Layout and Design

Sunpak Heater Layout & Design

Sunpak heaters were specifically designed to provide heated comfort in an outdoor environment. They have been used on outdoor patios across the United States and Canada for over 20 years. When properly integrated into a patio design, Sunpak® heaters generally increase the comfort level 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit outdoors. The heating effectiveness will depend on air temperature, wind velocity and other factors. Whenever possible local Sunpak installations should be reviewed to determine the effectiveness for regional environments.

The environments in which Sunpak heaters are utilized vary greatly. As an outdoor rated heater it has passed basic wind and rain tests. This does not mean the heater cannot be damaged by the environment or when operated in very windy conditions. For this reason it is strongly suggested that heaters be inspected and if necessary repaired annually or before each heating season. The variable environments in which Sunpak heaters are applied means that these general guidelines are general by necessity and may need to be refined for local conditions. These guidelines are to be used in combination with the installation instructions.

Patio Design Consideration

Heater placement is critical for effective and efficient patio heating. If heaters are placed too close together or mounted too low, people become uncomfortable. If heaters are placed too far apart on a breezy, wind-swept patio the patio may never get warm. Sunpak® heaters work best if they are placed in areas of the greatest heat loss, such as the open side of a semi protected patio area. The Sunpak® heater may be mounted at up to a 30 degree angle or face down. Note that the top clearances required from combustible material increases when heaters are at any angle. The heater must always be horizontal to the floor.

Sunpak heaters may be laid out in a number of configurations depending on the structural constraints of the patio and heating requirements. One approach is to face heaters straight down over the table and seating areas. Another approach is to locate heaters to the side and to angle them inward. A third approach is to cluster the heaters in the center of the patio and angle heaters outward. It all depends on the needs of a particular patio. Breezy conditions must be considered when heating any patio. Windbreaks can be extremely effective in increasing comfort and reducing heating costs. Windbreaks must be designed in such a way to allow for the necessary fresh air and ventilation for proper heater operation (see ventilation of installation section).

Sunpak heaters must always be operated in a location that allows uniform air pressure around the heater. If only part of the heater is located in a wind protected zone damage to the heater may occur. Time should be taken to observe how the wind will affect the heaters under local conditions.

Temperature Control

A thermostat can be incorporated into the electrical circuit; however this may not be the best means of temperature control. Because the infrared heat warms people and objects, when used outdoors the heater may not increase the air temperature and thus the thermostat is never satisfied.

When multiple heaters are used it is suggested that they be put on individual switches to provide flexibility in heating. Typically all the heaters would be turned on to heat a cold patio, and then heaters would be turned off selectively as people settle in. A timer or master switch may be convenient to ensure the heaters are not turned on when the patio is not in use.

SUNPAK will raise the comfort level 5-10º Fahrenheit outdoors. The above coverage table was based on still breeze conditions. Under windy conditions more heat will be required. It is recommended that a windswept patio be designed with wind breaks to stabilize the patio environment. Wind breaks shall NOT interfere with the ventilation of combustion air requirement of the heater(s).

Angle Mounting

Most models of the SUNPAK heater may be angle-mounted to a maximum of 30º to accommodate mounting the heaters around the edges of the patio. Note that the top clearance to combustibles increase when heater is tipped from the horizontal. NOTE: Local codes may have special requirement regarding head clearance requirements. Some local codes require all portions of overhead radiant heaters to be located at least 8 foot above the floor.

NOTE: Local codes may have special requirement regarding head clearance requirements. Some local codes require all portions of overhead radiant heaters to be located at least 8 foot above the floor.

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