Patio heater setup in Exeter
Professional patio heater setup services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
30-45 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
New patio heaters arrive in flat-pack form and need proper assembly and positioning. Getting the gas connection right, ensuring stability, and positioning it safely all matter for both performance and safety. We'll get it sorted so you can actually use it. Based in Exeter, covering all of Devon.
Patio heater assembly looks simple until you're actually doing it - panels that don't quite want to align, gas connections you're not sure about, and uncertainty over whether it's positioned safely. We handle this regularly and know what good setup looks like.
We assemble all common patio heater types, connect gas supplies safely, check for leaks, position the unit correctly for both heating efficiency and safety, and test everything works before we leave. If it's a wall-mounted model, we'll install that too.
Setup Types
| Heater Style | Assembly Time | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Pyramid/tower heaters | 30-45 mins | Stability on base, glass tube alignment, safe clearances |
| Tabletop heaters | 20-30 mins | Level surface, gas connection, safe distances from items |
| Wall-mounted heaters | 1-1.5 hours | Wall type for fixings, clearances, weatherproofing |
| Hanging heaters | 1-1.5 hours | Overhead structure strength, chain/cable safety, clearances |
Safety Considerations We Check
Clearances: Patio heaters produce serious heat. They need adequate clearance from combustible materials - furniture, pergola roofs, parasols, plants, and building walls.
Stability: Freestanding heaters can tip over, especially the tall pyramid styles. We ensure the base is properly assembled and positioned on level ground.
Gas connections: These need to be tight and leak-free. We test connections with soapy water to verify there are no leaks before ignition.
Overhead hazards: For tall heaters, we check for overhanging trees, pergola canopies, or anything else that could be a fire risk from the heat output.
Ignition testing: We test the ignition system works and the flame pattern is correct. Uneven flames or flame that lifts away from the burner indicates a problem.
Patio heaters are generally safe when set up correctly, but they're still gas appliances producing significant heat. Getting setup right matters.
Why Choose Us for Patio heater setup in Exeter?
Safe assembly with proper gas connections
Correct positioning for efficiency and safety
Stability checks to prevent tipping
Testing before use to ensure it works
What to Expect
1. Pre-Setup Check
We'll ask what type of heater you've got and where you plan to position it. If there are any concerns about location or clearances, we'll advise on better positioning before we start assembling.
2. Assembly
We unpack and assemble the heater according to manufacturer instructions, connect the gas supply, check all connections for leaks, and position the heater where you want it (with any needed adjustments for safety).
3. Testing
We test the ignition system, check the flame pattern is correct, verify the safety cutoff works, and run it for a few minutes to ensure stable operation. We'll show you how to operate it and explain basic safety points.
🔧 DIY Tips
Read the instructions completely first: Every heater model is slightly different. Five minutes reading saves the frustration of assembling parts in the wrong order and having to undo your work.
Don't overtighten gas connections: Hand-tight plus about a quarter turn with a spanner is usually enough. Overtightening can damage threads or seals and actually cause leaks.
Test for gas leaks properly: Mix washing-up liquid with water and brush it over all connections. Gas leaks will cause bubbles. Do this before you try to light the heater.
Position on level ground: Heaters on sloped or uneven ground are unstable. Use a spirit level to check, and reposition if needed.
Keep clearances generous: The manufacturer's minimum clearances are just that - minimums. Give yourself more space if possible, especially overhead where heat rises.
Check wind direction: Position heaters so prevailing wind doesn't constantly blow the flame out or push heat away from where you want it.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Propane bottles come in various sizes. The most common for patio heaters is the 13kg bottle (sometimes called "patio gas"). Larger pyramid heaters can use standard propane 13kg bottles too. Check what your heater requires.
The regulator that connects your gas bottle to the heater should match both the bottle valve type and the heater's requirements. If you're buying a new heater and already have bottles, check compatibility.
Patio heaters are heavy once assembled - pyramid heaters especially. Position them where you want them before final assembly if possible, or get help moving them.
Wind is the enemy of patio heaters. In exposed positions or strong wind, they'll blow out constantly and be fairly useless. Consider positioning near windbreaks or walls.
For wall-mounted heaters on rendered or pebbledashed external walls, we'll use appropriate fixings and weatherproof the mounting points to prevent water ingress.
Don't run patio heaters in enclosed spaces or gazebos with sides fully down. They produce carbon monoxide and need ventilation. Partially enclosed spaces with open sides are usually fine, but fully enclosed areas are dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does patio heater setup cost?
Most patio heater setups cost £60 (our minimum charge). Assembly typically takes 30-45 minutes depending on the heater type. This includes putting it together, connecting the gas safely, positioning it correctly, and testing it works.
What types of patio heaters can you set up?
We set up freestanding pyramid heaters, tabletop models, wall-mounted units, and hanging patio heaters. This includes both propane bottle-fed and natural gas models if you have plumbed gas to your patio.
Do you supply the gas bottle?
No, you'll need to supply the propane bottle separately. We can advise on what size you need and where to get them locally. We'll connect it safely and check for leaks as part of the setup.
Can you install wall-mounted patio heaters?
Yes, we can mount patio heaters to walls. This takes longer than freestanding setup (usually 1-1.5 hours) as we need to drill and secure proper fixings for the weight, position it correctly, and ensure clearances from combustible materials are adequate.
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