How to Store Your Patio Heater for the Off-Season (And What to Check Before You Put It Away)

How to Store Your Patio Heater for the Off-Season (And What to Check Before You Put It Away)

Most patio heater problems in spring aren't caused by winter — they're caused by bad storage in the fall. Moisture, debris, and sitting gas in the lines over several months are responsible for the majority of heaters that "just stopped working" when pulled out in April. Here's how to store yours correctly at the end of the season so it's ready to light first try when you need it again.

When to Store It

Once you're done using the heater for the season and temperatures are dropping consistently, it's time to store it properly. Propane itself handles cold fine, but moisture and condensation inside the burner components during freeze-thaw cycles accelerates corrosion — particularly on the emitter screen, thermocouple, and pilot orifice.

Step 1: Disconnect and Remove the Propane Tank

Never store a patio heater with the propane tank still connected. The regulator and hose connections can develop slow leaks over time, and a connected tank in an enclosed storage space is a safety risk.

  1. Turn the heater control knob to OFF.
  2. Close the propane tank valve completely — clockwise until it stops.
  3. Turn the heater on briefly to burn off any gas remaining in the line, then turn it off again.
  4. Disconnect the regulator from the tank.
  5. Store the propane tank upright outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Never store propane tanks indoors or in an enclosed garage.

Step 2: Inspect the Emitter Screen

The emitter screen is the mesh that surrounds the burner and glows red during operation. It takes the most direct heat abuse of any component and is the part most likely to need replacing after a full season of use.

Look for holes, burn-through spots, warping, or areas where the mesh has collapsed. Small rust spots are normal. Actual holes or significant warping mean the screen won't heat evenly next season and should be replaced now rather than in spring when you want to use the heater.

Replacing it in the fall also means you're not scrambling for a part when the weather turns warm — and you're not starting next season with a heater that underperforms.

Step 3: Inspect the Reflector

The reflector is the dome above the burner that focuses heat downward. Check it for dents, warping, or significant corrosion. A dented reflector scatters heat instead of directing it — if yours took damage this season, replace it now so it's ready for spring.

Step 4: Clean the Pilot Orifice and Burner

Before storing, give the pilot orifice and burner area a quick blast of compressed air with the tank disconnected. This clears out any dust or debris before it has months to pack in tighter. It also means you won't pull the heater out in spring wondering why it won't light — one of the most common causes of spring ignition failure is debris that accumulated during storage.

For pyramid heaters especially, also wipe down the inside of the glass tube with a dry cloth. Dust and residue on the inside of the glass will bake on during first use and can be hard to remove later.

Step 5: Check the Tilt Switch and Thermocouple Wires

With the heater off and tank disconnected, open the access panel near the burner head and look at the wiring. Check for any corrosion on the wire connectors, cracked insulation, or connectors that look like they're pulling loose. These are much easier to address now than in spring, and winter storage can accelerate corrosion on connectors that are already borderline.

If your tilt switch or thermocouple gave you any trouble this past season — intermittent shutoffs, heater not staying lit — replace them before storage. You'll thank yourself in March.

Step 6: Check the Weight Bladder

If your tall heater's base bladder is filled with water, drain it completely before storage. Water left in the bladder through a freeze will crack or rupture it — and a cracked bladder means an unstable heater next season. If you want ballast during storage, use sand instead — it won't freeze and expand.

Step 7: Cover It

A weatherproof cover is the single best thing you can do to extend the life of every component on the heater. It keeps moisture, bird droppings, and debris out of the burner area, off the reflector, and away from the electrical components. If you're storing indoors — a garage, shed, or basement — a basic cover still helps keep dust out of the pilot orifice and burner.

Store the heater upright. Never lay it on its side for extended storage — it can damage the tilt switch mechanism and stress the gas line connections.

Step 8: Note Anything That Needs Fixing

Before you walk away, take 60 seconds to note anything that was off this season — a weak flame, occasional shutoffs, a screen that looked marginal, a reflector that took a dent. It's easy to forget by the time next season rolls around. Order the parts now while it's on your mind and you'll have them ready when the weather turns.

Our inventory is larger than what's listed on the site. If you need a part and don't see it, email us with your model number before giving up.

Spring Startup Checklist

When you pull the heater back out in spring, run through this before the first use:

  • Inspect the hose and regulator for cracks or damage from storage
  • Blow out the pilot orifice with compressed air before connecting the tank
  • Check that the tilt switch connector wires are secure
  • Reconnect the tank and open the valve slowly
  • Test the igniter battery — swap it if you didn't do it in the fall

A heater stored correctly and checked in spring should light on the first or second try. If it doesn't, our troubleshooting guide covers every common cause.

Which Heaters Does This Apply To?

This storage guide applies to all propane patio heaters including Hampton Bay, Master Forge, and Gardensun tall, pyramid, and tabletop models. Natural gas heaters don't require tank removal but everything else — cleaning, inspection, covering — applies equally.

Wano Co sells genuine OEM replacement parts for Hampton Bay, Master Forge, and Gardensun patio heaters — sourced directly from Gardensun, the original manufacturer. Free shipping on all orders.

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