Outdoor Living:

Simple Steps to Get a Jump on Spring

With outdoor propane appliances, safety should top spring-cleaning to-do lists

After a winter during which every state saw snow, warm weather and a return to outdoor living can’t come soon enough. For homeowners with outdoor propane appliances, the wait is over. Portable fire pits, patio heaters, and gas grills make outdoor living spaces comfortable places to gather now even before the last snow drifts have melted.

For many people, getting these outdoor areas ready for early-season entertaining is top priority on spring-cleaning to-do lists. According to a recent survey conducted on behalf of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), two-thirds of homeowners report spending more time in their outdoor living spaces than in years past, and more than half are looking for new ways to extend the outdoor living season.

Outdoor rooms are becoming one of the most important spaces in the house. Our survey indicated that homeowners use these areas 15-20 times per month during the outdoor season. And with simple appliance updates and proper maintenance, people can get a head start on ensuring safe, enjoyable time with family and friends outdoors.”

Easy tips ensure an enjoyable and safe outdoor living season

Before bringing out portable appliances and firing up the propane grill, PERC offers the following tips to help homeowners get the most from their outdoor appliances safely:

• Keep burnable materials like dry grass, wood, or debris at least 10 feet away from propane tanks and cylinders. Never burn wood, coal, or anything other than propane in a propane fire pit.

• Never store tanks or cylinders inside buildings, including garages or sheds.

• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the appliance you’re using, including where to put the unit, how to connect it to a cylinder, and how to use, clean, and store it. Fire pits and heaters need varying amounts of clearance, depending on the model. In general, allow at least three feet of clearance on all sides.

• Have your fire pit inspected by a professional every year.

• Before lighting your propane grill for the first time in the spring, check the cooking grid and warming rack to be sure both are in their proper place. Clean the grid, the interior of the grill, and the burner (according to the manufacturer’s instructions) with a wire brush or scraper to remove any built-up food. And remember — always keep the top open when lighting the grill until you are sure it is lit.

• When it’s time to refill or replace a propane cylinder, stow it upright in your vehicle in a well-ventilated area, not the trunk. Return home directly after refilling.