How to Change a Bottle on a Delonghi Heater

Safety First

• Although portable gas heaters are generally safe, as with any home appliance, there is a risk of serious injury if the proper precautions aren't followed. It's especially important to keep safety in mind when servicing your Delonghi gas heater. Servicing the heater while it's connected to a power source can result in electrocution. Always unplug the unit before beginning your repairs. Change the gas bottle in a well-ventilated room to avoid problems with fumes. Never replace the gas bottle near an open flame.

Gas Bottle Replacement

• The back of the heater slides up and off to reveal the gas bottle compartment. Find the gas supply valve near the bottle. Rotate the valve clockwise to close it. The gas bottle is screwed into the regulator by hand. Unscrew the empty bottle and inspect the black neoprene seal on the regulator; replace the seal if necessary. Installing the new bottle is as simple as aligning the top of the bottle with the regulator connector and screwing it into place. Open the gas supply valve, replace the back cover and plug in the unit before use.

Pressure Regulator Maintenance

• The regulator is an internal heater component that's used to reduce the pressure of the gas from the bottle. Make sure the ends of the rubber tubing are completely covering the regulator nozzle and held firmly in place by the tube clips. The rubber tubing should be examined regularly to ensure that it's still in good condition. Replace the tubing if it's damaged, brittle or past the expiration date printed on it.

Gas Leakage Test

• Malfunctioning portable heaters may leak gas. If you suspect your Delonghi heater is leaking, there is a simple test you can perform to find out. Before testing the heater, open all the windows to air out any fumes. Remove the back heater cover and close the gas supply valve. You can use liquid dish soap to determine whether the bottle is leaking. Dip a small paintbrush into the soap and brush it onto the regulator connector. Slowly open the gas valve. If the soap starts to bubble, the bottle is leaking. Close the gas valve and have the heater serviced before using it again.