Portable heaters are an essential part of keeping workshops, garages, and job sites warm during cold months, but like any piece of equipment, things can sometimes go wrong. If your portable heater isn’t performing as expected, don’t panic—many common issues are easy to troubleshoot and resolve. Here are some of the top issues you may encounter with portable heaters.

Heater Won’t Start

One of the most common issues with portable heaters is that they simply won’t start. This can be caused by several factors:

Check the Power Source: Make sure your heater is properly connected to a power source or has enough fuel in the tank. For electric heaters, ensure the outlet is functioning. It’s also a good idea to inspect power cords for any signs of wear or damage.

Fuel System Issues: For fuel-fired heaters, check for leaks, clogs, or blockages in the fuel lines. Contaminated or old fuel is often the culprit behind a heater not starting. Always ensure you’re using clean, high-quality fuel to prevent clogs in the fuel system.

SunFire Heater Pro Tip: SunFire heaters are designed with reliability in mind, including advanced fuel systems to ensure smooth fuel flow. Models like the SF150 come with heated fuel filters to prevent gelling in cold conditions, so you can count on your heater to start even in sub-zero temperatures.

Heater Produces Inadequate Heat

If your heater is running but not producing enough heat, it may be due to:

Blocked Vents or Filters: Blockages in vents or filters can restrict airflow, significantly reducing heat output. Regularly cleaning or replacing air filters is crucial to maintain efficient heating.

Incorrect Fuel or Air Mixture: Using the wrong fuel or having an improper fuel-to-air mixture can cause your heater to underperform, producing lower heat levels than expected.

SunFire Heater Pro Tip: SunFire’s radiant heaters use advanced combustion technology to ensure consistent, high heat output without the common issues caused by air or fuel blockages. Plus, our heaters don’t rely on airflow to transfer heat—so you’ll get focused, powerful warmth without the inefficiencies of forced air systems.

Heater Shuts Off Unexpectedly

If your heater shuts off unexpectedly, it may be due to:

Overheating Protection: Many heaters have built-in safety features that cause them to shut down when overheating is detected. This can be triggered by dirty filters, blocked airflow, or internal components that are working too hard to maintain heat.

Low Oxygen Levels: Some portable heaters are equipped with low oxygen sensors, which automatically shut the unit down when oxygen levels drop to unsafe levels, especially in enclosed spaces.

SunFire Heater Pro Tip: SunFire heaters are designed with efficiency in mind. They have automatic shut-off systems to ensure safety, but thanks to our clean-burning technology and low-maintenance design, these shutdowns are far less likely to happen compared to other heaters.

Strange Noises Coming from the Heater

Unusual noises such as rattling, buzzing, or banging can indicate internal issues with your heater:

Loose Parts: Over time, screws and components can loosen due to vibrations, causing rattling sounds. Inspect the unit for any loose parts and tighten them as necessary.

Clogged Burners or Fuel Lines: Blockages in the fuel delivery system can cause uneven burning, which may result in loud, abnormal operation sounds.

SunFire Heater Pro Tip: One of SunFire’s standout features is its quiet operation. While many heaters produce loud fan noises or internal rattles, SunFire heaters are engineered to operate smoothly and quietly, minimizing distractions in your workspace.

Bad Odors or Smoke

Bad odors or visible smoke from your heater are clear indicators that something’s wrong:

Fuel Burning Inefficiently: Inefficient fuel burning can produce unpleasant odors or even smoke. This is typically due to dirty burners or using low-quality, contaminated fuel.

Ventilation Issues: Poor ventilation can lead to a buildup of fumes and odors. Ensure that your space has proper airflow to avoid this issue.

SunFire Heater Pro Tip: SunFire heaters eliminate the concern of unpleasant smells and harmful fumes with their precision fuel-burning technology. You can enjoy a clean, odorless flame, even in enclosed spaces, thanks to zero carbon monoxide emissions.

Heater Consumes Too Much Fuel

If your heater seems to be burning through fuel faster than expected, it may be due to:

Inefficient Operation: Dirty filters, blocked vents, or an outdated fuel system can cause your heater to work inefficiently, resulting in excessive fuel consumption.

Wrong Heater Size: If your heater is too small for your space, it may be overworking to keep up, causing it to burn more fuel than necessary.

Heater Blows Cold Air

SunFire Heater Pro Tip: SunFire heaters come in three different models to match the size of your space, with heating capabilities ranging from 1,900 to 3,500 square feet. Whether you need a smaller heater for a garage or a more powerful one for large job sites, SunFire ensures you’re heating the space efficiently and avoiding unnecessary fuel waste.

If your portable heater is blowing cold air instead of heat, the issue might be:

Thermostat Issues: Check to ensure the thermostat is set to the correct temperature and is functioning properly.

Faulty Heating Element or Burner: For fuel-fired heaters, a faulty burner or ignition system may prevent the heater from generating heat, causing it to blow cold air.

SunFire Heater Pro Tip: SunFire radiant heaters don’t rely on blowing air to warm up your space. Instead, they use radiant heating technology to heat people and objects directly—providing immediate, consistent warmth, reducing waste, and avoiding the cold drafts commonly experienced with forced air heaters.

SunFire Heaters: The Solution to Common Portable Heater Issues

While portable heaters can experience occasional issues, SunFire heaters are engineered to minimize these problems, providing reliable and efficient heat in even the toughest conditions. Built with heavy-duty materials and tested rigorously, SunFire heaters are designed to last, with minimal maintenance needed. Whether you’re working in a garage, shop, or job site, SunFire offers the ultimate heating solution for reliable performance and comfort.

Want to learn more? Explore SunFire’s full range of products to find the perfect heater for your space and ensure your winter warmth with a trusted, American-made heating solution.