How To Light A Dyna Glo Heater [All Types Explained]

The main types you need to know when learning how to light a Dyna-Glo heater are:

• Kerosene heaters (forced air and wick type).
• Propane heaters (tank-top and forced air).
• Wall heaters (propane or natural gas).

Besides that, some models use built-in igniters, while others need manual lighting with a match or lighter. I’ll walk you through each type in detail in this guide. So, let’s get started!

How To Light A Dyna Glo Heater [All Types Explained]

There are many types of Dyna-Glo heaters in terms of their fuel sources and how they operate. For example, there are heaters that run on gas like propane or natural gas. Then, there are also heaters that run on kerosene. Now, let’s look at how you can turn each of them one by one.

How To Light A Dyna Glo Kerosene Heater

Kerosene heaters are the simplest to light. So, let’s start with them. Now, the main thing to keep in mind is that Dyna-Glo broadly makes two types of kerosene heaters.

At first, there are the forced air heaters, and then there are the heaters with air wicks incorporated in them. The Dyna Glo heater lighting instructions will vary depending on which mechanism it uses. Let’s go through them—one step at a time.

How To Light A Dyna Glo Heater Kerosene Heater (Forced Air Type)

This is the simplest heater to turn on. In fact, this is so easy and intuitive to turn on that you may not even need a guide.

But just to make sure that you don’t make any mistakes, here are the instructions you should follow when turning it on:

Step 01 – Fill The Fuel Tank

• Use clean 1-K kerosene or No. 1 diesel fuel.
• Avoid gasoline or other fuels, as they can damage the heater and cause safety risks.

Pro Tip: I recommend using 1-K kerosene, as it’s the best fuel source for these types of heaters, but generally, both are approved by Dyna Glo. You can also go through your manual to double-check which fuel types are encouraged.

Step 02 – Connect To Power

• Plug the heater into a properly grounded electrical outlet.
• These heaters rely on electricity to run the fan and ignition system.

Step 03 – Turn The Heater On

• Rotate the power or thermostat knob to the ON position, or set your desired temperature.
• The fan will begin circulating air through the combustion chamber.

Step 04 – Ignite & Check Operation

• The built-in spark plug or hot surface igniter will light the fuel vapor.
• The heater should fire up automatically—no matches or lighters are needed.
• Within a few moments, you should see a strong, steady flame inside the chamber.
• Airflow from the fan will push warm air into the room or workspace.

Step 05 – Shut Down After Use

• Turn the switch or thermostat to OFF.
• The fan will continue to run for about a minute, cooling the combustion chamber before it stops.

How To Manually Light A Dyna Glo Kerosene Heater (Wick Type)

These are the more traditional round or rectangular indoor heaters. They require a little more work to turn on, as you have to adjust the wick. But the process for them is also really simple. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 01- Check The Fuel Level

• Similar to the forced air kerosene heaters, you have to fill the tank with clean 1-K grade kerosene only (never use gasoline or alternative fuels).
• Avoid overfilling—stop just below the full mark to prevent spills.
• Make sure the heater is placed on a flat and even surface before you move on to the next steps.

Step 02 -Raise & Light The Wick

• Turn the wick adjuster knob clockwise to bring the wick up to the ignition position.
• Make sure the wick is even across the top and not frayed.
• Open the small ignition/access door or lift the burn chamber.
• Use a long match or a lighter to carefully touch the flame to the wick until it lights.

Step 03 – Replace The Burn Chamber

• Lower the burn chamber back into place over the wick.
• Ensure it sits evenly, allowing the flame to spread uniformly.

Step 04 – Check The Flame & Adjust The Heat

• After 45-60 seconds, look through the viewing window: the flame should be bright, steady, and smoke-free.
• If the flame is uneven or producing smoke, shut down, let the heater cool, and inspect the wick.
• Once the flame stabilizes, use the control knob to set the wick height.
• Aim for a clean, blue-tipped flame with only minimal orange at the edges.

Step 05 – Shut Down The Heater After Operation

• Turn the wick knob fully counterclockwise to lower the wick and extinguish the flame.
• Allow the heater to cool completely before moving, cleaning, or refueling.

Yep, that’s how easy it is to light Dyna-Glo kerosene heaters. You just have to additionally adjust the wick in this type of kerosene heater. If you follow the right steps, lighting these heaters is as easy as one, two, three.

Pro Tip: If your Dyna-Glo kerosene heater isn’t lighting, there could be some problems with it. I have a dedicated guide on it. You can use it to know exactly what’s wrong with your heater and how you can fix it.

Now that you know how to operate with kerosene heaters, let’s look at propane heaters next.

