Wet or Dry: Can Patio Heaters Get Wet?

Many people love to use patio heaters during the winter to keep them warm outside. These heaters can be a great alternative to a traditional heater, but what happens when it rains and it gets wet outside?

It may seem like a silly question can a patio heater get wet? but as we all know, water and electricity don’t mix well.

Whether you’re enjoying a drink on your porch or cooking out with friends, it’s important to know if patio heaters can get wet.

When purchasing a patio heater, you need to make sure that the unit can handle moisture because if not, it may stop working.

Here we will explore some different types of patio heaters so that you are able to select the best option for your needs!

Can A Patio Heater Get Wet?

The answer is yes! Propane and Natural gas Patio heaters are designed for outdoor use, which means that they will not stop working if they get wet. In fact, most outdoor heaters have a waterproof rating that tells you it can get wet

Patio heaters can get wet. However, it is important that they are not placed in the rain or standing water.

A patio heater should be kept on a flat surface away from the moisture of any kind. The patio heater must remain dry to work safely and keep you safe while using it!

If your patio heater does get wet, turn off the power before attempting to dry it.

Can You Use Patio Heaters in The Rain?

Although outdoor heaters like propane and natural gas heaters are designed to resist accidental water contact, it is not recommended to use a patio heater in the rain.

Heaters like Infrared heaters are non-waterproof electrical devices, so they should not be used in the rain because of the possibility of electrocution.

Do Patio Heaters Need To Be Covered?

It is important to cover your patio heater during heavy rain and the winter months or you run the risk of irreparable damage.

When it comes to covering them, most of them should have enough clearance between the flame and outer surface of the dome so you do not need a cover for protection against light rain.

The primary reason for covering a patio heater is to keep snow and rain off of it. If snow gathered on top of your unit melts, you can sometimes expect to see water around its base even if there wasn’t any visible damage.

This will cause rusting over time which might lead to malfunctions that prevent heating at all!

Many people believe that as long as they keep their heater clean and use a cover on it, then it will last for many years.

This is not the case because most damage to heaters comes from water collecting inside of them which causes corrosion over time.

Top 5 Patio Heater Covers

Can Outdoor Heaters Be Left Out In The Rain?

Outdoor heaters can be left out in the rain! All of our outdoor space and patio heaters are designed for year-round use and some models can even operate in light rain or snow.

The majority of our patio heaters have weather-resistant finishes that ensure rust & corrosion resistance. Sometimes it is best to move your heater under shelter if there is a lot of rainfall.

If you do choose to leave the heater outside when not in use we recommend covering your patio heater with a patio heater cover.

Can You Use Electric Patio Heater In The Rain?

In most cases, the answer is no. Electric outdoor heater is not designed to operate outdoors unless they are specifically manufactured as such.

The main issue that you will face with using an electric patio heater in rain or snow is corroding of the electrical connections and/or the internal components of the unit due to water seeping into them.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a tabletop electric patio heater or a free-standing one – both can be rendered useless by water damage.

Another problem you might have with your electric patio heater operating in adverse weather, particularly heavy rains and thunderstorms, is lowering its temperature so rapidly it may shut off before its timer runs out.

This may cause breaker popping which can lead to costly repair work.

However, there are some models that are specifically designed to operate in rain or snow, but these are very few and far between.

Are Electric Patio Heaters Waterproof?

No. Outdoor electric heaters are primarily intended for use in protected or semi-protected areas and are not waterproof.

While many models claim to be weatherproof, it is important that you understand what this term actually means to avoid disappointment.

Some outdoor heaters are designed to be mounted on a wall or ceiling, however, most are free-standing which is not the same as being weatherproof.

When choosing an electric outdoor heater that is not enclosed in glass or has an IP65 rating it will need to maintain some distance from any moisture source to ensure safety and proper operation of the heater.

Weatherproofing should not be confused with water resistance, which simply implies that an item will be able to withstand brief exposure to rain or water without damage.

Weatherproofing denotes the ability of a product to resist moisture and other environmental factors such as dust, soot, and salt deposits.

Can Electric Patio Heaters Get Wet?

Electric patio heaters cannot get wet – period! Heaters need dry air over the heating element so water droplets hitting the cords could become an issue if any moisture gets in.

As well, there is a risk of shock when you touch either part of an electric cord while standing in water. Since the elements in most units are not sealed and may contain carbon powder, any moisture can ruin the heater.

Some patio heaters that are advertised as waterproof may be apt for outdoor conditions, but they should not get wet under any circumstances.

To avoid this issue, it’s important to cover the unit when you’re done using it and remove water from the area surrounding it before turning on the heater.

Can I Use My Outdoor Heater When It Snows?

Both propane and natural gas are popular heating methods that offer a wide variety of benefits for a homeowner who wants a warm space to enjoy during the cold months.

Unfortunately, neither option works very well if there is an accumulation of snow or ice on top of them or nearby.

For this reason, when the snow starts to fall it is important that you take a few moments to clear your heater and surrounding area of any snow or ice before turning on the heating system.

Can Outdoor Heaters Be Left Out In The Snow?

If you leave your outdoor heater out in the snow, you run the risk of damaging your heater.

The extreme temperatures common in winter could cause issues with any exposed metal parts or electrical wiring. It also poses a safety hazard because metal can become very slippery when covered in ice.

Conclusion

Can a patio heater get wet? The answer to that question is a resounding YES! Patio heaters can be used in the rain and snow, but not submerged.

These heating systems are typically made of steel tubing with an aluminum reflector, which means they’re weather resistant (but don’t stand up well to intense winds).

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