Patio Heater Propane: How Much You Need and Who Supplies It

Patio heaters make a cold Chicago evening work. Then it is 7 pm in late October, the wind is coming off the lake, and one heater goes quiet. The usual cause is simple: the tank is empty. Fuel is one of the most overlooked parts of a heater rental. This post is about the tank, not the heater. For how many heaters you need, read patio heaters per guest. For tent heat, read tent heater vs patio heater.

Is propane included?

It depends on the company and the rental. Three setups are common:

• Tank included and filled. The heater arrives ready. Ask if the tank is full and what happens if you run out.
• Heater only. You buy or exchange the tank yourself.
• Tank included, refill extra. The first tank is covered, a second is billed.

None of these is "right." The issue is that your quote and your contract should say which one you have. Look for a line item for "propane" or "fuel." If it is not there, ask. How to read a rental contract shows where to look for items that are not on the main list.

How long does a 20 lb tank last?

A standard patio heater takes a 20 lb tank, the same size as many backyard grills. How long it lasts depends on the heater's output and the setting. Manufacturers list a range, and the numbers on the box are usually best-case. As a rule of thumb, a full tank in a typical heater is often listed in the range of 8 to 10 hours on high, and can last longer on a lower setting. Wind, cold and a partly full tank all cut that down.

For a 4 to 5 hour evening event, one full tank per heater is usually enough on a mild night, but a cold, windy night with the heater on high will push it. That is why a spare is cheap insurance, in the plain meaning of the word, not a paper policy.

How many tanks to plan for

If the rental company is bringing the tanks, ask how many extras are on the truck and whether they can come out for a swap during the party. If you buy tanks yourself, ask which size the heater uses and whether the tank is a standard exchange tank or a refill.

Storage and safety

Propane is safe when it is handled with care. Rules from manufacturers and local fire officials apply, and they are strict about where tanks can go.

• Outdoors only. Don't store or swap tanks inside a tent, garage, house or car. Check the heater's manual and with your village or fire department.
• Upright and secured. Keep tanks standing so they can't tip.
• Away from guests. A staff member should swap tanks in a quiet moment, not during a toast.
• Keep heaters clear. Leave space around the heater, and keep fabric, decor, tent walls and low branches back from the top. Ask the rental company for the clearance for the model.
• Turn it off to refill. Always shut off the heater and let it cool before swapping a tank.
• Never leave one running unattended. Assign one person to check heaters during the event.

Venue rules to check first

Some places don't allow open flame or propane at all. Others require a certain distance from a building, a fire permit or a tent permit. Check with your village, park district or building before you book. Rental companies may also need to know if the heater will be under or near a tent. See Chicago tent permits and heating a tent in fall.

If propane is not allowed, ask about electric and infrared heaters. They need outlets and sometimes a larger power supply. Power is covered under lighting and power rentals and heating rentals.

What most hosts find out too late

• Tanks run low before they run out. A tank that is almost empty makes less heat. Don't wait for the flame to go out. Swap when the heat drops.
• Cold lowers the output. In very cold weather, propane gives off less gas, and the heater may seem weak. A full tank and a sheltered spot help.
• The rental company can't always refill on the night. Weekend dispatch may not return for a swap. Settle on a plan in your order.

A short checklist for the quote

• Is propane included, and is the tank full?
• How many hours does one tank last on this model?
• Are spare tanks available and billed?
• Who swaps them and when?
• What are the clearances for the model?
• Does my venue or village have rules on propane and heaters?

Plan the heat before the cold

Book a free 15-minute planning call and we will check heater fuel and spares in your quote, or get a quote for heaters and the rest of your rental list.