Patio heaters are the best way to enjoy your backyard during winter. They can generate a lot of heat that’ll warm up the outdoor area in a flash.
On top of that, they can add a rustic flare to the space.
Yet, as the weather starts warming up, you’ll notice that you don’t have much need for the heater. It’ll just take up room in your backyard.
If you leave the device out in the air, unused, it’ll degrade over time. For that reason, you have to store it in a safe place.
Sadly, this is easier said than done. So, if you’re looking for patio heater storage ideas, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about packing up the device. I’ll also cover a couple of spots that are ideal for storing away the gadget.
Preparing Patio Heater for Storage
Before you start looking for a place to put away your patio heater, there are a few steps you should take. These will ensure that your device survives for long periods in storage.
1 – Disconnect the Fuel Source
Prior to packing up your heater, you have to remove the fuel source. With a propane or butane device, all you have to do is detach the gas tank.
Yet, if you have a natural gas heater, you should call in a professional. They’ll be able to help you disconnect the fixed gas line safely.
2 – Disassemble Your Patio Heater
Patio heaters are usually bulky, tall structures. That’ll make finding a spot to store them away a little challenging.
So, to avoid this issue, it’s a good idea to disassemble your device. This process can change depending on the heater you’re using.
As a general rule, it’s best to consult the user manual that came with the device. The guide should have detailed steps on how to take the heater apart.
Follow the directions carefully and make sure you don’t damage any of the components as you work.
You may have to go through many steps, but they’re all simple.
3 – Clean Your Patio Heater
Carbon or soot will build up on your patio heater as you use it. While this shouldn’t affect the operation of the device, it can create quite a mess.
You’ll notice that after disassembling the device, the black powder gets all over the place. So, storing away your heater with soot can mean dragging it around your house.
For that reason, you have to clean the device before putting it away. Start out by grabbing a cloth and a bucket of warm, soapy water and get to scrubbing.
It may take a few minutes, but make sure you completely remove any traces of soot.
Finally, leave your heater out in the sun for a few hours to dry.
Storing Your Patio Heater
When deciding on a storage solution for your patio heater, there are a few factors to consider. In this section, I’ll cover the aspects you should keep in mind.
1 – Space
Right off the bat, you have to think of the square footage of your storage area. The space should be large enough to fit all the components of your heater.
You can store the parts in a couple of different locations. Yet, this will complicate matters when it’s time to reassemble the device.
2 – Humidity
The majority of patio heaters consist of metallic components. Unfortunately, that means the parts are all prone to rusting.
For that reason, you have to be careful not to store your device in a humid area. Choose a spot with plenty of ventilation and good airflow.
That way, you’ll ensure the heater can last for months in storage.
3 – Stability
While patio heaters are durable, they aren’t immune to damage. So, if you place the device components in precarious positions, they can topple over and break.
Because of that, the stability of the storage space is crucial. Start off by finding a space with a level floor.
After that, you can use ropes and flexible cords to secure the device in place. It’s also a good idea to squeeze a few cushions between the components.
This will reduce friction and keep your device in pristine condition.
4 – Sun Exposure
When choosing a storage space for a patio heater, it’s important to limit sun exposure. That’s because sunlight can heat up the metallic components rapidly.
This will cause them to deform and lose their shape. While this issue isn’t a major deal, it’ll make reassembling the device later on a real chore.
5 – Foot Traffic
Patio heaters aren’t all that heavy. For that reason, it’s easy to tip them over or knock them out of place.
So, storing the devices in an area with plenty of foot traffic isn’t the best idea. Otherwise, you may risk bumping into the heater by accident.
Ideally, you want a spot that doesn’t see much action. That may include your garage or a storage closet.
Storing Patio Heater Gas Tanks
If you have a patio heater that uses gas tanks, you have to be careful how you store them. First off, it’s never a good idea to put them away indoors.
Instead, store them outside, away from the main house. This will ensure your safety in case of an accident.
Besides that, keep any flammable materials away from the tank.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for patio heater storage ideas, there are a few factors to consider. Start off by disconnecting the fuel source.
Then, disassemble and clean the device.
Once that’s done, look for a suitable spot for storage. It should be spacious, with low humidity and sun exposure.
Plus, it should be an area that doesn’t see much foot traffic. This includes your garage or a storage closet.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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