Excellent Questions




Patio Comfort



Informative Answers


What are your hours of operation?

Monday through Friday 7:00am to 4:00pm PST.

What are your will call hours?

Will call hours are Monday to Friday 7:30am to 3:30pm PST.

Can I convert my gas grill from natural gas to liquid propane or vice versa?

We strongly recommend having your gas grill converted by a servicing dealer, local gas utility or other trained professional. Please note: Improper orifice size could result in either insufficient or excess gas going to the burner and may pose a safety risk.


Why choose an electric heater, rather than a gas heater?

Electric heaters are over 90% efficient and are perfectly safe for use indoors or outdoors. They are also economical to operate and require little maintenance beyond periodic cleaning. Unlike gas heaters, there are no valves, ignition components, moving parts or burners to maintain or repair. In addition, electric heaters produce no sound, odors or toxic emissions. An electric heater is also easier to use. Enjoying electric comfort heat is as easy as flipping a switch. You can adjust the intensity of an electric heater infinitely from zero to 100% of power. By contrast, gas heaters only produce infrared energy on their highest possible settings.

How can I estimate my cost of operation?

Electric heaters are economical to operate. It is easy to estimate your operating cost by multiplying the total kilowatts by your local power rate for a "kilowatt hour" (kwh). Standard power rates vary from market to market. Your rate should appear on any monthly utility statement. For example, a typical 3,000 watt (3 KW) heater, at full power, would cost 39¢ per hour based on a utility rate of 13¢ per kwh. Also keep in mind that your electric heater has a lower acquisition cost.

Can I run my heaters on only 120 volts of power?

Using a 110/120-volt heater (1,500 watts maximum) is fine for enclosed areas like garages, indoor work areas or outdoor spaces no larger than 5' x 5'. When heating larger areas, running a dedicated 110/120-volt circuit is not practical or economical. A 240-volt circuit will require the same amount of wiring, will heat substantially larger areas with greater comfort, and will simply require two spaces in the breaker panel, rather than one.

Should I purchase Infratech solid-state controls?

Infratech solid-state controls give you the most efficient and versatile form of control for your heaters. While other lower cost controls are available, if your space calls for larger heaters or multiple heaters, solid-state controls quickly become your best choice for a quality installation. Contact us and let our qualified staff help you configure the best heaters and controls for your project.

Are quartz elements better than "short wave" halogen elements?

If you are concerned about ambience, the appearance of your décor and creating a more relaxing environment, Infratech infrared quartz elements are always the best choice. Infratech quartz elements provide comfortable medium wave heat. Competitive products with short wave halogen elements produce more intense heat while emitting very bright and harsh-colored light. By contrast, Infratech medium wave elements effectively heat your space, while providing a soft, warm glow that is practically unnoticeable.

How long can I expect an Infratech quartz element to last?

Infratech elements are rated for 5,000 hours of continuous use. In many installations you may enjoy your heater for years before a replacement would be needed. Always refer to the W-Series manual for specific instructions, and be sure to disconnect the power to your heater before attempting to change an element.

What's the difference between 208-volt and 240-volt power?

Many new homes and businesses are supplied with 208-volt power, as opposed to the more familiar 240-volt option. It is very important to determine your power voltage before ordering and installing a heater. A 240-volt heater on 208 volts of power will only produce about 60% of the desired infrared energy. Contact the marketing department of your local utility or consult a licensed electrician to determine the proper power for your property. Infatech heaters are available in single and dual element 120, 208, 240, 277 and 480-volt models.

How small of a heater can I use?

Always choose a heater size with the appropriate heat output for the mounting height and area to cover. By selecting a smaller unit, you may require more heaters to get the same amount of heat output. If you are choosing a dual element unit for aesthetic purposes, you will be concentrating more heat into a tighter space. Again, this may mean that you will possibly require more fixtures to provide total coverage of your area. Patio heating is often a compromise between functionality and finding the desired look.


Operating costs vary by region. Nationwide, electric heaters are less expensive than propane, and are competitive with natural gas. Depending upon the total hours of usage, electric heaters normally have a much lower cost of ownership when factoring in purchase price and maintenance needs. Basically, this means that while it can cost more per hour to operate an electric unit in some areas, it typically takes 7-10 years to save enough money operating on gas to recover the substantially higher purchase price-not to mention cost of regular maintenance for a gas heater.

What are your safety certificates?

Infratech W Series heaters are Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Canadian Underwriters Laboratories (cUL) Listed under File E 29825. Infratech heaters are NZ/Australia and CE Listed under Wakefield Laboratories File NSW 21732. The W Series fixtures are also certified IP X4 rated.




Grill won't light when the ignition button is depressed.

1. Replace the battery. 2. Ensure the electrode is attached to igniter module. 3. Contact our customer service department at 949-474-3070 for more assistance.

What is the clearance to combustible construction?

A minimum of 30" between the grill and any combustible materials is required. This includes above, below and side of the grill as all surfaces produce heat.

What is covered under "Lifetime Warranty" on my PGS Legacy Grill?

PGS LEGACY GRILLS SERIES ONLY warrants to the original consumer that the upper, lower, housing, stainless steel cooking grids, stainless steel warming rack and stainless steel burners will be free from defects in material and workmanship (excluding normal discoloration) when subjected to normal domestic use and service for the life of the grill. Must provide proof of purchase when filing a warranty claim. ****LIFETIME WARRANTY EXCLUDES T-SERIES GRILLS****

If the burner fails to light.

