The original SunPak patio heater was designed in 1961 by Edwin Cowan, a leading U.S. infrared heating appliance engineer. A unique demand existed in California for decorative, yet practical, gas fired heaters. Cowan pioneered and developed the circular radiant heater concept primarily for use in country clubs, hotels and restaurants.

Gas Patio Heater Troubleshooting

No Spark to pilot 
No red indicator light on the remote control device 
• Replace batteries in the remote control device 
• Replace remote control device 
No power to the heater  
• Verify power adapter is plugged into a live 120 VAC outlet 
• Verify wiring is properly connected to the heater module 
The remote control does not communicate with the heater 
• Make sure remote control is within 25 feet of the heater 
• Make sure the ID Number on the remote corresponds to the number on the heater. (Heater comes with two (2) pre-programmed remote control devices – try second remote). 
• Heaters must be re-programmed for any replacement remote control devices 

Sparks, but does not ignite the burner  
No Gas to Heater 
• Allow time for the air to bleed from the gas line on new installations 
• Turn on the manual gas valve 
• Check wire connections on top of the gas valve. 
• Clean burner orifice 

Heater lights, but turns off 
Low Voltage  
• Make sure you have 6-8 VDC to the heater 
Loose or broken ground wire  
• Secure ground wire to the heater body  
Pilot Electrode 
• Adjust pilot electrodes 3/16 from the pilot hood and 3/8 apart. 
• Swap sensor and spark connections on the module 
• Replace TSR Control Module 
• Replace Pilot Electrode Assembly 

Not Enough Heat  
Low Gas Pressure  
• Verify required gas pressure to the heater 
Lack of Fresh Air to Heater  
• Adjust tip angle to less than 30 degrees 
• Add ventilation to patio above and below the heater 
Dirty Orifice  
• Clean orifice  
Poor Heater Coverage 
• Review Heater Layout and Design  

Deterioration of Front Grill  
Tip Angle over 30 degrees  
• Adjust Tip Angle to less than 30 Degrees  
Wind hitting heater from below  
• Set up a windbreak to prevent the strong breeze from hitting the infrared burner face directly. Any windbreak must not interfere with the safe operation of the heater 
Burner Noise  
Dirty Orifice  
• Clean orifice thoroughly or replace if necessary  
Dirty Burner 
• Use bottle brush to clean mixer tube of burner 
• Use compressed air to clean ceramic burner ports (max 30 PSI - use safety glasses) 
Cracked Ceramics  
• Replace infrared burner