Frequently Asked Questions
How soon will my order be shipped?
Most of our products are in stock and ship within 5-7 business days.
What is the warranty on your products?
All of our patio heaters, indoor heaters, fire pits and fireplaces are warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for one (1) year from the date of purchase. Within this period, Patio Heater Source will, at its sole option, repair or replace any components which fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacements will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor, provided that the customer shall be responsible for any transportation cost. This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident or unauthorized alterations or repairs. Please visit our Shipping & Returns page for more information.
What is your return policy?
Please visit our Shipping & Returns page to view our shipping, returns and warranty specifications.
Do you sell protective covers for your products?
Yes! Visit our Accessories page and choose from various sizes to fit your specific patio heater, fire pit, fireplace or grill.
What is a BTU?
The letters stand for British Thermal Unit, and it is a unit of energy. One BTU is the heat needed to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. It has long been the standard unit for rating heating devices of all manners in America. So, the higher number of BTUs you have at your disposal, the more powerful patio heater you have.
How many BTUs of heating capacity do I need?
Generally, in a room with adequate insulation and typical ceilings, each 10,000 BTUs of heat output from an efficient gas appliance will heat approximately 350 sq. ft. If the area to be heated has pitched or vaulted ceilings, poor insulation or drastic air movement, then the heating ability will be reduced.
The formula below can serve as a rough guide for determining the heat requirements for common building applications:
BTU Required = Square footage x Ceiling Height x ?t x Building Factor
Where ?t = Temperature Rise (Desired Temp. F inside ?Outside Temp F)
Building Factors: .135 (Sealed building), .145 (Unsealed building), .160 (Tent)
What is the difference between a DSI (Direct Spark Ignition), a Piezo starter and an Electronic ignition?
There are different ways to light your patio heater, and it depends on the model you have. A Direct Spark Ignition uses an electric spark to light a pilot light. This type of ignition is usually found in simple base models of heaters. The button creating the spark normally uses one AA battery. Once the pilot is lit, the control knob can be turned to the "On" position to light the main burner.
If you buy a more advanced patio heater, chances are it uses what is called a "piezo" lighter. They are commonly found on grills, lanterns and other gas appliances. A quartz crystal is used to produce a spark that lights the pilot light on the heater. Its advantage is that it lights quicker and more dependably that a DSI ignition.
The most advanced system is an electronic ignition head. Throughout the industry, these heads are known as "E" heads and are built with a 24 Volt circuit board. There is no pilot light to contend with. Usually wired right into your home, lighting is as easy as turning on a switch from the inside. You can rest easy knowing the patio heater is either completely on or completely off. This system is only applicable to permanent units.
What is infrared heat?
Infrared heat is the type of heat that comes from combustion, such as heat emitted from the sun or from a fire. Unlike the sun, your infrared patio heater will not emit harmful UV rays. Gas-fired patio heaters are considered to use infrared heat because they ignite gas. Blowing heaters or a heaters using electrical coils are NOT infrared because they are not using combustibles.
What is the minimum clearance for a permanent patio heater?
The typical permanent patio heater offers between 40,000 and 50,000 BTUs. For most permanent heaters, typical clearance of combustibles are these: Above the top of the unit: 16 inches; Measuring from the side of the reflector shield: 30 inches; Below the reflector shield: 30 inches. Use these as a guide only. Consult your owner's manual and city codes for additional details.
What is the minimum clearance for a portable patio heater?
The heat output of portable patio heaters can vary greatly, and so will the minimum clearance to safely operate them. The following is only a basic guide to quickly assist you. Consult your owner's manual thoroughly before installing your portable patio heater.
For portable patio heater units between 35,000 and 50,000 BTUs, provide at least 30 inches of clearance above and on all sides of the reflector and emitter head from combustible materials. Do not have anything combustible closer than 36 inches directly under the emitter head.
Smaller units from 10,000 to 35,000 BTUs need at least 24 inches of clearance above and on all sides of the reflector and emitter head. Do not have anything combustible directly under the heat closer than 30 inches of a lower powered portable patio heater.
What are the ventilation requirements for my heater?
Using a patio heater outdoors usually provides enough ventilation. If using a patio heater that uses a tank for its fuel supply, make sure the tank covering has at least a small opening to let air move through. Before you install a patio heater indoors, make sure the building has proper mechanical ventilation, such as an electric fan or an installed HVAC system. Additionally, there should be fresh air introduced regularly to the environment.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us by email or call our Customer Service Team at 1.800.510.8325 (8 a.m. - 6 p.m. CST). We look forward to helping you!
