Frequently Asked Questions
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE A SUNFIRE HEATER?
You can purchase from local SunFire Dealers & Retailers, from many online retailers, or even directly from SunFire. Find all of your purchase options Here.
What makes SunFire better than other radiant heaters
SunFire heaters are manufactured in the USA. This is important because you have direct access to the manufacturer whenever you need assistance for the life of your heater. We do extensive research & development to constantly improve our products and every heater is fully tested before it leaves our facility.
No other company offers the same level of support that SunFire provides. Our employees take great pride in building the very best radiant heaters in the world where every customer is important. We guaranty your 100% total satisfaction and will be there when you need us.
ARE SUNFIRE HEATERS BETTER THAN TRADITIONAL FORCED AIR HEATERS?
SunFire Heaters will outperform torpedo-style heaters in multiple important categories. They are more quiet, virtually odorless, and have zero carbon monoxide emissions for indoor commercial applications. This improves the health and performance for you and your employees.
In addition, radiant heat is more efficient by heating people and objects directly rather than the less efficient heat transfer heating process used by forced air heaters. Our radiant heaters warm objects just like the sun and offer a breeze free and dustless heating experience.
WHAT ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE?
SunFire radiant heaters produce zero up to 1 ppm of carbon monoxide when kept properly tuned. They offer a safe indoor commercial experience.
Can I regulate my heater with a Thermostat?
Yes! All you need is a standard mechanical or battery-operated wall thermostat. You can purchase one from us on our parts page or you can buy one at any local hardware or general store and can be any style or brand of your choice. The only thermostat to avoid are smart thermostats that require a 120V connection since you can't draw power from the heater.
Simply hook up the wire connection that came with your heater to the R & W terminals on your thermostat.
CAN I USE KEROSENE?
Yes. You can run on full kerosene or a mixture of both diesel and kerosene at any ratio. We do recommend adding some kerosene to your tank for starting in frigid conditions below 15 degrees since kerosene has a lower gel rate.
NOTE: Kerosene burns at a lower temperature so we recommend increasing fuel flow rate slightly within the fuel pump. Please view your operating manual for instructions on changing the fuel flow rate.
WHAT CAN HELP MY HEATER START IN FRIGID CONDITIONS?
There are several things that can help these heaters start in frigid conditions below 20 degrees. This is a primary concern when using diesel fuel since it has a higher gel point temperature. Therefore, our top recommendation is to add some Frigid Fix Diesel additive to your fuel in winter. You can purchase this additive HERE. This is the only additive that is fully supported by SunFire and covered under warranty.
We also sell heaters that wrap around your fuel filter if your heater model does not include one as standard. You can purchase HERE.
Adding some kerosene to the mixture can also be used instead of using Frigid Fix additive. However, kerosene burns cooler than diesel and adjustments will be required to increase the fuel flow and perhaps lower the air intake to produce a hotter burn running kerosene.
CAN I USE Off-Road or "RED DYE" DIESEL?
Yes. Off road or "red dye" diesel is safe to use and covered under warranty.
WHERE DO I FIND PARTS FOR MY SUNFIRE?
CAN I REGULATE MY HEATER WITH A THERMOSTAT?
Yes. Each radiant heater is compatible to connect any standard manual or battery operated wall thermostat of your choice that can be purchased from any local hardware and many large retail stores. Connecting a thermostat is easy. For more information, review your product manual which can be found HERE.
Note: Do not use a wall thermostat that requires a 120V power source, such as a NEST, as that will damage the internal primary control.
WHAT IS THE WARRANTY?
We have a 2-year bumper to bumper limited warranty on all parts. Contact a local Dealer for support or call our free technical support line M-F 8am-4:30pm at (608) 527-9141.
Get full warranty information here.
WHERE DO I GO FOR SERVICE?
ARE SUNFIRE HEATERS EASY TO SERVICE MYSELF?
Yes, if you are reasonably handy with tools you should be able to handle needed repairs yourself. Our technical support department is here to help and walk you through any issues you may have. We offer free technical support for the life of you heater. Our team is available M-F 8am-4:30pm at (608) 527-9141.
WILL SUNFIRE HEATERS WORK WITH A GENERATOR?
Yes, assuming the generator is in good working order, there is no problem and this is a common application.
If your generator hasn't been used in several months, let if run for approximately 15-20 minutes to build a proper charge in the capacitor before using your SunFire with the generator.
CAN I RUN A SUNFIRE HEATER OFF OF A CAR OR TRUCK BATTERY?
Yes, but it does require a pure sine wave inverter with a minimum capacity of 800 Watts. This type of inverter is common in many construction and trade vehicles.
Can I use Jet-A Fuel
Jet-A fuel is not a fully approved fuel. However, Jet-A is a high refinement of kerosene, and if this is your only fuel source, please contact technical support for adjustments that will be required to test and run this fuel through your heater. Call (608) 527-9141.
Can I use a generic fuel filter?
No. SunFire heaters use a special filter made for diesel/kerosene fuel at a very low micron levels. Use of any other filter can void your warranty. You can purchase a fuel filter here.
Is it safe to run gasoline or a mix of gasoline with diesel?
NO! Gasoline is an extremely volatile fuel that can start a fire and be very dangerous to run in the heater. If any gasoline has been added, follow this process:
Remove the drain plug on the bottom of the fuel tank to drain all of the fuel. If there is any gasoline in the fuel lines, please disconnect all fuel lines and drain all fuel, including from the fuel filter. Then fill with diesel or kerosene and prime the fuel pump before starting.
My heater is giving off strong fumes or smoke, is this normal?
No! SunFire heaters are designed to produce zero fumes and no smoke. If you are experiencing this, it is most likely an issue with the fuel or the nozzle. If the fuel is fresh and clean, you likely have an improper air/fuel mixture or a clogged nozzle.
This can usually be resolved by simply adjusting and increasing the air intake or adjusting the fuel flow on the fuel pump. The most common cause is a clogged nozzle than can be resolved by simply replacing the nozzle. If under warranty, please contact technical support ad we will send you an immediate replacement. Or you can purchase a nozzle from our parts store here. For warranty or technical assistance, call (608) 527-9141.
My fuel gauge reads empty, why is there is still some fuel in the tank?
The float will read empty with approximately one gallon of fuel left in the tank to prevent fully running out and losing prime that can choke the flame as the heater runs out of fuel.
Why does the dome face look more dim or slightly smell using kerosene fuel?
Kerosene fuel burns at a cooler temperature than diesel fuel and can even run with a slight odor or minor smoke. For a proper burn with kerosene, you may need to increase the fuel flow on the pump up to one full turn and decrease the air intake adjustment to let in slightly less air to produce a hotter burn. For assistance, please contact technical support at (608) 527-9141.