Patio Heater Not Igniting Repair Los Angeles

Pilot light or spark ignition diagnostic, depending on which system your unit uses. On pilot-light systems (older Sunpak Black/S25, older Schwank Patio, older Bromic Platinum without electronic ignition), the most common cause is thermocouple failure: pilot lights briefly when you hold the knob, but goes out when you release. The thermocouple has weakened (year 4 to 7 typical), can't hold the gas valve open. Replacement runs $220 to $340. On electronic spark ignition systems (Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat, newer Sunpak TSH, Schwank with electronic ignition), the most common cause is spark module failure (year 5 to 8), $260 to $440 replacement.

Yes, real and surprisingly common. LA's dust and spider activity (especially in covered patios that aren't used year-round) blocks pilot orifices at year 2+. Spiders specifically build webs in pilot tube openings; dust accumulates over months of disuse. Symptom: pilot won't light or lights weakly even though gas pressure is fine. Diagnostic includes pilot orifice cleaning ($120 to $200 service, often resolves the call without parts replacement). We carry compressed-air cleaning equipment on the truck for this. About 15 to 20 percent of 'won't ignite' calls in LA resolve at pilot orifice cleaning alone.

Different mechanism, same symptom. Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat units include a built-in wind sensor that auto-shuts the unit off when wind exceeds approximately 12 mph (gas flame stability and outdoor combustion safety). After auto-shutoff, the unit may refuse to ignite again until the wind drops or the sensor cycles. Sometimes the sensor itself drifts and false-trips at lower wind speeds (real wind sensor failure rather than legitimate wind cutoff). We diagnose with anemometer to verify actual wind speed at the unit during cutoff; if the sensor is false-tripping, calibration or replacement runs $200 to $360.

Pilot orifice is a physical hole that the pilot flame burns at; if it's clogged, gas can't reach the pilot to light. Gas valve safety lockout is an electronic or mechanical state where the gas valve refuses to open because a previous ignition attempt failed (some valves lock out after 3 failed attempts to prevent gas accumulation). Symptom is similar: no flame. Diagnostic differs: orifice cleaning resolves the first; safety reset (sometimes followed by parts replacement on the underlying issue) resolves the second. We test in sequence: orifice first (cheap, common), then valve safety state (electronic test on supported models).

Look for an automatic ignition button or knob position labeled 'IGNITE' or with a spark icon. Electronic ignition fires a spark to light the gas burner; you press a button or turn a knob to a specific position, hear a clicking sound, and the unit lights immediately. Pilot light systems require holding a knob in 'PILOT' position while pressing an ignition button (manual or piezoelectric); the small pilot flame lights first and stays lit, then turning the knob to 'ON' lights the main burner from the pilot. Both architectures fail in different patterns; we identify yours during the diagnostic and explain.

Bromic Platinum Smart-Heat (electronic ignition) most often fails at the spark module or wind sensor, year 5 to 8. Sunpak Black/S25/S34 (predominantly pilot-light architecture, some newer TSH electronic) most often fails at the thermocouple, year 4 to 7. Schwank Patio (gas pilot or electronic depending on era) burner head erosion can manifest as ignition issues on older commercial-duty installs. Solaira is electric, not gas, so 'not igniting' on Solaira usually means heating element burnout or controller failure, different diagnostic. Infratech is also electric (Burbank-made), same logic as Solaira. AEI/Indeeco is electric commercial.

90 days SDAR labor and parts warranty on the work we perform. Brand component warranties (thermocouple, spark module, gas valve) where applicable processed separately. BHGS #A49573, BBB A+ accredited, EPA 608 Universal certified #1346255700410.