Effective Layouts
Sunpak Layout & Design
°Sunpak ® heaters were pecifically designed to provide heated comfort in an outdoor environment. They have been used on outdoor patios across the United States and Canada for over 30 years. When properly integrated into a patio design, Sunpak ® heaters generally increase the comfort level 5° to 10° Fahrenheit outdoors. The heating effectiveness will depend on air temperature, wind velocity and other factors. Whenever possible other local Sunpak ® installations should be reviewed to determine the effectiveness for regional environment.
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.
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 an angle. The heater must always be horizontal to the floor. Never mount the heater in the vertical position.
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 as to allow 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.
Sunpak Heater Coverage
SUNPAK will raise the comfort level 5-10° 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 or combustion air requirements of the heater(s) and meet clearance for combustible requirements listed below.
WARNING: Severe updrafts such as you might get on a raised terrace or roof top patio can cause damage to the heater.
ANGLE MOUNTING: Most applications of the SUNPAK ® heater may be angle-mounted to a maximum of 30° to accommodate mounting the heaters around the edges of the patio. Note that the top clearance to combustibles increases when heater is tipped from the horizontal.
NOTE: Local codes may have special requirements regarding head clearance requirements. Some local codes require all portions of overhead radiant heaters to be located at least 8 feet above the floor.
Add the above wording to the section questions below.
Heaters mounted between 8-9 ft from the floor seem to hit the “sweet spot”. 7ft is considered the minimum. Anything below this becomes a safety issue and will most likely be too intense to stand under. Heaters mounted over 10ft are less effective.
As a general rule of thumb, each Sunpak heater will heat approx. 10 x 10 ft of area. A 10 x 20 ft patio would use two heaters. Remember that with infrared, the heater will only heat things it can shine on. Heaters should be positioned so they “shine” where the people will be.
Temperature Control
Standard models (S25, S34) are only “on/off”. The newer S34-TSH and TSR units have two heat output settings.
Thermostats operate on air temperature. Sunpak heaters heat up objects rather than the air, and the thermostat may not ever turn the heaters off. We recommend using a wall switch, timer or TSH controller.
