How to Turn On a Mr. Heater: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide to Lighting the Pilot and Staying Safe
You are chilled, the heater is there, and the knob will not remain. The little mistake that nearly all persons who have trouble with a Mr. Heater commit is to release the knob too soon. When you have the order, it goes in a minute.
Quick Answer: How Do You Turn On a Mr. Heater?
To start a Mr. Heater, attach a full propane supply, set the control knob to PILOT, press and hold the knob down and press the igniter button until the pilot flame is visible. Hold the knob approximately 30 seconds, then release it, and then turn the knob to LOW or HIGH.
Quick steps:
- Place the heater on a flat and stable surface with adequate clearance.
- Open a window to get some air.
- Attach the hose or cylinder of propane.
- Test the connection to leakages.
- Turn the knob to PILOT and push it in.
- Push the igniter button until the pilot lights.
- Hold the knob down approximately 30 seconds.
- Release the knob and turn it to LOW or HIGH.
Always use the manual that accompanied your specific model as settings and clearances vary.
What is a Mr. Heater?
Mr. Heater is a brand of Enerco, which produces portable propane heaters to use in camping, workshops, garages, ice fishing and emergency backup. The most famous one is the Buddy series, comprising of the Little Buddy, Portable Buddy and Big Buddy.
If you want a deeper look at the mechanics, this explainer on what happens inside indoor propane heaters breaks it down in plain language.
They have incorporated safety measures such as an oxygen depletion sensor that switches off the heater when oxygen levels get too low and a tip over switch that cuts off the flame when the unit tips over. These characteristics reduce risk but fail to substitute good ventilation.
Before You Start: Safety Checklist
Take a minute on this list before you ever turn on the heater.
- Read the owner manual and ensure that your model is authorized to be used indoors.
- Keep the heater not in contact with curtains, bedding, paper, fuel and anything that burns.
- Put it on a stable and flat surface that pets and kids will not bump.
- Open a window or door to get fresh air.
- Keep a carbon monoxide alarm.
- Do not leave it running when you sleep or out of the room.
- Check the hose and fittings on cracks or damages.
For a wider set of habits that apply to any gas heater, see these propane heater safety practices before your first use of the season.
Pro tip: Check the safety before you freeze. When people are cold, they hurry and when people hurry, they make mistakes.
How to Turn On a Mr. Heater, Step by Step
Step 1: Pick a Safe Spot
Put the heater on a flat surface. Have the clearances in your manual at the top, sides and back. Ensure that nothing is capable of falling on it.
Step 2: Let in Fresh Air
Open a window or door ajar. Propane burns with the help of oxygen, and the air in the room should be fresh. Your manual contains the ventilation requirement of your model and therefore follow it to the letter.
Step 3: Connect the Propane
Ensure that the control knob is switched to OFF.
In the case of a small 1 lb cylinder, screw it into the inlet to the heater till it fits. Tight enough is hand tight. Do not use tools.
With a bigger tank, like a 20 lb cylinder, the hose and regulator assembly that comes with your heater will work. Attach it to the tank and the heater and screw it in. If you want photos and extra detail, this guide on connecting your heater to a larger propane tank walks through the process.
Step 4: Check for Leaks
Wet a small amount of dish soap with water and rub it on the connection. Gradually open the tank valve in case you are using a large tank. When bubbles increase, then you have a leak. Turn it all off, disconnect, reseat the fitting and test. Never test for leaks with a flame. When you can smell the gas and cannot stop, then leave the place and do not turn the heater on.
Step 5: Turn the Knob to PILOT and Push It In
Turn the control knob from OFF to PILOT. Now press the knob to the fullest and hold it. The knob can be pressed to allow gas to pass to the pilot.
Step 6: Press the Igniter Button
Still holding the knob, press the red igniter button. There should be a click each time it sparks. Press a few times, when necessary, until the pilot flame comes into view. In case the pilot is not caught immediately, continue pressing the knob and re-attempt the igniter. The flame can be seen through the little hole.
Step 7: Keep Holding the Knob
This is the step that most individuals overlook. Hold the knob about 30 seconds after the pilot lights. That allows the safety sensor, which is a thermocouple, time to warm up and signal the heater that it is safe to continue to flow with gas. Pilot out in case you release too early.
Step 8: Turn to LOW or HIGH
Turn off the knob gradually. When the pilot remains lit, switch the knob to LOW or HIGH, or to the similar on your model. The ceramic surface will then start heating up and the heat will accumulate in a minute or two. Take a safe distance away and allow it to warm up.
Settings by Model
The Buddy line has different settings, depending on your manual. The common models have published heat outputs less than.
| Model | Typical heat settings | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Little Buddy | About 3,800 BTU | Tents, small cabins, very small spaces |
| Portable Buddy | About 4,000 BTU (low) and 9,000 BTU (high) | Small rooms, garages, camping |
| Big Buddy | About 4,000, 9,000 and 18,000 BTU | Larger rooms, workshops, backup heat |
BTU is an abbreviation of British Thermal Unit, which is a measure of heat production. The increase in numbers translates to more heat and increased consumption of fuel.
