Do Propane Patio Heaters Give Off Carbon Monoxide?

On this page (6 sections)

1. Why do propane patio heaters give off carbon monoxide?
2. Where is it unsafe to use a propane patio heater?
3. What are signs of carbon monoxide exposure?
4. Which propane heater features help with safer outdoor use?
5. Can an electric patio heater avoid on-site propane combustion?
6. What should you do if a propane heater seems faulty?

Yes, propane patio heaters can give off carbon monoxide (CO) because they burn propane. Use one only in an open outdoor area, follow the heater manual, and never run it inside a home, garage, tent, vehicle, or enclosed porch.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas. You can't rely on smell to detect it, so safe placement and correct use matter.

Our guide to patio heater safety covers other clearance and placement basics.

Why do propane patio heaters give off carbon monoxide?

Burning propane can produce carbon monoxide, especially when fuel does not burn completely. The amount can vary with the heater's condition, setup, and airflow, so don't treat outdoor use as a guarantee that no CO is present.

Keep the heater in the open air and use it only as its manual directs. Don't block its openings or make changes to the burner, fuel line, or controls.

If the flame looks unusual or the heater acts differently, turn it off and follow the manufacturer's troubleshooting guidance.

A patio heater is meant for outdoor use. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns against using outdoor heaters indoors, where carbon monoxide can build up quickly.

Where is it unsafe to use a propane patio heater?

Don't use an outdoor propane heater in an enclosed or indoor space. That includes a house, garage, shed, tent, vehicle, or enclosed porch, even if a door or window is open.

A roof, walls, screens, and curtains can limit airflow around a heater. For a covered patio, check the manual for the exact clearance and ventilation rules before you use it.

If you can't confirm that your layout meets those rules, don't operate the heater there. See how to heat a covered patio safely.

Keep the heater away from doors, windows, and vents that could draw exhaust indoors. Follow the manual's clearance guidance, and never leave the heater running unattended.

What are signs of carbon monoxide exposure?

Headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion can be signs of CO poisoning. These symptoms can have other causes, but leave the area immediately if they happen while a fuel-burning heater is running.

Move everyone to fresh air and call emergency services if anyone has severe symptoms or loses consciousness. Don't re-enter the area or restart the heater until it has been checked and the space is safe.

The CDC's carbon monoxide guidance describes common symptoms and the danger of fuel-burning devices in enclosed spaces.

CO alarms are an important layer of home safety, but they don't make indoor use of an outdoor heater safe. Keep alarms installed and maintained as their instructions require, and use only heating equipment approved for the space.

Which propane heater features help with safer outdoor use?

A safety shutoff can add protection, but it doesn't make a propane heater safe indoors. Placement, ventilation, and following the manual still come first.

The Amazon Basics 46,000 BTU Propane Patio Heater has a tilt safety shutoff valve, a water box for weighing down its base, and a chain to secure the tank. It uses a 20 lb liquid propane tank, sold separately.

The heater has wheels for moving it into place and an adjustable heat output. Move it only when it is off and cool, and use it only where its manual allows.

For safe startup steps, see how to start a propane patio heater. If you're comparing fuel types, electric vs. gas patio heaters explains the main differences.

Can an electric patio heater avoid on-site propane combustion?

An electric heater does not burn propane at the heater, so it avoids combustion there. It still needs correct installation, clearances, and a suitable location.

The Hykolity 1500W Wall-Mount Infrared Heater is electric and wall mounted. It has 3 power levels, a remote, a timer, and an IP55 rating, and its safety features include tip-over and overheat shutoffs.

The Haimmy 42-Inch Infrared Patio Heater is also electric. It offers 9 heat levels, a timer, a safety lock, tip-over and overheat protection, and an IPX5 water resistance rating.

Choose an electric model only if its installation and outdoor-use directions fit your space. These safety features address specific risks, but they don't replace following the manual.

What should you do if a propane heater seems faulty?

Turn off a propane heater that has an unusual flame, damaged parts, or unreliable operation. Let it cool, then follow the manual or contact the manufacturer for service advice.

Don't try to repair a gas connection or burner while the heater is running. Keep the tank and heater away from ignition sources if you smell leaking propane, and follow the manual's instructions for shutting off the fuel.

Use this decision rule: choose propane only for an open outdoor area that meets the manual's requirements. For a space where fuel-burning heat isn't appropriate, consider an electric model that is approved for that location, and check its placement instructions before installing it.

Frequently asked questions

Do propane patio heaters produce carbon monoxide?

Yes. Burning propane can produce carbon monoxide, especially if combustion is incomplete.

Use a propane patio heater only outdoors in an open area, follow its manual, and never use an outdoor heater in a house, garage, tent, vehicle, or enclosed porch.

Can I use a propane patio heater under a covered patio?

Only if the heater's manual allows that setup and you can meet its clearance and ventilation rules. A roof or screens can limit airflow, so don't assume a covered patio is safe.

If you can't confirm the setup, turn the heater off and choose an approved alternative.

Can an electric patio heater give off carbon monoxide?

An electric patio heater does not burn propane or another fuel at the heater, so it does not produce carbon monoxide through combustion there. It still gets hot and must be installed and used as directed, with the required clearances and outdoor rating for your location.

What should I do if I feel sick near a propane heater?

Leave the area and get to fresh air right away if you develop a headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, chest pain, or confusion near a fuel-burning heater. Call emergency services or poison control for urgent advice, and don't go back inside or restart the heater until it's safe.