What are Natural Gas Patio Heaters?

Natural gas patio heaters are outdoor heating appliances designed to provide consistent, comfortable warmth by connecting directly to a home or commercial Natural Gas line.

Unlike portable patio heaters that run on liquid Propane, they don’t rely on refillable tanks, which means uninterrupted heat and less ongoing maintenance.

These heaters are commonly used on patios, decks, and outdoor dining areas, and they come in various styles — freestanding, wall-mounted, or ceiling-mounted — to suit different spaces and layouts.

Because Natural Gas burns cleanly and provides a steady fuel supply, these heaters offer reliable performance, strong heat output, and efficient operation for extending outdoor comfort during cooler weather.

What are the Benefit of Natural Gas Patio Heaters?

Easy to Use & Maintain

Natural Gas patio heaters are easy to use. They turn on with the flip of a switch or push or a button — no tanks to swap or fuel levels to monitor.

With fewer moving parts and no refilling required, Natural Gas patio heater maintenance is minimal, making them a convenient long-term heating solution.

Affordable Fuel

Typically, Natural Gas is one of the most cost-effective fuel sources. Compared to Propane, it often costs less per hour to operate — especially if you use your patio heaters often.

This makes Natural Gas heaters a smart choice for homeowners or businesses looking to keep operating costs predictable and manageable.

Full Range of Heat, Instantly

Natural Gas heaters deliver immediate warmth as soon as they’re turned on — no warm-up time needed.

Many models offer adjustable heat settings, allowing you to fine-tune the output for mild evenings or colder conditions, ensuring consistent comfort throughout the season.

Permanent Installation

Natural gas patio heaters are professionally installed and connected directly to a gas line, creating a permanent heating solution for your outdoor space.

This fixed setup provides peace of mind, improved stability, and a streamlined look that blends seamlessly into your patio design.

Fuel is Always Available

Since they draw from a Natural Gas supply, these heaters never run out of fuel mid-use.

You won’t need to store backup fuel tanks or worry about refills, making Natural Gas heaters ideal for entertaining, restaurants, and high-traffic outdoor areas.

Natural Gas Burns Clean

Natural Gas is a clean-burning fuel that produces fewer emissions and less odor than other fuel types.

This results in a more pleasant experience, reduced environmental impact, and less residue buildup on the heater over time

Large Range of Sizes

Natural Gas patio heaters come in a wide variety of sizes and configurations — from compact wall- or ceiling-mounted units for smaller spaces to full-size, ground-mounted models designed to heat expansive patios.

This flexibility makes it easy to find the right heater for your layout and coverage needs.

Installation Requirements

Natural gas patio heaters require special plumbing and installation. If an outdoor gas line isn’t already available, you’ll need to hire a licensed professional to install one for you.

Once installed, you’ll have a permanent, reliable, instant heat source for your outdoor space. You won’t have to worry about running out of gas or having to refill a Propane tank. This will save you time and money in the long run.

Wall and ceiling-mounted Natural Gas patio heaters will need an electrical supply and a gas supply to work. Most models plug into a standard wall outlet, but you may need to have the proper wiring installed by an electrician.

How Much Heat Do I Need?

The power for gas patio heaters is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs). The higher the BTUs, the more heat your patio heater will produce.

A typical full-sized Natural Gas patio heater can create about 40,000 BTUs and will distribute heat to an area up to 20 ft. in diameter, or about 314 sq. ft.

The exact heating range and output depends on your patio heater design and wind conditions in your area.

You can use this simple equation to determine how many BTUs you’ll need to effectively heat your space:

Cubic feet of area x desired temperature rise = BTUs needed

Cost of Using Natural Gas Heaters

The cost of Natural Gas is measured in price per cubic foot. Natural Gas provides an average of 1,030 BTUs per standard cubic foot, but this number can vary between 950 to 1,050 BTUs.

A typical 40,000-BTU patio heater that heats an area of 314 sq. ft. will cost an average of 48 cents per hour to use.

Compared to Propane and electricity, Natural Gas is the least expensive fuel option, but rates may vary depending on where you live and the efficiency of your patio heaters.

Patio Heater Ignition & Control Options

There are two main types of ignitions for gas patio heaters — manual and automatic/electronic ignitions.

Manual ignitions use a control knob to control the flow of gas to the patio heaters. Some manual ignitions have a push button that creates a spark to light the gas, while others have a pilot light that needs to be lit manually.

Automatic/electronic ignitions use electricity to control and ignite the gas flow to the patio heaters. They can be controlled with an on/off switch or with a hand-held remote control.

Both ignition types have built-in safety systems that are designed to shut off the gas if the flame goes out and can’t be relit.

Safety Considerations

Before installing your patio heaters, always check the owner’s manual to find out the recommended clearance to combustibles (things that catch fire) to determine the proper location.

It’s crucial to maintain these clearances and only use gas patio heaters in an open outdoor space with plenty of airflow.

Look for patio heaters that are UL approved and CSA certified. These approvals ensure each heater has undergone rigorous testing to verify they are reliable and safe to use.

Before using your Natural Gas heater, read through the manual carefully, so you know how to set it up and use it properly.

You’ll also need to:

• Inspect the heater for damage
• Inspect the gas lines, fittings, and hoses to make sure they are working properly
• Check all gas connections for leaks (steps listed below)

How to Detect a Gas Leak

Natural Gas is odorless on its own, so a distinct smell is added to it to help you identify its presence. The scent is very strong and unpleasant, similar to rotten eggs.

If you smell Natural Gas, you may have a gas leak. Always refer to the owner’s manual for help detecting and repairing a leak.

If you suspect a gas leak but don’t smell gas, do not start your patio heater and follow these steps:

1. Prepare a soap solution of equal parts liquid soap and water
2. Liberally apply the soapy water onto the gas connections with a spray bottle, rag, or brush
3. If you see bubbles, there is a leak
4. Turn off the gas supply and tighten the leaking fittings
5. Repeat step 2

If you still smell gas and can’t find the source of the leak:

1. Turn off the Natural Gas supply
2. Turn off lights, appliances, and cell phones (anything that can spark)
3. Leave the area and call your gas supplier, local fire department, or 911
4. A qualified service technician must determine the area is completely leak-free before you use any Natural Gas-fueled appliances.

How to Repair a Gas Leak

If you find the source of the leak, make sure the gas is turned off and disconnected from the heater, before attempting to fix it.

To repair the leak, gas lines, hoses, fittings, and/or connections may need to be replaced. Once all leaks have been repaired, the patio heater will be ready for use.

When you’re finished using your patio heater, always turn the control knob off. Once the heater has cooled, use a protective cover to keep it safe from the elements.

Always keep heaters out of reach of children and never leave your patio heater on unattended.

Why Should You Hire a Licensed Professional?

Patio Heater Maintenance

Gas patio heaters are easy to clean and maintain. To keep your heater fully functional, inspect all connections before each use to make sure they are clean and in proper working order.

Extreme temperatures and weather conditions can cause unnecessary wear and tear to your patio heaters. You can prevent this and extend the life of your ground-mounted patio heaters by protecting them with a weather-resistant cover when they’re not in use. Make sure your patio heaters have completely cooled before covering.

Before cleaning your patio heater, make sure the gas supply is turned off and fully disconnected. Never disassemble the heater and only clean the outside surface.

Follow the cleaning guidelines provided in the owner’s manual. The manual will tell you how often to clean the heater, along with acceptable products and cleaning techniques to use.

Keep Your Outdoor Space Comfortable All Year Long