Immediately turn control OFF to prevent gas build up. Wait five minutes for gas to clear and try again. If the burner does not light with the electronic ignition, light the burner with a match or other hand held lighter using the manual lighting tube on the right side of your Legacy grill. DO NOT TOSS A LIT MATCH INTO THE UNIT AND TURN THE GAS ON!

What is the best way to clean my cooking grids?

Routine cleaning of the grill grids is best accomplished by scrubbing the grids with a brass or stainless steel brush immediately before and after cooking, while the grill is hot. Wear barbecue mitts to protect your hands from the heat while cleaning. When needed, remove the grids from the grill and scrub with soap solution or oven cleaner. Rinse thoroughly and allow the grids to dry completely before reinstalling onto grill.

Patio Comfort

What is infrared heat?

Infrared heat is an energy form similar to the sun's rays warming the earth. Infrared rays are part of the visible light spectrum and travel at 186,000 miles per second in a straight line without loss of heat traveling through the air. The infrared rays can be focused by material that have a reflective surface such as bright aluminum, like our Patio Comfort aluminum reflectors. When the infrared rays strike an object like human skin, glass, concrete, wood and paint, the infrared rays are converted into heat and these surfaces in turn heat up and radiate heat and warmth.

Why buy a propane patio heater?

Portability and flexibility of placement are key advantages to a propane powered heater. No installation costs. After a patio is completed it can be expensive to install natural gas or electric heaters so propane fueled heater provide a viable solution. Always check your local codes and ordinances to be sure there are no restrictions to outdoor propane fired heaters and fuel storage in commercial applications.

What is the warranty on Patio Comfort?

Residential warranty: 1 year Commercial warranty: 120 days

Why Patio Comfort vs. Others?

Patio Comfort heaters is an AEI Exclusive product line. We designed the line and it is an excellent "medium duty" heater that is better than any other heater available today with the exception of Sunglo. Patio Comfort has a heavy duty 400 series stainless steel burner, one piece anodized aluminum reflector, commercial grade emitter grid, piezo ignition, brass valves and wheel kits are included. Most importantly, we fully stock replacement parts, which are hard to find with "other" medium to low duty patio heaters.

This is very important. The basic clearance from combustible materials for freestanding portable heaters is 18" from top of reflector and 24" from side of reflector. Do not place these heaters near any sprinkler systems.


How do I position my outdoor patio heaters?

If your patio/outdoor area is protected with a wind screen, walls, or bushes you can space the heaters at 15 foot intervals and provide adequate coverage in more mild climates. If the area is moderately exposed to the wind we recommend heaters be placed with 12 foot intervals. In colder climates, we recommend the heaters be placed with 8 foot intervals.

Where our “outdoor” patio heaters should NOT be used?

We recommend that heaters NOT be used in garages, ice fishing tents, human or animal enclosed living spaces, barns, boats, RV’s or other moving or enclosed objects. Again, patio heaters are for OUTDOOR USE only!

I can't light my A270 portable propane heater. Before you call for service:

1. Is there sufficient propane gas in the tank? The tank should weigh approximately 40 lbs when full. 2. Is the tank turned on? If you smell gas check for leaks with a soap water solution. Replace hose and regulator if necessary. 3. Has the gas line been fully bled of air by depressing the control knob in the pilot position? This takes a full 90 seconds with a fresh tank. 4. Is the control knob turned to the pilot position? The control knob should depress about 1/4 inch. The control knob must be in the pilot position. 5. Is the electronic igniter working properly? Do you need to replace the AA battery? Can the heater be match lit? 6. Can you see the pilot flame? Does the pilot flame remain after the control knob is released? If not review item #3. 7. Once the pilot flame is established turn the control knob to the full ON position. The Burner flame should have a blue-orange appearance. A lazy yellow flame would indicate a blockage in the burner and will need to be repaired.


How much heat should I expect?

A Sunpak 25,000 BTU model will give you an approximate coverage of 10' x 10' at a mounting height of 7' 1/2" to 9' 1/2". A Sunpak 34,000 BTU model will give you an approximate coverage of 12' x 12' at a mounting height of 9' 1/2" to 12'.

Are the SUNPAK units difficult to install?


How many SUNPAK units do I need?

Coverage is relative to climate. Our experience has been that in warm climates (Southern California, Arizona, Florida, Texas) an S34 mounted between 8-9 feet, will cover a 12'x12' area and the S25 a 10'x 10' area. In cooler climates such as (Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington, Michigan) the coverages are more like 10'x 10' for an S34 and 8'x 8' for the S25. Wind is a big factor in any outdoor heating project. A continual breeze (20+ mph) will make heating any patio very difficult. We encourage patio owners to use natural wind breaks were possible.



Can SUNPAK units be placed under an awning type patio cover?


Can the SUNPAK units be recessed into a ceiling?


Can I use SUNPAK units to heat my garage?


What colors are available?

Sunpak models (S25, S34) are available in powder coated black galvanized steel or stainless steel casing. The new fascia kits are available in black, stainless steel or antique bronze.

Can the SUNPAK units be controlled with a thermostat?


Is there a warranty and what does it cover?