How To Light A Dyna Glo Propane Heater

Just like kerosene heaters, there are a few types of propane heaters. The most common ones are the tank-top heaters. Then, there are forced air heaters just like the kerosene ones you saw earlier.

Then, there are wall heaters—but they can also have natural gas as the fuel source. Now, let’s go through them one by one.

How To Light A Dyna Glo Tank Top Heater

Let’s start with the tank top heaters. Generally, it’s the smaller heaters that are incredibly easy to identify when you see them. They attach directly on top of a propane cylinder, usually with one or two round radiant burner heads. Here’s what they look like:

You’ll often see them glowing bright orange when running, like a “sunflower” facing out from the tank. These are portable outdoor heaters, commonly used for camping, tailgates, or other job sites. Here are step-by-step instructions on how you can light them:

Step 01 – Safety First

• Use outdoors only or in very open, ventilated areas.
• Make sure the heater is securely mounted on the propane cylinder. Tighten the connection by turning clockwise until snug.
• Test for leaks by brushing a 50% soap-and-water solution on the regulator/cylinder joint.
• If bubbles form, you have a leak—fix it before proceeding.

Tip: How to light Dyna-Glo 360 tank top heater? These are some smaller Dyna-Glo tank top heater models that you can connect to a small tank, as low as 1 lb. There’s usually an access door to put that tank in. The other processes are the same.

Step 02 – Open The Propane Valve & Set The Control Knob

• Slowly open the valve on the propane tank.
• Don’t crank it open too quickly—doing so can trigger the tank’s safety valve.
• Push in the control knob and turn it counterclockwise to the Pilot position.
• Keep pressing the knob in to allow gas to flow to the pilot assembly.

Step 03 – Ignite The Pilot & Hold The Knob

With built-in igniter:

Press the igniter button while holding the control knob in the Pilot position.

Without igniter:

• Insert a long lighter or match carefully into the lighting hole to reach the pilot.
• Continue pressing the control knob in for 30 – 60 seconds.
• This heats the thermocouple, which keeps the gas flowing.
• Release the knob slowly—the pilot flame should remain lit when you let go.

Step 04 – Turn ON / Desired Setting

• Once the pilot is stable, press and turn the knob to your desired heat setting (Low or High).
• The burner face will glow bright orange and start radiating heat outward.

Now, you know how to light the Dyna-Glo 360 tank top heater and even the smaller versions with low-capacity fuel tanks. When you’re done using the heater, turn the control knob to the “OFF” position. Close the propane tank valve completely.

For your safety, always aim the burner head away from the propane tank and anything flammable. And this type of heater should never be used indoors.

How To Light A Dyna-Glo Pro Propane Heater (Forced Air Heaters)

Now that you know what to do with a tank top heater, let’s move on to forced air heaters. These are definitely more common when it comes to Dyna-Glo heaters. They’re also commonly known as torpedo or radiant heaters. You can follow these steps to light it:

Step 1 – Prepare and Check for Safety

Before lighting your Dyna-Glo propane heater, place it on a flat, stable surface in a well-ventilated area away from flammable objects. Inspect all hoses, fittings, and the propane cylinder to ensure they are in good condition. Connect the tank to the regulator by hand, making sure it is tight but not forced.

Once connected, check for gas leaks by brushing a soap-and-water solution over the joints—if bubbles appear, stop immediately and fix the leak before proceeding. Never use the heater in an enclosed space, as ventilation is essential for safe operation.

Step 2 – Light the Pilot Flame

After confirming everything is secure, slowly open the propane tank valve. Push in the control knob and turn it to the “Pilot” position while keeping it pressed down. This allows gas to flow to the pilot.

Next, ignite the pilot by pressing the built-in igniter button or by carefully using a long lighter near the pilot assembly. Keep holding the control knob for 30 to 60 seconds so the thermocouple has time to heat up.

This step is important because it ensures the pilot will stay lit after you release the knob. If the flame goes out, wait a few minutes before trying again to allow any gas to disperse.

Step 3 – Operate and Shut Down the Heater

Once the pilot flame is steady, gently release the control knob. Turn the knob from “Pilot” to your desired heat setting—typically “Low” or “High”—and the main burner will ignite, producing a strong, steady flame.

While the heater is running, keep the propane cylinder upright and always monitor the flame. When you are done using the heater, turn the control knob to “Off,” then close the propane tank valve completely.

This shuts off the heater safely and prevents propane from remaining in the system. If you notice the pilot won’t stay lit, the thermocouple or gas line may need cleaning or servicing. Now, you know how to light a Dyna-Glo Pro propane heater properly.

How To Light A Dyna Glo Wall Heater

The next and last type of Dyna-Glo heaters you’re likely to encounter are the wall heaters. Now, the thing is that they may operate with natural gas or liquid propane. It depends on the way it’s set up. I’ll walk you through the process for both of them.

