How to fix it
Work through these in order, the most common causes come first.
Start With the Basics
Tank valve and fuel level: Confirm the tank valve is fully open and the tank isn't empty.
A weak, dying flame right after lighting often points to a low tank rather than an ignition fault.
Hose connection: A loose regulator hose restricts gas flow enough to prevent reliable ignition, even with a full tank.
New tank or hose air: A freshly connected tank or hose usually has air in the line.
Several ignition attempts a few seconds apart typically clears it.
Diagnosing Your Specific Problem
Igniter clicks, no flame at all: likely a gas flow issue, not the igniter.
Check the tank valve, hose connection, and burner ports for blockage.
No clicking sound when pressing the ignition button: the piezo igniter itself has likely failed and needs replacement, a relatively inexpensive and often user-replaceable part.
Heater lights, then goes out after releasing the button: almost always a thermocouple issue.
Hold the button for the full recommended time, usually 30 seconds, and clean or reposition the thermocouple if the problem persists.
Our picks
Products we recommend
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports.
Best overallSolaira
Ceiling mount uses zero floor space, ideal for a furnished covered porch
- 1500W / 120V quartz infrared element
- 10 by 10 foot coverage area
- Ceiling or wall mount, 4-inch slim housing
- No combustion, no carbon monoxide risk
✓ Pros
- Ceiling mount uses zero floor space, ideal for a furnished covered porch
- No combustion byproducts, so it's genuinely safer in a lower-airflow covered space
- Near-instant quartz warmup means no waiting for the space to feel the effect
✕ Cons
- Requires a dedicated circuit for permanent installation
- Higher price than any propane option on this list
- Coverage is fixed to roughly a 10 by 10 foot zone directly below and in front of it
Top pickAZ Patio Heaters
48,000 BTU and a 10 to 15 foot radius cover most single-heater deck layouts on their own
- 48,000 BTU propane burner
- 87-inch hammered bronze standing design
- 10 to 15 foot heat radius
- Wheeled base, push-button ignition
✓ Pros
- 48,000 BTU and a 10 to 15 foot radius cover most single-heater deck layouts on their own
- The tall standing design puts heat above head height, spreading it evenly over a seating area rather than one hot spot
- Wheeled base makes it realistic to reposition as the party moves around a large deck
✕ Cons
- 87 inches tall and visually bulky, not the pick for a smaller or more curated space
- Needs 3 to 5 feet of clear floor space in every direction
- Burns through a 20lb tank in roughly 8 to 10 hours at full output
Fire Sense
Lower flame height than a full-size standing heater, easier to keep with in overhead clearance limits
- 10,000 BTU propane burner
- Stainless steel tabletop design
- Auto-shutoff tilt valve
- CSA approved
✓ Pros
- Lower flame height than a full-size standing heater, easier to keep with in overhead clearance limits
- Auto-shutoff tilt valve adds a marg in of safety under a roof
- Inexpensive way to add heat to a covered porch that already has good airflow on two sides
✕ Cons
- Still an open flame, unsuitable for a fully enclosed or low-airflow porch regardless of height
- Requires verifying overhead clearance against the manufacturer's spec before using indoors-adjacent
- Smaller heat radius than the electric mounted options
FAQ
Common questions
Why does my patio heater click but not light?
A clicking sound with no flame almost always means the piezo igniter is sparking correctly but the gas isn't reaching the burner, or it's not reaching it in the right amount. Check that the propane tank valve is fully open, the tank isn't empty, and the regulator hose is properly connected before assuming the igniter itself has failed.
Why does my patio heater light and then immediately go out?
This is typically a thermocouple issue. The thermocouple is a safety sensor that shuts off gas flow if it doesn't detect a flame, and if it's dirty, misaligned, or worn out, it can cut gas flow even when the burner is lit correctly. Holding the ignition button down for a full 30 seconds after lighting, per the manufacturer's instructions, gives the thermocouple time to heat up and register the flame.
Is it safe to keep trying to light a heater that won't ignite?
A few attempts are normal and safe. If it repeatedly fails to light after several tries, stop and let any accumulated gas clear for a few minutes before trying again, and never attempt to light it near an open gas smell, which indicates a leak that needs to be addressed before any ignition attempt.
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