What would cause my patio heater to smoke and have orange/yellow flames?

expert EXPERT November 16, 2007

I referred to the profile you created in the website and see that you have a model number listed of 141.229950 for your patio heater. NOTE: Do not connect your heater to Natural gas.

If this a new heater (doesn't sound like it) it will smoke for a short time until it burns off the oils used in manufacturing. Winds of more that 10 mph can cause the yellow/red flames.

Since I do not know what shape the infrared burner is in I would recommend checking for any damage or rusted out screen material. The burner will also have an orifice that meters the gas flow into the burner, I recommend checking and cleaning the orifice. Careful not to enlarge or damage the orifice metering hole. Check for any spider webs, dirt dobber nest, or anything that can cause a disruption or interference with the gas flow up to and including the heater head assembly. The heater head and it's components must be kept clear or dirt and cobwebs. Flow of combustion and ventilation air through the perforated portions of the heater must not be obstructed. The stainless Emitter Grid should be kept free of debris. Never spray cleaners into the Emitter Grid because of potential harm to internal components.

Try resetting the gas regulator by:

1. Turn the control knob to the off position.
2. Turn the gas off at the tank valve.
3. Disconnect the Regulator from the LP gas tank.
4. Let unit stand for 5 minutes.
5. Reconnect the Regulator to the LP gas tank.
6. Turn the tank valve on slowly until 1/4 to 1/2 open.
7. Relight heater.

If this does not resolve your problem I recommend taking in for service or calling a service technician to come out and diagnose and repair your heater.