Repair and Maintenance for Outdoor Heaters

Outdoor heaters can be a great addition whether for commercial or personal use, allowing you and your guests to stay comfortable even when the temperature drops. Taking proper care of your investment in outdoor ambiance is crucial. At AEI, we're committed to providing top-notch customer service and quality replacement parts for all the outdoor heating appliances we offer. Regular maintenance and timely repairs of worn or broken parts can significantly extend the lifespan of your heaters.

All of our Patio Comfort products are crafted to the highest standards, but like any equipment, they will eventually require attention and maintenance. Common wear and tear issues for patio heaters include:

• Soot accumulation in pilot feed tubes
• Pilot light failure
• Low burner flame
• Frozen regulator or propane tank
• Pilot light extinguishes on high or low settings
• Heater fails to ignite
• Propane smell upon startup

Caring for Your Patio Heater

These are typical issues that arise with regular use over time. Most of these problems can be easily resolved, while others might need more thorough repair work. Performing routine maintenance can minimize the need for extensive repairs and replacements. Keeping your heaters well-maintained ensures they operate safely and at their best efficiency.

Make it a habit to check the gas cylinder regularly to confirm it has enough fuel. Repeatedly running out of fuel can damage the starter mechanism. If the cylinder is full but the heater still won't light, the ignition system might need repair or replacement—either partially or entirely. Listen closely to the burner for a hissing gas sound. If you hear gas flowing into the burner but the heater doesn't ignite, the problem likely lies with the igniter.

Heaters with electric ignition systems use a spark to light the fuel. If you see a spark but the heater doesn't ignite, there might be a blockage preventing the fuel from reaching the spark. In such cases, you can try lighting the unit with a butane lighter. If this fails and the cylinder contains fuel, the fuel delivery line might be blocked or disconnected.

Regularly inspect the ignition system for soot, corrosion, and any signs of damage. If you use your heaters to serve customers in outdoor patio areas, it’s wise to conduct your checks early in the day before you need to use your heating units. This way, you’ll have ample time to address any mechanical issues and keep your guests comfortable. When inspecting and repairing the ignition system for your outdoor heaters, ensure the fuel delivery system is turned off to prevent accidental ignition.

The second most maintenance-intensive component of your Ambiance and Sunglo outdoor heaters is the fuel regulator. This pipe connects the fuel cylinder to the burner unit and should be inspected frequently for any damage or blockages. Look out for cracks, corrosion, obstructions, and perforations. A damaged fuel regulator could fail to supply fuel to the ignition system. While rare, if the cylinder or regulator is compromised in any way, attempting to light the heater could lead to fuel igniting outside the unit. Although unlikely, this situation can be dangerous and is easily avoided with consistent care and maintenance.

Lastly, it’s vital to routinely check and clean the gas pipe. Although uncommon, gas pipes on outdoor heaters can become clogged. This component should be removed and examined after prolonged storage and at least once per season of use. Blockages in the gas pipe can lead to serious problems if not regularly inspected and cleaned. The best approach is to remove the pipe and blow air through it. Familiarize yourself with how air moves through a clear pipe when the heater is new. Any blockages should come out easily. Stubborn blockages can be addressed by flushing the pipe with hot water. Ensure the part is thoroughly dried before reinstalling it.

Patio heaters are straightforward and generally reliable, but regular care is essential for safe and optimal performance. Replacing worn or outdated components is a smart way to maximize the return on your investment over time. Proper care keeps your heaters running efficiently and safely. Replacing worn or broken parts will enhance the longevity of your heater and ensure it remains a dependable source of warmth and comfort.

Outdoor Heater Owner Manuals

If you need a copy of your heater's owner manual, we have digital versions available below. Feel free to reach out with any questions. 

Owner manuals by maker: Patio Comfort, Sunglo, Sunpak, Ambiance.