Sunpak · Buying Help
Sunpak S25 vs S34: Which Model Fits Your Patio
Sunpak sells two main residential models. S25 outputs 25,000 BTU/hr for smaller or lower-ceiling patios. S34 outputs 34,000 BTU/hr and fits 9.5- to 12-foot mounting heights. Both share the same compact 8-inch body and direct-spark ignition.
By Ash · Updated November 10, 2026
What you need
S25 vs S34 side-by-side
- S25
- 25,000 BTU/hr. 8" x 8" x 48". Suitable mounting height 7.5' to 9.5'. Horizontal or 30° angle (NG only for angle).
- S34
- 34,000 BTU/hr. 8" x 8" x 48". Suitable mounting height 9.5' to 12'. Horizontal (9 ft) or 30° angle (8 ft).
- Both
- NG + LP fuel options. Direct-spark ignition with auto re-light and flame-sensor system.
- Control variants
- TSH = touch-screen high-tech controller. TSR = touch-screen remote. Available on S34.
Step by step
Measure your ceiling height
Measure floor-to-ceiling at the mount point. This single measurement drives the S25 vs S34 decision.
Decide angled vs horizontal
Angled (30° tilt) throws heat down + forward. Horizontal throws heat straight down. For a wall-mount with the seating 3-6 feet out from the wall, angled works better. For a ceiling-mount directly over seating, horizontal is natural.
Confirm fuel + angle compatibility
Sunpak notes the 0° to 30° angle option on S25 applies to the natural-gas model only — the LP S25 may not support the angled install. Confirm with the installer for your specific unit.
Pick control level
Standard S25/S34 = basic on/off. TSH variant = touch-screen high-tech wall-mounted controller. TSR variant = touch-screen with remote control. Upgrade if you want zone control or scheduled operation.
Common mistakes
- Buying S34 for a 7-foot patio ceiling. 34,000 BTU from 7 feet up puts too much heat directly onto people's heads. S25 (25,000 BTU) is sized for lower ceilings. Match BTU to mounting height.
- Buying S25 expecting to heat a 15x15 patio with a 12-foot ceiling. 25,000 BTU from 12 feet up doesn't reach seating with usable radiant intensity. S34 is engineered for that mounting envelope.
Hands-on tips
- Order the S34 TSR variant if you want to turn the heater on/off from inside without walking out. TSR's remote works through doors + walls.
- Pull the Sunpak install manual PDF from AEI Corporation's documentation page before mounting — specific clearances come from the manual.
Questions people ask
What's the difference between TSH and TSR controllers?
TSH = touch-screen High-Tech wall-mounted controller (hardwired to the heater). TSR = touch-screen Remote controller (wireless remote). Both add scheduling + zone-control features over the base on/off model.
Can I add TSR to an existing S34?
The TSR is a factory configuration — it changes the heater's internal control wiring. Retrofit is not typically supported. Spec it at order time.
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