Can Outdoor Heaters be Left Out in the Rain (Well Explained)

An outdoor heater is another patio luxury that helps you enjoy the cool weather outdoors while being warm. An outdoor heater is a great alternative to campfires and fire pits, but you have to take maintenance seriously to get the most out of your heater.

If you wonder whether an outdoor heater can be left out in the rain, you should know that different types and brands of outdoor heaters are built to withstand different weather conditions. Some can handle a little drizzle or snow, while others can’t.

We will discuss ways to protect outdoor heaters from rain and snow; we will also list some safety tips to consider when handling an outdoor heater.

Are Outdoor Heaters Waterproof?

Some outdoor heaters are waterproof/weatherproof, while others are not. This all depends on the type of outdoor heater purchased, but you can always read the information on the package to know if the heater is waterproof or not.

An ingress protection scale (IP) measures the waterproof measure of an outdoor heater is measured by an ingress protection scale (IP).

The higher the IP value, the greater the protection; this is to say that an outdoor heater with an IP scale of 9 will be waterproof/weather resistant.

Can Outdoor Heaters Be Left Out in the Rain?

There are types of outdoor heaters, the fixed gas outdoor patio heater, portable gas heater, and electric infrared heater.

The fixed gas heater works outdoor and is fixed close to a natural gas tank. This outdoor heater cannot be moved inside during rain or snow, but the manufacturers have considered this and made this has heater weather resistant/waterproof.

The portable gas heater uses propane, and unlike the fixed gas heater, this heater can be moved indoors during rain or snow.

These heaters are still waterproof, but it is advisable to take them inside when it’s raining. Electric gas heaters use electricity and should not be left outside under the rain; the good part is that they are not as heavy as gas heaters.

While gas heaters are waterproof, leaving them out under the rain reduces their lifespan. Exposure to excess moisture causes some parts of the heater to deteriorate.

Can Outdoor Heaters be Left out in the Snow?

While electric infrared heaters cannot be left out under snow, a fixed gas heater can be left under the snow. The portable gas heater can be used under snow; however, its performance will drop due to the low temperature.

Portable gas heaters use propane, and the propane’s makeup changes at a lower temperature (usually under temperatures colder than 40°F or 4°C).

And at these very low temperatures, it becomes risky to use this has a heater. Endure that your propane tank, as well as every pipe, is insulated before winter comes.

Does an Outdoor Heater Need to be Covered?

Let’s face it, you won’t always be available to attend to your outdoor heater, and in some cases, it can be a pain to transport your heater in and out of your house; this is why you need a cover.

An outdoor heater cover should be made of tough fabric and should withstand harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, wind, and sunlight. It should also protect your heater from dust and other debris flying around.

If you can’t afford a cover at the moment, you can use a high-temperature tarpaulin. Before covering your heater, you should allow it to cool down a little. And you can secure your cover with bricks or heavy boulders.

Can You Have a Patio Heater in a Gazebo?

Usually, shades are only needed for open fires, fire pits, and electric outdoor heaters. But you can have a patio heater in a gazebo. Besides, you can explore other options apart from a patio; a gazebo is an equally great place to keep an outdoor heater.

A portable gas heater or an electric heater can be moved from one spot. But a fixed gas heater has been stationed in one spot for a long time.

So before you decide to install your fixed gas heater in a gazebo, you should be sure that you wouldn’t want to relocate it after a short time.

How to Protect Outdoor Heaters Against Rain and Snow

Your outdoor gas heater may be waterproof, but protecting it from rain and snow is necessary to increase its lifespan.

When your outdoor heater regularly comes in contact with water, some parts start to deteriorate.

You can install your outdoor heater under a shade or canopy to protect it from rain and snow; a good example is a gazebo.

Another alternative is to use a durable cover or a high-temperature plastic tarp. During winter, insulate your propane tank and pipes for more effectiveness.

Outdoor Heaters and Safety

When dealing with outdoor heaters, you know that there are different types, and hence there will be different maintenance guidelines for each type.

But generally, cover your heater to prevent dust and debris from getting to them; you should also clean your outdoor heater periodically.

To ensure maximum safety while using an outdoor heater, you should consider the following tips.

Never move an outdoor heater when it’s still lit
Place heaters away from flammable materials
Never leave a heater unattended
Due to the combustible nature of gas, you should look out for leaks
Avoid tilting an outdoor heater
Adult supervision is necessary when kids are around
Disassemble heater to clean debris properly
Use soap, water, and a non-abrasive scouring pad to clean the heater.
Replace broken and worn out parts

Conclusion

Have that outdoor dream moment with an outdoor heater sitting on your patio. But when it comes to maintenance, you should know that not all types of outdoor heaters are waterproof. An electric heater is not waterproof, but a fixed and portable gas heater is waterproof.

Your gas heaters should be covered to avoid wearing out of some parts of the heater by constant contact with water and prevent dust and debris from getting to the heater. You can situate the heater under any canopy or shade; a good instance is a gazebo.

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We trust this article helped you know if it is okay to leave Outdoor Heaters in the Rain. You may also want to check if it is Safe To Roast Marshmallows On a Propane Fire Pit?

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