Should I Cover Outdoor Patio Heater?

When the weather turns cold, you probably turn on your patio heater to warm up your outdoor space. However, your outdoor space is generally exposed to the elements, so it’s important to protect it from the cold, too. Otherwise, you’ll inadvertently increase your energy bills by inviting the cold into your home.

Do you need to cover outdoor patio heater?

No matter if a patio heater is waterproof or not, a cover is always a good idea to keep water, insects, and other debris out of the warmer and on the outside. Even if you can’t stop all debris, a cover will assist keep it out of the weather. In addition,  a cover will keep the heat in the heater, rather than out of it.  It will also keep water off the heater.  

No matter if you’re using a patio heater to heat your outdoor space or your pool, you’ll want to keep water away from it so it doesn’t short circuit or get damaged. If you have an electric patio heater, it’s important to take precautions if rain is expected.

 If rain is in the forecast, turn off the heater and unplug it.  Don’t leave it on if there’s a chance of water getting into the electrical system.  Water can cause a short circuit, which could cause a fire hazard. If you have a gas patio heater, you may want to cover it with a tarp or plastic sheeting.  This will keep the heater dry if it rains, and it will also keep water out of the heater if you’re using it indoors.

Can an outdoor heater get wet?

If you are using a gas patio heater, you’ll need to keep it out of the rain.  If it gets wet, it could break down.  That is why it’s important to cover it if rain is in the forecast.  You can also use a tarp or plastic sheeting to cover the heater if you’re using it indoors for warmth. If you have an electric patio heater, it’s best not to let water get into the heater.

That is why it’s important to turn off the heater if rain is expected and unplug it, too. Water can cause a short circuit that can ignite. Although patio heaters are often waterproof, they don’t like standing water.  When water is constantly in contact with the heater, it will corrode the heater and make it less effective.  It can also cause the heater to overheat. If you have a gas patio heater, it can handle standing water better than an electric one.  If your gas patio heater gets wet, turn off the gas and wait for it to dry out before using it again.

 If you don’t turn off the gas, it could leak out and make your home unsafe.  Gas patio heaters also need to be dried out periodically so that they don’t rust or develop mildew.  You can use a towel to dry them off if you’re using them indoors. If you’re using a propane patio heater outside, you’ll need to keep it covered.  Otherwise, water will get in and make it less efficient.  It can also cause the heater to rust and corrode. If your patio heater is large and heavy, you may want to protect it with a shelter or a canopy.  This will keep debris and water off the heater and protect it from the elements.

Is weather damage covered by warranty?

If your patio heater is damaged due to weather, you may be able to get it repaired or replaced under warranty. However, this will depend on the manufacturer’s warranty.  You’ll need to check with the manufacturer for specific details about their warranty.

If you don’t have a warranty, you can get your patio heater repaired by a professional or replace it yourself.  You can find patio heaters at local hardware stores and online retailers like Amazon.  A new heater may cost more than $100, but it will pay for itself in the long run if it lasts for many years.

You’ll want to make sure that you cover your patio heater when it’s not in use to keep water out of the electrical system.  This will prevent the heater from short circuiting and causing a fire hazard.  It will also protect the heater from the elements so that it will last longer.  A cover will also help keep water off your patio heater if you’re using it indoors for warmth.

What types of patio heater covers are available?

There are several types of covers available for patio heaters.
They include:

Plastic tarps

Plastic tarps are generally not very durable, but they do provide some protection from the elements. If you do use a tarp to cover your patio heater, make sure it is securely attached with bungee cords.

Outdoor furniture covers

Outdoor furniture covers are made of fabric and are designed to protect outdoor furniture, including patio heaters. Make sure they are made specifically for patio heaters, as most furniture covers are too small.

PVC covers

PVC covers are made out of plastic and can be purchased at most hardware stores. They can be cut to size to fit any shape or size of  patio heater.

Heater covers

Heater covers are custom-made for specific models of patio heaters. They can be found online or through retailers like Target or Home Depot.  They generally come in sizes to fit most brands of patio heaters.

What do you need to consider when buying a patio heater cover?

The type of cover you choose will depend on the type of patio heater you have and its size. If your patio heater is electric, you’ll want to make sure that the cover is made specifically for electric heaters.  

You may also want to consider how durable it is, whether it will protect your heater from rain, and how easy it is to use. It’s also important to note that not all covers are designed to withstand high winds. If you live in an area with strong winds, you may want to consider a more durable cover.

How do you cover outdoor patio heater?

When covering your patio heater, keep these things in mind:

Measure the heater

If you’re using a tarp or PVC cover, measure the heater first. You’ll need to know its dimensions to determine how much material you’ll need. If you’re using a custom-made cover, you may want to take the cover with you when shopping for the material so you can be sure it will fit.

Place the cover on the heater

Place the cover on top of the heater, and secure it with bungee cords or other straps. Make sure all edges are secured so that no water can get inside. If your cover is light enough, you may be able to hold it down without securing it.

Place plastic sheets.

If you’re using a plastic sheet, place it on top of the cover.

Secure the cover

Once you have everything in place, make sure that everything is secure. Then go inside and enjoy your warm patio space!

Tips & Warnings

A patio heater is a good way to make your outdoor space more comfortable during the winter months. However, it is not equipped to handle cold temperatures, so you will need to take extra precautions to make it work. One of the most important steps is to cover the heater when it’s not in use to protect it from the elements. If you want to be sure that your patio heater is safe, follow these steps:

Don’t forget to remove the cover when you’re done using your patio heater. If left on, it could be damaged by the elements.

If you have a gas patio heater, make sure that there is nothing around it that can catch fire in case of a leak. If your patio heater needs to be covered with plastic sheeting, make sure that it is sealed completely so no water can get in.  

Don’t place the cover over the heater until it’s completely cooled down. Otherwise, you risk burning yourself or starting a fire.