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Where to Put a Patio Heater

Brian Gregory

By Brian Gregory
Published August 23, 2024

A patio heater keeps your outdoor living area comfortable even in chilly weather. We’ll show you where to locate yours to keep you safe and warm.

So Where’s the Best Place to Put Your Patio Heater?

Here are several points for choosing the best patio heater location:

  • Make sure your heater is resting on a hard, flat service, such as a tile, stone or concrete patio. Placing your heater on the grass or uneven surface may cause it to tip over, which could damage the heater and create a fire hazard. 
  • Locate your heater in a low-traffic area where someone isn’t as likely to knock it over when walking by. 
  • Don’t install your heater near trees or shrubs whose branches could fall on it or come into contact with the heating coils. 
  • Ideally, your heater should be used in a semi-enclosed area such a corner of your patio or near an exterior wall. This will help create a heat barrier to keep the entire patio warm, or at least most of it. 
  • Select a patio heater that’s the right size for the space. If the heater is too small for the area, you won’t get the desired performance. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations on any product you’re considering for details on coverage. 


Locations to Avoid

  • Patio heaters are designed for outdoor use and require appropriate ventilation. Never install a patio heater in a garage or indoors. 
  • If you haven’t gotten any rain for a while in your location, don’t place a patio heater near dry grass. 
  • Never place a patio heater near any potentially flammable substances or chemical fumes.

Caution

Always defer to the manufacturer’s safety recommendations for your heater.

How to Keep a Patio Heater from Tipping Over

  • The best way to prevent a portable patio heater from falling over if someone bumps into it or during heavy winds is to purchase a model has a build-in anti-tip feature. This will help with stabilization.
  • If you’re in the market for a permanent heater, look for one that can be bolted to the ground.
  • If you already have a portable heater and it can’t be bolted to the ground. You can weigh down the base with sandbags or purchase special weights that are designed for this purpose.

Patio Heater Care and Maintenance

  • When you’re not using your patio heater, keep it covered to protect it. Be sure to allow your heater to cool completely after each use before placing the cover on it. Typically, heater manufacturers make covers for specific models. If you can’t find one, just measure your heater and find a generic cover that fits the dimensions well. 
  • Check to see if your heater is waterproof. If you’re shopping for a new one, this is a good feature to look for. 
  • Move your patio heater into your garage or another shelter before inclement weather hits. Heavy winds and hail could damage it.