Eric the Heater GuySunpaks are hard-piped gas. If the diagnosis points at the gas line itself (undersized pipe, a new run, pressure problems upstream of the heater), that's licensed gas-fitter work, and I'll tell you so. I document exactly what's needed and coordinate the licensed work so you're dealing with one point of contact.
Service & Repair
Sunpak heater repair
The way the heater behaves is useful information. I can help you narrow down the likely cause, so you have a clearer idea of what needs to be checked before replacing parts.
The way the heater behaves is useful information. I can help you narrow down the likely cause, so you have a clearer idea of what needs to be checked before replacing parts.
Since 2016250+ commercial heaters servicedAuthorized dealerYou get Eric, not a call center
Gas & Electric Patio Heating Systems
Authorized dealer for leading commercial brands
Serving Ventura, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara counties
Common issues
Most "dead" Sunpaks don't need replacing. They need diagnosis. Here's what I'd be checking on a service visit.
- The remote only works at close range
The remote requires a clear line of sight within approximately 25 feet. Weak remote batteries can reduce the usable range, so check or replace the batteries if operation has become inconsistent.
If fresh batteries and a clear line of sight don’t resolve the issue, the remote or heater controls may need further investigation.
- The heater shuts down when started on LOW
For the S34-TSR, start the heater on HIGH for the first five minutes. Starting on LOW before the heater has warmed up can cause premature shutdown.
If the heater was started on LOW, allow it to cool or reset as directed in the manual, then follow the specified startup sequence. If it still shuts down after warming up correctly, there may be another issue that needs diagnosis.
- The heater won’t ignite reliably
The S34-TSR uses spark ignition, with the pilot operating only while the heater is running. If ignition is inconsistent or the unit repeatedly locks out, low gas pressure, gusty wind, or a fault in the ignition or flame-safety system may be involved.
The specified gas inlet pressure range is: Natural gas minimum 6 inches water column; Propane minimum 11 inches water column; Maximum inlet pressure 1/2 psi.
Gas pressure needs to be checked with the appropriate equipment by a qualified person. Don’t adjust the gas supply by guesswork.
- The heater starts, then shuts down and locks out
The S34-TSR uses electronic flame safety. If the system fails to sense a flame, it shuts the heater down and locks out; you may hear faint beeping.
The manual identifies low gas pressure and gusty wind as possible causes. Check whether the gas supply may be inadequate and whether the heater is exposed to sudden wind. Don’t assume the ignition module has failed just because the heater shuts down.
To restart after a lockout, press OFF first and follow the manual’s restart procedure. If the heater repeatedly locks out, the gas pressure and flame-sensing system need to be investigated.
- 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
Repeated lockouts, suspected gas-pressure problems, or unreliable ignition are reasons to arrange service rather than keep cycling the heater. Send me the model number, whether the unit uses natural gas or propane, what happens during startup, and whether you hear the faint beeping associated with lockout.
That information helps narrow down the likely cause before anyone starts replacing components.
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.
Repair or replace, honestly
What working with this equipment actually teaches you.
- I've sold ~30 of these.
I know when a repair buys five more years and when you're throwing money at a retired unit. If replacement is the smarter move, I'll say so. And quote it.
- Full manufacturer warranty, claims through me.
Sunpak warranty claims run through me directly. No phone tree.
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.
- Sunglo heater repair
Portable gas heaters: pilots, thermocouples, regulators.
- Infratech heater repair
Electric infrared: elements, controls, wiring.
Shopping the brand? Sunpak heaters. Keep them running: maintenance plans. Buying instead of fixing? Get a quote.
Common questions
My Sunpak won't ignite: what's usually wrong?
Most dead Sunpaks trace to the ignition chain: module, igniter, pilot, or flame sensing. I diagnose it in one visit, with genuine Sunpak parts on hand for the models I service.
Do you carry Sunpak parts?
Yes: igniters, burners, valves, and controls for the models we service, with genuine parts access.
How fast can you get out?
48–72 hour response, guaranteed. Most diagnoses happen on the first visit.
Is it worth repairing or should I replace?
We'll tell you straight. If the repair costs more than the remaining life is worth, we'll say replace. And quote that too.