 If you're curious about Sunpak heaters, we've prepared a list of frequently asked questions. The first set of questions and answers are general questions and answers. See our sections below for restaurants and for contractors.
Q. Are Sunpak Heaters difficult to install?
A. Yes, these heaters are not for the average "do-it-yourself" homeowner. Your first concern is safety, so Sunpak recommends using a licensed, bonded HVAC contractor to do the installation as these heaters require plumbing and electrical skills to be installed correctly.
Q. What types of fuel sources are available?
A. Sunpak heaters are available in propane or natural gas configurations.
Q. How many heaters do I need?
A. The amount of heaters you'll need is relative to the climate in which you're located. Sunpak notes that in warmer climates, an S34 mounted between 8 and 9 feet will cover an area of 12 foot by 12 foot and the S25 will cover a 10 foot by 10 foot area. In cooler areas, reduce the coverage about to 10 foot by 10 foot and 8 foot by 8 foot, respectively. Please note that wind is a factor when outdoor heating is involved: a continuous breeze of more than 20 miles per hour makes heating any patio difficult. It's recommended to use natural and wind breaks wherever possible.
Q. Can I use my heater during the winter?
A. It depends on where you live and how cold it is. Sunpak heaters are not designed to melt ice or snow. The heaters generally increase the temperature from 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit outside.
 Q. Can these heaters be placed under an "awning-type" patio cover?
A. Yes, as long as the clearance to any types of combustibles is noted. Other clearance may be needed for other materials such as painted surfaces, glass, vinyl siding or other materials that radiant heat might damage.
Q. Can these heaters be recessed into a ceiling?
A. No, these heaters should never be placed in a ceiling recess or soffit.
Q. Can I use this type of heater in my garage?
A. No, these heaters are ONLY approved for outdoor residential uses.
Q. What colors do Sunpak heaters come in?
A. Both of our models of heaters come in either stainless steel or black colors.
Q. What other items are needed for the heater installation?
A. A Sunpak mounting kit and a 24 volt transformer are needed. Most Sunpak heaters are sold with a mounting kit and a transformer, but ask in advance.
Q. Why do I need a transformer is these are gas or propane heaters?
A. Sunpak heaters use electricity to power the electronic ignition system. The Sunpak heaters work on 24 volts AC power ONLY. A small step down transformer is necessary to reduce the line voltage (120 VAC) down to the correct size of 24 VAC. The size of the transformer isn't relevant to the heaters output.
Q. Can these heaters' heat output be adjusted to a certain temperature?
A. No, Sunpak heaters are either turned off or on.
Q. Can these heaters be controlled by a thermostat?
A. Yes, Sunpak recommends a wall switch or timer other than a thermostat, as Sunpak heaters heat up objects rather than air.
Q. What's the warranty and what does it cover?
A. Sunpak heaters carry a one year residential warranty and a 90 day commercial warranty. All of the heaters are stamped with the manufacturing date. The warranty is limited to the repair of heaters at the factory or by providing replacement parts. Any other work on of these heaters must be done by qualified service agents.
Frequently Asked Questions for Restaurant Owners
Q. What types of fuel sources are available?
A. Sunpak heaters are available in propane or natural gas configurations.
Q. What advantages does Sunpak have over mushroom style heaters?
A. Sunpak heaters are all ceiling installed heaters, meaning that they take up no floor space. Most restaurant owners say that "floor space equals money". Many of the mushroom style heaters need a standing pilot to operate. Your Sunpak heater can be wired to a wall switch and turned on easily when needed.
Q. What are the advantages of stainless steel heaters?
A. Stainless steel is attractive and resistant to corrosion. These models of heaters are recommended if your location is near water.
Q. Where should the heaters be located?
A. It's recommended to place the heaters on the side with the most heat loss. Whenever possible, the heaters should be placed with a 30 degree angle. Heaters should NOT be installed in a ceiling recess or soffit.
Q. What's the best way to control the heaters?
A. A wall switch or timer is recommended by the manufacturer. Most restaurants choose to zone the heaters in groups of up to three and use a single switch to control all of the heaters.
Q. Who services these heaters?
A. An HVAC contractor is usually best for servicing our heaters.
Q. Where can I get replacement parts?
A. Most dealers can order replacement parts for you. Sunpak is U.S. based and stocks all replacement parts.
Frequently Asked Questions for Contractors
Q. Can I use heat shielding to minimize the clearance?
A. No, adequate space around these heaters is necessary even when the materials surrounding the heater aren't combustible to provide appropriate combustion air and ventilation of the exhaust gases.
Q. What voltage is required by these heaters?
A. 24 Volts AC. A 24V - 40VA transformer is included with all heaters.
Q. Are mounting brackets and transformers included with these heaters?
A. Yes, both mounting brackets and transformers are included with each heater.
Q. Is it possible to convert these heaters from natural gas to propane?
A. Yes, with a conversion kit. |
