Many Peoples have a common question, can outdoor Heaters be left out in the Rain? The answer to the question is both Yes and No. If it is a small, portable heater, then you can use it outdoors in any weather. But this brings a risk of the fire being extinguished by the rain. For some larger, permanent outdoor heaters, their pipes need protection from the water.
Outdoor heaters are not just used for decoration but they are also used as a way to keep people warm on chilly evenings. They are usually placed outside in gardens or near patios because of how powerful they can be in warming up an entire space.
However, some will ask if outdoor heaters can be left out in the rain or if they need protection from water when it rains. Let’s give you more details to help you know if and how you can let it remain outdoors in the rain.
What are Outdoor Heaters and Why Do I Need One?
Outside heaters are a great way to get some relief from the pesky cold. They keep you warm outside and can make an outdoor living space more enjoyable.
They come in many shapes and sizes with various fuel types that offer different benefits. For example, propane heaters are portable, but natural gas heaters provide more power and burn hotter than propane.
Reasons You Need An Outdoor Heater
- Aside from heating a space, outdoor heaters also add ambiance to your look while providing some privacy on the patio.
- Outdoor Heaters last season-to-season so that you can enjoy them for years without replacing one every Spring or Summer like other garden tools would require!
- Electric outdoor heaters are great because they can plug into your home’s power outlet and offer a consistent source of heat without having to rely on a fire or gas.
- Outdoor heaters are a convenient and useful way to enjoy the crisp winter air while staying warm.
- They provide direct, concentrated warmth that is designed to be gentler than an open fire or electric heater.
Why Is It Important to Keep Your Outdoor Heater Dry?
Outdoor heaters are used for a variety of purposes in both residential and commercial settings including cooking, drying clothes, bathing, space heating, and providing hot water for homes.
Keeping your heater dry helps to maintain the quality of your heater and prolongs its life. Indoor heaters are designed to work in wet environments but outdoor heaters will experience corrosion or premature wear if they come into contact with moisture.
For How Long I Can Leave the Outdoor Heater in the Rain?
Outdoor heaters are designed to withstand different weather conditions. The burner assembly usually sits at the back of the unit and is unlikely to be affected by rain or snow. They may however contain a few drops of water due to humidity in the environment.
When you try to fire it up after it’s been raining or snowing, make sure the gas or propane supply is fine first before trying again if it doesn’t start. But it’s not a good idea to leave electric heaters outside during the rain or snow. It’s dangerous and can damage your heater.
If you have to leave your electric heater outside, it’s important to make sure that it does not get wet by placing it under a tarp and sealing the edges well. This will help protect the device from rain, snow, and any moisture.
Though we do warn against it, gas and propane-based outdoor heating units can function perfectly for a short time of exposure to rain or snow.
Also Read: Can You Store a Blackstone Griddle Outside?
Best Practices When Having Your Outdoor Heater in the Rain
A lot of people don’t know what to do if their outdoor heater suddenly stops working because of a rainstorm so we’ve compiled some tips that will help you through this next time something like this happens.
- Turn off the propane tank and move it inside.
- Cover the grill with cardboard boxes to prevent the rain from getting into it even more than it already is and causing more damage than necessary.
- Use blankets or towels to cover any furniture that may have been hit by rain and avoid getting water on anything that would be ruined by it since water, mixed with oil, is a combustible mixture.
- If you can’t move the propane tank inside and your propane heater still has some fuel left in it, cover the grill with something that will funnel the rainwater in such as a tarp or garbage bag.
- Allow time for the rain to stop before trying to start up your heater again. This could take up to an hour depending on how long it took for all of the water to drain out of your grill’s vents
How to Clean an Outdoor Heater?
Winter is here! People will start buying and using outdoor heaters. These outdoor space heating systems are great because they work in a very efficient way.
However, it can be challenging to clean them. Here’s how you can do it with vinegar.
- The first thing you need to do is disconnect the outdoor heater from the power supply by turning off the circuit breaker or switching off the breaker switch at your home.
- Next, remove all items from around the outdoor heater and then wipe away dust and dirt from it with a damp cloth or sponge.
- Once you have done this, turn on the circuit breaker again after ensuring that there is no water dripping from any of its parts.
- Finally, mix some vinegar in a bucket of water (half-cup) and pour this over your outdoor heater for about five minutes before turning off your circuit breaker. Let everything settle for about 15 minutes before using your new sparkling clean heater!