Can I use my gas fire pit year-round, even in WNC winters?
Yes — a gas fire pit runs fine year-round in WNC, cold winter nights included, as long as it's built for outdoor use and you keep the burner and igniter clear of ice, snow, and debris. Our cool mountain evenings are exactly why outdoor fire features earn their keep here nearly every month. Cold weather doesn't hurt a properly installed gas pit.
Built for how we actually live outside
Elevation keeps our evenings cool most of the year, so a fire pit isn't a three-month summer toy here — it's a reason to be on the patio in October, February, and April. A properly installed outdoor-rated gas pit doesn't care about the cold; the flame throws the same warmth in January it does in July. The Napoleon Uptown square gas pit and the built-in burners we install are made to sit outside through all of it.
Cold-weather care
Winter use comes down to keeping water and ice out of the working parts. Before you light, brush snow and ice off the burner pan and clear the igniter — a plugged port or an iced-over sparker is the usual reason a pit won't light on a cold night. A fitted cover between uses keeps rain and snowmelt out of the burner so it doesn't freeze or rust. And keep the drainage holes clear so meltwater doesn't pool and then freeze in the pan.
Propane in a deep cold snap
If you're on propane — most cabins and rural lots are — know that LP can get sluggish vaporizing in an extreme cold snap, especially on a smaller or low tank. A properly sized tank kept above roughly a third full handles our winters without trouble, and it's something we account for when we size the line. On an exposed ridge, a wind guard keeps the flame steady on a gusty night. Call (828) 545-0525 to plan a pit you'll actually use all winter.
Related questions
- Why is my outdoor gas fire pit rusting so fast in WNC?
- Should I keep my gas fire pit covered when it's not in use?
- How do I use a fire pit safely on a wooded or wildfire-prone mountain lot?
- Can a fire pit or outdoor fireplace be built on a steep or sloped lot?
- Will mountain wind keep blowing out my gas fire pit — do I need a wind guard on an exposed ridge-top patio?
- Do I need a permit to install a gas fireplace or gas insert in Western North Carolina?
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