If you want to make the most of your outdoor spaces during the cooler seasons, one way is by using an outdoor heater. With these devices, it’s possible for a practical alternative without building a fire from scratch!
Would your new patio heater survive a rainstorm like this one outside right now, or would it be doomed because of its location near the water source in your yard? You should also consider the output tone of voice for an outdoor unit that is going to be used as well.
Outdoor heaters are perfect for when your children, family, and friends need a spot to escape the cold. However, the big question is how to they hold up in the rain!
No, It is not recommended to leave your gas heater out in the rain or other inclement weather conditions as it will shorten its life and can lead to safety issues.
For most gas-based outdoor heaters, you can leave them out in the rain without worry. However, despite this advice, it’s probably not a good idea to do so because of safety reasons like explosions and fire risks.
Rain can make patio heaters wet and degrade the parts that are exposed to it. While most outdoor heaters have durability built-in, frequently exposing them to rain will lead to faster deterioration over time as they’re more susceptible to corrosion or rusting.
Outdoor heating systems are an essential part of life in the winter. They keep us warm and cozy when we’re outside, but how well do they work in rain? In this article, I’ll explore that question to decipher which outdoor heaters fare best during a rainy day!
There are a few easy ways you can extend the life of your outdoor heater and take better care of it which we will explore.
Can You Use Outdoor Heaters in The Rain?
Outdoor and patio heaters should always be removed from rain but for natural gas and propane outdoor equipment it is not the end of the world. Electric appliances are a different story though as they can become damaged if left in any type of precipitation while on or operating.
One way to ensure you stay warm on a chilly night is by eating at an outdoor restaurant with electric heaters. These outside outlets are often protected from rain or water damage with special coverings that shield the heating elements and power cords so they’re not harmed when it rains.
Below, we’ll learn about the three main types of outdoor heaters and how they fare when exposed to rain.
Gas-Based Fixed Outdoor Heaters
Fixed gas-based patio heaters are often fixed in a certain position where they can be directly linked to the natural gas lines.
It’s unfortunate that heaters with this output are not able to move around the room, unlike other styles of the heater.
Fortunately, most manufacturers take this factor into account when designing these outdoor heaters.
As their name suggests, these heaters are designed for outdoor use. So there’s no point installing them indoors because they don’t work well when it’s not hot outside!
In some areas of the country, it can rain and snow in any given week. This is why most heaters are made to withstand these elements so they last you for years!
A heater with a cover is the perfect wintertime companion! It’s so easy to get caught in rain and wind while living out of state. And if that happens, you’ll need something handy like this adorable crocheted lace blanket for your new friend – just don’t forget about safety first!
It’s important to make sure the heater has cooled down before you cover it.
Portable Outdoor Heaters
The portable outdoor heaters that use some sort of gas such as propane, like their fixed counterpart, are usually designed to withstand rain.
Unlike fixed outdoor heaters, these can actually be moved around.
When it rains, when you have a portable outdoor heater that is outside – move the device inside.
This is not going to be a problem. In the event of inclement weather, people are most likely staying away from the outdoors and close spaces like this one.
For long-term protection, you might want to move the heater out of any places where it is exposed to rain.
One thing you should keep in mind is that these heaters can be heavy, especially certain models like a pyramid gas patio heater. So it could be difficult to move them at the last moment if they’re not on wheels or some other type of carriage system.
Let them cool off first and then move before the rain starts to fall.
Electric Infrared Heaters
If you’re living in a climate with temperate weather, it’s important to have an electric infrared outdoor heater. This is because there are typically two seasons – when the mercury drops and then rises again.
Electricity and water make for a deadly combination.
Electric heaters are typically much lighter than gas-based ones, so it should be easy to move one around.
Getting a Rain Cover for Your Outdoor Heater
A cover for your outdoor heater could help you extend its lifespan.
It’s hard to always be available for your outdoor heaters during bad weather. Moving them around can also be a pain, which is why it may not seem like the best idea in some cases.
