A Guide to Properly Storing Your SunFire Radiant Heater
Your SunFire Heater has been working hard to keep you warm in your workshops and at worksites. Now, it’s time to take care of your heater and help extend its life. Proper storage during periods of non-use is crucial to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps for prepping and storing your SunFire Heater, whether it’s diesel or kerosene, and discuss considerations for both winter and summer storage.
Cleaning and Inspection
Before storing your SunFire Heater, conduct a thorough cleaning and inspection:
- Clean the Exterior
Wipe down the exterior of the heater to remove any dust or dirt that may have accumulated during use. Pay special attention to vents and air intake areas, ensuring optimal airflow. A clean exterior not only preserves the heaters looks but also allows for efficient operation when it’s brought out of storage.
- Inspect for Damage
Carefully examine the heater for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. Check the fuel lines and connections to ensure there are no leaks. If any issues are identified, address them to ensure the safety and longevity of the heaters. Regular inspections help for a better heating experience when the unit is put back into service.
Fuel Considerations
The type of fuel your SunFire Heater uses—diesel or kerosene—affects the storage process.
- Diesel and Kerosene Heaters
- For diesel heaters, run the unit until the diesel tank is nearly empty, and consider adding a fuel stabilizer. This stabilizer helps prevent the diesel from breaking down during storage, ensuring optimal fuel quality for the next use.
- Similarly, for kerosene heaters, operate the heater until the kerosene tank is nearly empty. Adding a fuel stabilizer to the kerosene helps maintain its integrity, mitigating issues such as clogs and sediment formation in the fuel system over extended periods of storage.
- Conduct a visual inspection of the fuel lines and connections, replacing any components showing signs of wear. By doing this, you’ll be preserving the fuel quality and safeguarding the fuel system.
Storing Your Heater in Winter
If you’re stowing away your SunFire Heater for the winter months, take extra precautions to ensure it’s ready for use when the cold weather returns:
- Store Indoors: If possible, store the heater indoors to protect it from extreme cold temperatures, moisture, and potential damage caused by freezing.
- Cover and Protect: If indoor storage is not feasible, cover the heater with a protective layer to shield it from dust, debris, and moisture.
Storing Your Heater in Summer
During the warmer months when heating is unnecessary, follow these steps to properly store your SunFire Heater:
- Clean Outside Thoroughly: Clean the outside of the heater meticulously to remove any residue or build-up.
- Clean Inside Burner Thoroughly: Clean the inside of the burner to remove dust buildup and and fuel oil residue.
- Clean Nozzle and Electrodes: Remove the burner on the SF150 to access the nozzle and electrodes. ON the SF80 and SF120, simply remove the burner cover, open the Rapid Access Hatch, and loosen the fuel line to remove the nozzle assembly. Clean off and remove any carbon buildup on the front of the nozzle and the electrodes. Nozzles can still get clogged but this can help prolong their use in some cases.
- Secure Location: Store the heater in a cool, dry place, if possible, and away from direct sunlight.
General Storage Tips
No matter what kind of heater you have, here are some more helpful tips that can ensure you are taking the best care of your product and extending the lifespan.
- Keep Manuals and Accessories Together: Store the heater manual, accessories, and spare parts together. This makes it easier to locate everything when you’re ready to use the heater again.
- Regular Check-ins: During warmer winters or in cases where the heater has not been used in winter for extended periods, periodically fire up the heater to ensure it remains in good condition and ready for use when you need it the most. Address any issues promptly and, if needed, contact SunFire Technical Support.
- Professional Inspection: If the heater has been in storage for an extended period, consider having it professionally inspected by a SunFire Dealer before use.
- Using Old Fuel: Regardless of if you use Diesel or Kerosene for your heaters, it is not safe to use old fuel within the heaters. This can cause damage to your heater.
Properly storing your SunFire Heater is a simple yet essential practice that can significantly impact its performance and lifespan. Whether you’re preparing for winter hibernation or summer downtime, following these guidelines ensures that your heater will be ready to provide reliable warmth when you need it most. Extend the life of your SunFire Heater by giving it the care and attention it deserves during those periods of rest.
