Can You Use a Patio Heater Under a Covered Patio?

The rest of this guide explains each condition, starting with the question that decides everything for propane: is your covered patio still “outdoors”?

When a Covered Patio Still Counts as Outdoors

Whether you can use a patio heater under a covered patio depends first on this question. Every propane patio heater manual we read says the heater is for outdoor use only and must never be used in a building, garage or other enclosed area. Some manuals define exactly what counts as outdoors. The EAST OAK pyramid heater manual allows use in an area:

• with walls on all sides, but with no overhead cover;
• within a partial enclosure that includes an overhead cover and no more than two side walls;
• within a partial enclosure with an overhead cover and three side walls, as long as 30 percent or more of the horizontal periphery of the enclosure is permanently open.

The Mr. Heater MH48PH and Bromic Tungsten gas manuals use a similar rule for more enclosed spaces: at least 25% of the total wall area must be completely open, and at least 30% of the remaining wall area must be open and unrestricted.

Our interpretation: a typical covered patio that is open on two or more sides usually meets these rules. A screened porch that you close in with plastic or glass winter panels usually does not. Treat it as an enclosed room and use electric heat only.

Patio Heater Ceiling Clearance: What the Manuals Say

Clearance is the minimum distance between the heater and combustible materials such as a wooden ceiling, beams, walls or fabric. It differs a lot between models:

*The Mr. Heater manual gives one minimum clearance of 44 in to combustible materials without saying whether that is above or beside the heater, so we apply it in both directions.

These figures come straight from the manuals. Your heater may differ even within the same brand, so always use the numbers in your own manual. If the manual does not give a ceiling clearance at all, do not guess; contact the manufacturer.

How High Does Your Patio Roof Need to Be?

To check the patio heater ceiling clearance for a propane tower, add the clearance above the heater to the height of the heater itself. You can find the height on the product page or in the spec sheet.

Example: if your tower is 7 ft 5 in tall and the manual requires 36 in of clearance above it, the ceiling must be at least 10 ft 5 in high, measured to the lowest combustible part, such as a beam. Many covered patios are lower than that, which rules out a full-size tower under the roof.

The heater heights in this table are examples, not the specifications of a particular model. Electric infrared heaters work the other way around: they have a minimum mounting height, and only a small gap to the ceiling. That is why they suit most covered patios much better.

Carbon Monoxide: Why a Propane Heater Needs Open Sides

A propane heater produces carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless gas. The EAST OAK and Fire Sense manuals warn: “Using it in an enclosed space can kill you.” According to the CDC, more than 400 Americans die each year from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning not linked to fires, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized.

• Keep at least two sides of a covered patio fully open when a propane heater is running.
• Never close side curtains, roll-down shades or winter panels around a burning propane heater.
• Do not use a propane heater when the wind is above 10 mph, as several manuals require; strong wind under a roof can also push exhaust toward seats or doors.
• Install a battery-operated CO alarm nearby. The CPSC recommends CO alarms in the home, and Clackamas Fire District #1 requires at least one CO detector in covered areas with heaters at events.

Wooden Roofs, Awnings, Umbrellas and Pergolas

Patio heater ceiling clearance also depends on what your roof is made of. Not every roof is the same. Wood, vinyl, fabric and plastic can all be damaged by heat, and some can catch fire. A fire report from Technical Safety BC describes how two 40,000 BTU radiant gas heaters set fire to a patio enclosure with wooden trusses because the minimum clearance to the combustible ceiling was not respected.

• Fabric awnings and umbrellas: the International Fire Code, as adopted by cities such as Charleston and Madison, says portable outdoor gas heaters must not be placed beneath, or closer than 5 feet to, combustible overhangs, awnings, sunshades or decorations. These rules mainly target businesses, but they are a sensible benchmark at home.
• Tents and canopies: the same code text prohibits portable gas heaters inside tents, canopies and membrane structures. Clackamas Fire District #1 asks for at least 36 inches between the heater deflector and any tent or awning fabric, and at least 50% of the perimeter open.
• Pergolas: an open pergola without a roof is outdoors, but climbing plants, shade sails and string lights above the heater are combustible. Keep them outside the clearance zone.
• Decorations: keep seasonal decorations well away from any heater. If you are planning outdoor Halloween decorations or outdoor Christmas lights on your patio, plan the heater spot first.

