Can I use my patio heater indoors?

Gas Patio Heaters

All gas patio heaters are for outdoor use only and should not be used in a building, garage or any other enclosed area.

• ●Do not use the gas heater indoors or in an enclosed area. Always ensure that adequate air ventilation is provided.

• ●Do not use the gas heater in a basement or below ground level.

• ●Gas heaters should only be used in an above ground open-air environment with natural ventilation, where gas leakage or fumes are dispersed.

Within a partial enclosure that includes an overhead cover and more than two walls, the following shall apply:

• ●At least 25% of the total wall area and ideally 50% is completely open and unrestricted.

• ●If being used on a balcony area, at least 20% of the total wall area should remain open and unrestricted.

Within an area which includes an overhead cover the following shall apply:

• ●Consult the manufactures of the ceiling material to ensure that it can withstand the heat emitted from a gas patio heater

• ●Ensure there is a good flow of air around the heater head and the reflector is always further away from the roofing material than recommended by its manufacturer.

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What is an Outdoor Heater?

The most common kind of outdoor heating appliance is patio heaters. These are typically either tall mushroom-style or shorter round-area heaters. Some are also designed for use in the garage or as industrial blow heaters.

Outdoor heaters like these are intended for large spaces with continuous gas supply and should never be used at home or in smaller enclosures.

Using gas cooking appliances as indoor heaters is also dangerous and could result in severe injuries or property damage.

Can You Use a Propane Heater Inside?

You can use a propane heater inside only if the propane heater is originally designed for indoor use. That includes a linear gas fireplace or wall-mounted propane gas heater.

This is because indoor propane heaters often have cleaner gas emissions and come with a ceiling/wall mounting bracket vented outside. Some indoor models are vent-free, but regardless, indoor heaters often have cleaner gas exhausts and comply with specific industry standards.

Propane gas heaters designed for an outdoor space can produce poisonous Carbon Monoxide – CO – as part of their combustion gases. If you use outdoor propane heaters indoors, their exhaust gases can get trapped inside your home, causing a potential CO poisoning hazard.