitter Tiles: Gently blow across the ceramic tile surface with compressed air at 15 PSIG (or less), ensuring you do not blow directly at the tiles. Blow into the venturi for about one minute. Inspect the tiles for cracks, as damaged tiles can cause flashback. If any tiles are cracked, discontinue use, turn off the gas supply, and contact an HVAC technician for repairs.
- Reflector: Wipe down the inside of the reflector to remove any accumulated debris.
- Main Burner: The main burner orifice is generally protected from spiders, insects, and debris. Servicing the orifice should be left to a professional HVAC technician.
Outdoor Infrared Tube Heater, Model ETS, ETSV
- Ignitor & Flame Sensor: Remove soot or debris with a brush. Gently clean the ignitor surface with emery cloth or fine sandpaper, ensuring not to damage it while maintaining the correct sparker gap. Replace the ignitor if you notice cracks or discoloration.
- Emitter Tubes: Visually inspect the tubes for cracks or loose couplings. Check decorative grilles for wear and replace as needed. If necessary, have the heater serviced by an HVAC technician.
- Reflector: Wipe down the outside of the reflector and inspect the inside for any soot accumulation. If soot is present, further inspection by an HVAC technician may be required.
- Main Burner: The main burner orifice is located inside the heater head behind the service door, generally protected from debris. Periodically, spiders or insects may enter the orifice or tubes. Servicing the orifice should be left to a professional HVAC technician.
- Brower: Check condition of forced air blower scroll and motor. Dirt and dust may be blown or vacuumed from the blower.
While routine maintenance is essential, we recommend hiring a qualified service agency to adjust and repair infrared heaters beyond basic maintenance. Please contact us for the guidelines and further instructions.