The Best Covered Patio Heater: An Electric Infrared Heater

Bromic, a heater manufacturer, explains that gas-fueled infrared heaters need enough ventilation and cannot be used in an enclosed space, while electric infrared heaters are a great solution for enclosed spaces. That makes an electric infrared heater the safest default covered patio heater. Still, every electric heater has its own installation rules:

All figures come from the manufacturer manuals. “In front” is the minimum distance to combustible materials in the direction the heater points.

• Moisture: the Dr Infrared DR-238 is IP55 rated. Infratech recommends hanging its heater under a protective roof or weather cover whenever possible, and Bromic says its Platinum heater must be completely protected against water from above.
• GFCI: the National Electrical Code (NEC 210.8) requires GFCI protection for outdoor receptacles at homes. Solaira also requires weatherproof sockets with ground fault protection.
• No extension cords: the DR-238 manual says never to use the heater with an extension cord.
• Power: plug-in heaters are limited to 1,500 W. Larger heaters are hardwired by an electrician. Our patio heater BTU guide explains how many watts your patio needs.

Mounted Gas Heaters for Covered Patios

Not every gas or propane heater is a portable tower. Some gas heaters are specifically designed to be mounted on a wall or ceiling of a semi-open patio. The Bromic Tungsten Smart-Heat Gas, for example, requires 3 feet of clearance at the sides and a mounting height of 8 feet. With an optional heat deflector, the clearance to the ceiling can be reduced to 14 inches.

These heaters still need natural ventilation: the Bromic manual describes open-air situations where combustion products are rapidly dispersed by wind and natural convection, and it applies the same wall-opening rules as the propane manuals above. They also need professional gas installation. For most homeowners with a typical covered patio, an electric heater is simpler.

Covered Balconies and Apartments

Balconies have their own rules, and they are stricter than many people expect.

• NFPA 1 (10.10.6.1): for buildings other than one- and two-family homes, no grills or similar devices used for cooking, heating or any other purpose may be used on a balcony, under an overhang or within 10 feet of the structure, as quoted by the Nashville and Weston fire departments.
• NFPA 58: propane cylinders larger than the nominal 1 lb size may not be placed on balconies of buildings with two or more homes above the first floor.
• Your lease and HOA: many landlords and homeowners associations add their own rules, and insurers advise checking with your local fire department.

In practice, a propane heater is rarely allowed there, and an electric infrared heater is usually the only option on an apartment balcony, if it is allowed at all. Our propane vs electric patio heater guide compares both types in more detail.

Safety Checklist for a Patio Heater Under a Covered Patio

Patio Heater Types Compared for Covered Patios

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Rolling a propane tower under a low patio roof without checking the clearance above it.
• Closing side curtains or winter panels while a propane heater is on.
• Hanging string lights, plants or fabric right above or in front of a heater.
• Mounting an electric heater lower than the minimum height to “feel more heat”.
• Using an extension cord or an outlet without GFCI protection.
• Assuming a balcony is allowed because it has a roof.

Want your covered patio to feel even cozier? Our winter patio ideas include blankets, lighting and wind protection that work together with a heater.

Covered Patio Heaters to Consider

These heaters are part of our best patio heaters comparison. For a patio heater under a covered patio we recommend starting with an infrared heater.

Always compare the installation requirements in the product manual with your own patio before you buy.

Related Guides

• Best patio heaters: 8 models compared
• Propane vs electric patio heater: which is better?
• How many BTUs do you need for a patio heater?
• How to enjoy your patio during winter
• How to winterize your garden

Frequently Asked Questions