Propane space heaters are a popular choice for providing supplemental heat in homes, garages, and outdoor living spaces. However, properly lighting and operating these heaters can be a bit tricky, especially for first-time users. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of lighting a propane space heater, covering various models and providing technical specifications to ensure a safe and efficient heating experience.
Connecting the Heater and Fuel Source
The first step in lighting a propane space heater is to establish a secure connection between the heater and the fuel source, which is typically a propane tank. Begin by opening the valve cap and placing the regulator inside to connect the propane tank and the heater. Ensure that the connection is tight and secure to prevent any gas leaks.
Opening the Valve
Once the heater is connected to the propane tank, the next step is to open the valve fully. This allows the gas to flow freely through the system and reach the burner, enabling the ignition process.
Igniting the Heater
The ignition process for propane space heaters can vary depending on the model. Some high-end models may feature electronic ignition systems, allowing you to ignite the heater at the press of a button. For other models, you’ll need to manually ignite the heater using a lighted match or fire stick.
To manually ignite the heater, hold the lighted match or fire stick in the meshed area of the regulator. It’s recommended to use a long-handled version to avoid burning your fingers. Once the heater is lit, press the shut-off valve button for about 45 seconds to ensure the flame remains stable.
Lighting the Dyna-Glo Patio Heater
For the Dyna-Glo patio heater, the ignition process involves a few additional steps:
- Open the propane cylinder valve: Turn the propane cylinder valve to open the gas line.
- Set the control knob to the pilot position: Push the control knob in and turn it to the pilot position. Hold the knob in for approximately 1.5 minutes to purge any air from the gas lines before proceeding.
- Ignite the pilot light: Continue to hold the control knob in while pushing and releasing the ignitor button. The pilot light should ignite.
- Adjust the flame: Once the pilot light is lit, turn the control knob counterclockwise to light the burner. Adjust the flame to your desired temperature.
Lighting Tank Top Heaters from Pinnacle Climate Technologies
For tank top heaters from Pinnacle Climate Technologies, the lighting process involves the following steps:
- Attach the heater to the LP cylinder: Firmly fasten your heater to the LP cylinder by attaching and tightening the mounting bolt knob.
- Attach the regulator and fitting: Attach the regulator and fitting onto the cylinder valve, rotating the coupling nut until it’s tight.
- Open the LP cylinder: Open the LP cylinder slowly.
- Ignite the heater: Turn the regulator knob to the high setting. Insert a lit match or fire stick into the ignition hole in the reflector while pressing and holding the safety shut-off valve plunger. Continue to hold the plunger for 30 seconds.
Lighting Gas Wall Heaters
For gas wall heaters, the lighting process is slightly different:
- Set the heater to pilot: Turn the control knob to the pilot position and hold the pilot light down.
- Ignite the pilot light: Hit the igniter as soon as you hold the pilot light down. Once the thermocoupler gets hot, the flame will stay on.
- Adjust the flame: Turn the control knob to your desired setting to adjust the flame.
Technical Specifications
- BTU Rating: The British Thermal Unit (BTU) rating measures the heat output of a space heater. For example, the Dyna-Glo Single Burner Radiant Tank Top Propane Heater has a BTU rating of 15,000.
- Fuel Type: Propane space heaters use propane gas as fuel.
- Ignition System: High-end models may have electronic ignition systems, while other models require a manual ignition using a match or fire stick.
- Safety Features: Propane space heaters may have safety features such as a safety shut-off valve, tip-over switch, and thermocouple to prevent accidents.