Not sure a radiant propane unit is the right fit for your space? This breakdown of the best kinds of space heaters for different rooms can help you compare options.
Which Fuel Setup Should You Use?
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 lb cylinder | Portable, easy to attach, no hose needed | Runs out faster, costs more per hour of heat |
| 20 lb tank with hose | Longer run time, usually cheaper per hour | Heavier, needs the right hose and regulator |
Install the hose system that fits your heater. Combining components may lead to leaks or lack of pressure.
How to Turn Off a Mr. Heater
Turn the control knob to OFF. When you are using a big tank, then close the tank valve as well. Allow the heater to cool down and then relocate it. When the unit is off and cool, disconnect the fuel and store cylinders in an upright position in a safe location not in the living areas.
Mr. Heater Won’t Light? Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No click from igniter | Weak or worn igniter | Press firmly several times and check that the igniter wire is connected |
| Clicks but no flame | No gas reaching pilot | Check the fuel level, connection and tank valve |
| Pilot lights, then goes out | Knob released too early | Hold the knob a full 30 seconds |
| Pilot will not light at all | Empty or low cylinder | Replace or refill the propane |
| Weak or small flame | Low fuel pressure or cold cylinder | Try a fresh cylinder and a warmer spot for the tank |
| Heater shuts off while running | Safety sensor triggered | Check ventilation and tip over position, then relight |
| Smell of gas | Leak | Turn everything off and move away from the area |
When the pilot continues to go out following multiple clean attempts, the thermocouple or pilot assembly might require replacement. Get in touch with Mr. Heater support or a skilled technician rather than coerce repeated attempts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Letting go of the knob right after the pilot lights.
- Omitting the leak check on new connections.
- Cross threading the propane cylinder.
- Using the heater with no ventilation.
- Placing it too close to clothing or furniture.
- Working with deteriorated hoses or regulators.
- Relighting following a shutdown. Wait a few minutes first that any gas that may be accumulated can clear.
Mr. Heater Safety Limits
Mr. Heater is not intended to replace a home furnace, but to provide supplemental heating. Carbon monoxide is an odorless gas and therefore, a functioning alarm is important. To get some general advice on heater safety and carbon monoxide, refer to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and your heater manual.
If you are curious how different heater types compare in design, this primer on the science behind space heaters is a helpful read.
FAQs
How do you turn on a Mr. Heater?
Connect propane, turn the knob to PILOT, press and hold it, press the igniter until the flame lights, hold for approximately 30 seconds, and turn to LOW or HIGH.
Why will not my Mr. Heater keep on?
The knob is usually released prematurely, the fuel is low, or the safety sensor has not gotten hot enough. Hold the knob longer and test your propane.
What is the duration of the knob of a Mr. Heater?
Approximately 30 seconds after the pilot lights, except as your manual indicates.
Is it possible to use Mr. Heater indoors?
There are numerous Buddy models that are rated to be used indoors, but only when well ventilated and within the limits of the manual. Always verify your model.
Why is my Mr. Heater igniter not clicking?
The igniter may be worn, loose, or dirty. Press it firmly and verify the connection between the wires. You may also light it manually if permitted by your heater’s instructions.
What do I do to hook up a propane tank to Mr. Heater?
Always ensure that the heater is switched off. Hand-screw a 1 lb cylinder in, or use a hose and regulator with a larger tank, and test connections with soapy water.
How is the difference between LOW and HIGH?
LOW consumes less fuel and provides softer warmth. HIGH generates more heat and consumes more fuel.
Is it possible to leave a Mr. Heater overnight?
No. Do not run it while sleeping or unattended.
What do I do to determine whether my Mr. Heater has a gas leak?
Apply soapy water to the connections with a brush. Growing bubbles indicate a leak. Stop using the heater and ventilate the area if you smell gas.
Why does my Mr. Heater shut off by itself?
It could have tilted, lost oxygen, or lost its pilot flame. Relight it according to the manual, place it on a stable surface, and check ventilation.
What is the life of a 1 lb propane cylinder?
The run time varies according to the model and environment. Use the figure published in your heater’s manual rather than estimates.
Can a Mr. Heater be used in a garage or tent?
It may be, provided the model is approved for that purpose and you follow ventilation and clearance requirements. Do not use it without adequate ventilation.
May I re-light immediately after switching it off?
Wait a couple of minutes to allow any leftover gas to clear before relighting.
Final Thoughts
It is easy to turn on a Mr. Heater when you follow the order: safe spot, fresh air, secure fuel, leak check, PILOT, hold, ignite, hold again, and heat. Rushing or letting go of the knob prematurely are the cause of most problems.
Go slow, work by your manual and have a carbon monoxide detector close. Do it and you will always have warm, dependable heat.