How To Light A Dyna Glo Natural Gas Heater

Let’s start with the wall heaters that run on natural gas. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to light a Dyna-Glo gas heater:

Step 1 – Set Up and Inspect Connections

Before using the heater, make sure the unit is securely installed on the wall and that the natural gas supply valve (installed in your home’s gas line) is accessible. Inspect the supply line and connections to confirm they are tight.

Since natural gas comes from your utility company, there’s no tank to swap and no regulator to adjust, but it’s still important to ensure there are no visible leaks or damage in the piping. Always operate the heater in a room with proper ventilation and keep combustible items away from the unit.

Step 2 – Start the Pilot Flame

So, how to light the pilot light on a Dyna-Glo heater? Open the natural gas supply valve to allow fuel flow. Push in the control knob on the heater and turn it to the “Pilot” position, holding it down firmly. While continuing to press the knob, use the built-in igniter button to create a spark at the pilot assembly.

If your model does not include an igniter, carefully use a long lighter. Keep the knob pressed in for 30 to 60 seconds to allow the thermocouple to heat up. This ensures the pilot will remain lit when you release the knob.

Step 3 – Adjust the Heat and Shut Off Properly

Once the pilot is steady, slowly release the knob. Turn it from “Pilot” to your desired heat setting, such as Low, Medium, or High, and the main burner will ignite. Monitor the heater as it runs, and never leave it unattended for long periods.

To shut down, turn the control knob to “Off.” If you are not going to use the heater for an extended time, also close the natural gas supply valve.

How To Light A Dyna Glo Propane Wall Heater

The process is similar to that of natural gas heaters. Both use pilot system ignition to fire up the heater. Only the startup sequence is different because of the gas types. Otherwise, there’s not much difference between them. Anyways, here’s how you can light up these types of heaters:

Step 1 – Pre-Lighting Preparation

Place the propane tank in a safe, upright position outside or in a ventilated area, then connect it to the heater’s regulator and fuel line. Tighten all fittings securely by hand, never with tools.

Before lighting, check for leaks at the regulator and joints by brushing on a soap-and-water solution. If bubbles form, there is a leak that must be fixed before continuing. Ensure the heater is installed properly on the wall, with space clear around it for safe airflow.

Step 2 – Fire Up the Pilot

Slowly open the valve on the propane tank to begin fuel flow. Push in the control knob on the heater and turn it to the “Pilot” position, holding it down to release gas to the pilot assembly.

While pressing the knob, use the built-in igniter button, or a long lighter if needed, to ignite the pilot flame. Keep the knob pressed for 30 to 60 seconds so the thermocouple can warm up, ensuring the flame remains steady when you release the knob. If the pilot goes out, wait a few minutes before trying again.

Step 3 – Heat Control and Safe Shutdown

Once the pilot stays lit, release the knob and turn it from “Pilot” to your chosen heat setting (Low, Medium, or High). The main burner should ignite and produce a steady flame.

Keep the propane cylinder upright during operation, and do not leave the heater unattended. When finished, turn the control knob to “Off” and close the propane tank valve fully. This shuts down the heater and prevents propane from continuing to flow into the system.

What Are The Key Differences? (Propane vs Natural Gas Wall Heaters)

Just so that you’re clear on the differences between them, you can follow this:

Fuel Source Connection

• Natural Gas: Connected directly to a home’s NG line, usually with a shut-off valve right next to the heater. Pressure is regulated by the utility supply, so you don’t deal with tanks or regulators.
• Propane: Connected to an external propane tank through a regulator and line. This means you must check the regulator and connections for leaks before lighting, which is not necessary on NG models.

Initial Setup & Leak Check

• Natural Gas: Once installed properly, you rarely need to recheck connections unless you service the heater. The supply is constant and doesn’t require tank swaps.
• Propane: Every time you hook up a tank or after refilling, you should use a soap-and-water test at the regulator and fittings to ensure there are no leaks.

Fuel Characteristics

• Natural Gas: Lower BTU content per cubic foot, but steady supply—you never “run out” mid-use.
• Propane: Higher BTU content, so the flame characteristics might look a little different, but operation is identical once running.

Those are the major differences between them. Now, with all the information you have, you should be able to light most of the Dyna-Glo heaters.

FAQs

Conclusion

Now, you know exactly how to light a Dyna-Glo heater, no matter if it runs on kerosene, propane, or natural gas. The process changes depending on the model, but once you understand the basics, it becomes really simple.

Most of the time, people run into various troubles with kerosene heaters, like not igniting, shutting off, etc. If you’re facing those issues, you can check out my full guide on Dyna Glo kerosene heater troubleshooting and fix it by yourself.