Eric the Heater GuyMost Sunglos are self-contained. The heater is the whole system. But if yours is plumbed to a fixed gas line and the problem is upstream of the heater, that's licensed gas work. I'll tell you which side of the valve you're on, document what's needed, and coordinate the licensed work.
Service & Repair
Sunglo heater repair
A Sunglo A270 propane patio heater uses a standing pilot and thermocouple. If the pilot won’t light, won’t stay lit, or lights without bringing on the main burner, the symptoms can point to different problems.
Common causes include an empty propane tank, low gas pressure, a thermocouple issue, a valve problem, or wind affecting the pilot. I can help you narrow down what may be happening and determine whether the heater needs service.
Since 2016250+ commercial heaters servicedAuthorized dealerYou get Eric, not a call center
Commercial Heater Sales + Support
Authorized dealer for leading commercial brands
Serving Ventura, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara counties
Common issues
Most "dead" Sunglos don't need replacing. They need diagnosis. Here's what I'd be checking on a service visit.
- The pilot lights but won’t stay lit
The thermocouple helps the heater confirm that the pilot flame is present. If the pilot goes out when you release the control, possible causes include a faulty thermocouple, a corroded thermocouple contact, or a defective gas valve.
Wind can also interfere with the pilot. The manual identifies wind over 10 mph as a possible cause of pilot problems. If the heater is exposed, consider whether wind conditions may be contributing rather than assuming a component has failed.
- The pilot won’t light
Start with the basic gas supply checks. The pilot may fail to light because: air is trapped in the gas line, particularly after connecting a new tank; gas pressure is too low; the gas supply is turned off at the tank; the propane tank is empty.
The A270 lighting instructions allow about 1.5 minutes to purge air when using a new tank. Follow the exact lighting procedure in your model’s manual; don’t keep trying to light the heater if you smell gas or suspect a leak.
- The pilot stays lit, but the main burner won’t light
Check that the manual gas valve is in the correct operating position and that the propane supply is adequate. Low gas pressure or a blocked burner orifice can prevent the main burner from lighting.
A blocked orifice or suspected valve fault needs proper service. Don’t attempt to enlarge an orifice or bypass a safety component.
- The pilot goes out during lighting or operation
Follow the manufacturer’s lighting sequence and timing. The manual specifies holding the pilot control for 30 seconds and waiting five minutes before attempting to relight after a failed lighting attempt. The five-minute wait is important; don’t repeatedly try to ignite the heater without allowing the required interval.
If the pilot repeatedly goes out, the thermocouple or valve may need attention, or wind and gas pressure may be affecting operation.
- Gas smell
Shut the heater down. Don't try to light it.
Gas leaks jump the queue: call (818) 590-5952 directly. This is the one symptom where the right move is a phone call, not a form.
When the fix needs a licensed installer
When to call for help
If you smell gas, suspect a leak, or cannot establish a stable pilot, stop using the heater. If it continues to fail after the manual's lighting procedure and basic supply checks, send me the model, a description of what happens when you try to light it, and a photo of the heater and propane setup.
I can help narrow down the likely cause and determine whether the next step is service, parts replacement, or further inspection of the gas supply.
How service works
- 01Run the triage
Answer a few questions below: brand, model, and symptom help.
- 02We confirm a time
48–72 hour response, guaranteed. Most jobs diagnosed on the first visit.
- 03Fixed & tested
Genuine parts, findings explained clearly, heater back to work.
Service triage
Five answers and I show up already knowing what I'm walking into. Brand, fuel, and symptom get me most of the way to a diagnosis before I arrive.
More repair
- All service & repair
Symptom-based diagnosis across every brand I service.
- Sunpak heater repair
Wall- and ceiling-mount gas units: ignition chain, flame sensing.
- Infratech heater repair
Electric infrared: elements, controls, wiring.
Shopping the brand? Sunglo heaters. Keep them running: maintenance plans. Buying instead of fixing? Get a quote.
Common questions
My Sunglo won't stay lit: what's usually wrong?
The classic Sunglo no-light: pilot won't stay lit, usually thermocouple or pilot fouling. A straightforward fix. I test the safety controls rather than bypassing them.
Do you repair Sunglos you didn't sell?
Yes. Most of our service work is on heaters we didn't sell. That's the business.
What does a service visit cost?
Quoted up front based on the symptoms you describe. The diagnostic fee is waived when you approve the repair.
Can you rebuild a fleet?
Yes: multi-unit service and refurbishment for restaurants and venues, scheduled around your operation.