It’s important to know that while many patio heater models are waterproof, they could be damaged and experience a shorter lifespan if left out in the rain.
A cover can be helpful and supportive.
You can save time with a high-temperature tarp.
It’s important to let your heater cool down before you cover it, but when time is tight a quick fix like the one mentioned below could be all that stands between heating and cooling.
There are so many benefits to getting an outdoor cover for your heater. Not only will they protect it from the rain, but you’ll never have to worry about moving it again!
Can You Put a Patio Heater Under a Covered Patio or Porch?
One alternative you could consider is using outdoor heaters under a covered patio, which will provide not only warmth but also an inviting and cozy atmosphere.
Contrary to popular belief, you can safely use an outdoor heater under a covered patio if the right precautions have been taken.
For the best mushroom style patio heaters, a clearance of two feet should suffice. Given the large size of these heaters, that would mean you need your patio cover at least 10′ from the ground and have plenty of room for maneuvering around on all sides to avoid being in danger when it’s time to put them away!
It’s not too much to ask and can be managed.
Be sure to keep an eye on how close your outdoor heater is to combustible materials like umbrellas and wood. You don’t want the family barbecue ending in disaster!
You might be surprised, but the cheapest way to heat your home is through radiant heating. What this means is that, unlike air heaters, they don’t blow warm air around the space so you can stay comfortable and save money at night when it’s cooler outside!
The heat from a fire can be used to make objects warmer.
Should you be looking to purchase an outdoor heater, it’s important to consider the climate and your needs. An open sky would mean that a patio or porch will work best for heating purposes; however, if you’re seeking warmth indoors then a covered space is better because of its efficiency in retaining heat.
Imagine if you could help your heater last longer! You would save tons of money and energy. And the best part is, it costs next to nothing.
A covered patio is a great solution for sheltering your outdoor heater. Not only does it provide an excellent barrier to the elements, but you can use it as storage space or even just spend time in there with friends and family on nice days!
FAQ About Outdoor Heater Questions
Here are some of the most common questions we see when people are thinking of purchasing a patio heater for their backyard.
Can outdoor patio heaters be used in winter?
Electric heaters and natural gas-based heating should work just fine under low temperatures.
Propane-based portable heaters may see a slight slump in performance under temperatures colder than 40°F (approximately 4°C).
This is because the composition of propane tends to change at lower temperatures. Propane has a tendency to get more riskier in colder weather, so it’s important that your tank and pipes are insulated properly before winter sets in!
While the heater will continue to produce heat, it will not be as effective at warming up a room.
For these reasons, if you want to stay cozy during the cold weather and not have to worry about your heating system breaking down in those harsh winters, consider getting a natural gas-based fixed heater or an electric heater.
Will outdoor heaters work when it’s windy?
Keep your outdoor infrared heaters running at optimal performance by keeping the wind speed to 10 miles per hour or less.
Furthermore, with stronger winds, people should be careful not to tip the heater over. If they do it could potentially start a fire!
You should never use your outdoor heater when there’s a strong wind. The winds will make it difficult to clean the unit, as well as light them next time they are needed.
What type of outdoor heater do you recommend?
For those who are looking for a portable heater, gas-based heaters would be the way to go.
This heater is not only great for fixed outdoor use but can also be moved when the need arises.
Some people may not think of it, but natural gas-based heaters are actually better at dealing with colder temperatures.
If you’re also expecting lower temperatures, choose them with enough space undercover to handle it.
It’s important to keep your electric heaters indoors when it rains. They’re not waterproof and can cause a power outage if they get wet outside!
You don’t want to risk electrocution in the rain, so it’s better not to use electric heaters.
Conclusion
The patio heaters can be used in the rain but it is important to protect them from getting wet.
The electric heaters should be properly protected from the rain or switched off to ensure their safety.
You may never know when you might need a little help from your tarp, but it’s better to be prepared than sorry.
If you’re trying to keep your heater dry, and it’s not a movable type of heaters like the ones that can be moved when they get wet. A cover will protect them from the rain!