Can You Use Patio Heaters Indoors? (Find Out Now!)

When the weather cools off, it can be tempting to use portable heaters as an addition heat source in your home. There are countless types of indoor heaters that you can place in any room throughout your home.

That said, many homeowners turn toward the patio heaters they already have instead of going out to buy a separate indoor heater. This begs the question: Is this really a good idea?

The short answer: No, you absolutely should never use an outdoor patio heater indoors for many reasons. You shouldn’t even use electrical patio heaters indoors. Patio heaters run much hotter than their indoor counterparts, have a low center of gravity, can emit harmful gases, and pose a serious fire hazard, too.

Let’s dive a bit deeper into the issue, so you can truly understand the serious risks of using a patio heater indoors.

Patio heaters are not designed the same as indoor heaters for one simple reason: it would make them cost way more for no reason. Outdoor heaters are much simpler in design, which is just one reason why they should be kept outside. However, some can be used under covered patios.

Most patio heaters function by using radiant heat. When the unit heats to a specific temperature, it will automatically emit that heat through electromagnetic waves that are in the infrared range. There are some patio heaters that use the convection process instead of radiation. During this process, electricity moves through a resistor, which converts it into heat energy.

Patio heaters are made specifically to be used outdoors. This means they can pose serious issues when placed in an enclosed space. For starters, the shape and size of outdoor heaters often make it difficult to move them around and stabilize them in a cramped area.

They are usually thinner and taller, so they don’t take up as much space while still being able to emit a lot of heat. For this reason, you will often run into clearance issues as far as ceiling heights go. Indoor heaters, on the other hand, are generally smaller and designed to be more portable.

Finally, any type of heater needs ventilation, and there typically isn’t much inside. This is especially true if you’re already trying to warm your space with a heater. Odds are, there won’t be any windows open!

If you have a natural gas or propane heater, you run the risk of a gas leak. This can be potentially dangerous outside but can turn downright fatal in an enclosed space. Propane gas heaters produce carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and nitric oxide, all of which can be fatal when inhaled in large amounts.

When compared to indoor heaters, the standards for these emission levels are much looser for patio heaters since they are meant to be used in open spaces. They end up releasing more of these gases, which will circulate throughout a house if the heater is indoors.

The best cause scenario is these emissions cause some coughing and general discomfort. Worst case is they cause suffocation and death. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the #1 risk of using outdoor heaters indoors. These symptoms include:

Propane heaters are portable because they are attached to a propane tank, which makes them a convenient choice for many homes. That said, you should never move them inside for use. This is because they pose the risk of a gas leak and carbon monoxide poisoning among other things.

There are two common types of propane patio heaters: standing and tabletop. The former is great for patios of all shapes and sizes while the latter is best suited for more intimate settings. Again, just make sure those settings are outdoors.

Related Questions

Are there heaters for both indoor and outdoor use?

Yes, there are specific heaters that you can use for both indoors and outdoors. To avoid any potential mishaps, these may be the best investment for your home.

Can I use an indoor heater outside?

Technically you can use your indoor heaters outside, but it won’t be the most effective solution. Indoor heaters will not get as hot as outdoor heaters and they are not as resistant to the elements either. On a milder night, however, it could work for a smaller gathering.