Patio heaters are generally manufactured from steel and stainless steel and finished in a powder coated material together with a burner made from steel plate or chrome.
For gas patio heaters predominately manufactured in Stainless steel the simplest method to eliminate water marks and other accumulated marks and stains built up over the course of the summer is with a stainless steel cleaner of some description.
Stubborn marks still remaining on the heater may often be dealt with by using a nylon brush and no damage will be done if brushing is kept the same way as the brushed stainless steel effect and without too much vigour! Highly polished items should never have a scourer applied to them, as this can cause scoring which cannot be removed.
If you own a powder coated patio heater light cleaning with a simple bucket of soapy water and a sponge should suffice for cleaning. As part of the basic maintenance, don’t forget to check wheel bearings and other parts that move along with the gas control valve and lubricate if needed. Pay particular attention to any obvious signs of corrosion and tighten nuts and bolts that have become loose.
If you do have own a budget heater then if at all possible try to avoid leaving it out during the autumn and winter months. If this cannot be helped, try using a suitable cover for protection against the worst of the elements, however be aware of any moisture build up with the cover, which could cause problems.
Regularly inspect hoses for wear and if you are unsure of any marks or nicks in the hose, replace both the hose and the clips accordingly. The gas cylinder has to be looked after with no obvious signs of dents or rusting. Look at the valve and make sure it offers a positive connection into the regulator.
Storing your heater during the winter months is simple enough; take off the reflector to store safely making sure no damage can be done to it. When the reflector has been removed the average patio heater’s size is drastically reduced and makes for far more straightforward storage in a garden shed or garage.
Use a patio heater weather cover to protect your patio heater when storing which will help keep dust from the burner. The storage of gas cylinder bottles indoors is not recommended and should be avoided.
If you store your patio heater over the autumn and winter period test patio heaters before lighting in the New Year by using a leak test and investigate for any further indicators of damage or wear to the patio heater.
Tags: Gas Patio Heaters, Patio Heater, Patio Heaters