Frequently Asked Questions
I have never heard of ETS. Is this new?
Electric Thermal Storage (ETS) has been in the United States since the early-70's, and has been utilized in Europe dating back to the 1940's. Even though it may be relatively new in your area, this technology has been proven in many areas across North America to deliver high comfort at low operating costs.
ETS is a technology whereby off-peak electricity is stored as heat which is used for heating 24-hours a day. Many power companies offer an off-peak electric rate option that provides as much as 50% or more savings off of the standard electric rate for energy used during off-peak hours. ETS equipment utilizes the low off-peak electric rate to store a sufficient amount of heat to meet the owners needs. ETS equipment available today include room heating units, whole house heating systems, heat pump boosters and water heaters. When combined with an off-peak, Time of Day or other preferential electric rate, ETS equipment has the ability to deliver great comfort at low operating costs. Many times, off-peak heating is the best cost option for heating. Contact your power supplier to find out if off-peak electric rates are available to you. Return to index
"How can ETS technology be applied in my home?"
There are several ETS options available for residential homes. Individual Room Heating Units can be used either alone or in conjunction with electric baseboard, cove heaters, etc. Room Units are also used to replace wood stoves. The Comfort Plus centrally ducted system is generally used as a whole house heating system. It can be used as a stand alone furnace or can be combined with a heat pump to offer even better efficiencies, lower operating costs, and enhanced comfort. The Comfort Plus Hydronic system has the ability to provide radiant hydronic and/or forced air heating and cooling. Lastly, domestic water heaters can be applied as an ETS technology, saving you money on your water heating needs. Since space and water heating generally consume the most energy in the home, significant savings can be realized using ETS equipment with off-peak electric rates. Return to index
We currently have a heat pump but our home is uncomfortable. Can you help?
Yes. Heat pumps are very efficient, however, sometimes have discharge air temperatures which are relatively cool. The Comfort Plus forced air unit can interface with a heat pump to provide comfortable air delivery temperatures which utilizing the efficiency the heat pump offers, even during cold outdoor temperatures.
I have a 1000 square foot home. What size equipment do I need?
There are several factors involved in determining the correct size(s) of equipment for your home. A heat loss calculation should be performed in order to determine the appropriate model(s). The quality of home construction (insulation values), number & size of windows and doors, and number of off-peak hours available are all factors involved in making this determination. Contact you local Power Company or dealer to obtain a heat loss calculation. Return to index
Where can I purchase ETS Equipment?
Contact your local power company to see if they carry ETS equipment. If they do not, contact Steffes Corporation at 888-783-3337 and they will direct you to a dealer near you. Return to index
How much does it cost to operate the ETS equipment?
Cost of operation is directly related to the amount of heatloss the unit is asked to satisfy, and the off-peak heating rate available. The ETS equipment is 100% efficient like most electric heating systems; therefore, electric consumption will be very similar. However, if your power supplier provides an off-peak electric rate or if you utilize a heat pump with the ETS system, ETS systems usually provide significant savings over standard electric and most fossil fuel systems. Return to index
How long will the ETS equipment hold heat?
The ETS equipment is generally sized to satisfy the heating requirements on the coldest days of the year. If sized properly, the equipment will satisfy the owners desired comfort at all times. The storage core in the equipment is well insulated so static heat dissipation is minimized. The heating equipment has the ability to discharge heat even while it is storing heat during off-peak hours. Return to index
What happens if the unit is charged up, and I don't need heat? Is that heat wasted?
The ETS equipment is well insulated so the majority of the heat is retained in the brick cavity until needed. There is some heat radiated from the heater; however, this usually goes into the conditioned space of the home. Return to index
How do I get the heat out of the heater?
Discharge of heat from the ETS equipment is automatically controlled with fans/blowers. These fans/blowers operate as needed to satisfy the heating requirements of the area as sensed by a room temperature thermostat. When there is a need for heat, the room thermostat signals the fans/blowers to operate and discharge heat. When the heating requirement has been satisfied, the fans/blowers turn off. Return to index
What happens if I run out of heat?
In areas where the Power Company has a Time of Use (TOU) rate, the heater has the ability to automatically purchase on-peak power in the unlikely event the heater stored an insufficient amount of heat. If this occurs frequently, it may be an indication the ETS system is undersized for the application and it may be necessary to install additional equipment. Return to index
What is the life expectancy of the heater?
Steffes equipment is designed to provide many years of reliable operation. Life expectancy depends on proper sizing, installation, environment it is operating in, and maintenance. The ETS heating equipment has proven to be very reliable and has a five-year limited parts warranty from the manufacturer. Return to index
Can I install the heater myself?
Most models are 240V directly connected heating appliances. It is required to have a qualified electrician do the installation for you. All electrical, safety listing and building codes must be adhered to. Return to index
I would like a different color heater than what is offered. Can I paint the heater?
The equipment is available in a two tone, neutral color that blends with most decor's. Optional colors are available from the factory at an additional charge. Painting over the existing heater paint is not recommended. Contact the factory for more details. Return to index
What type of maintenance is required?
Like most electric heating systems, ETS systems require very little maintenance. It is suggested to regularly clean around the heater and make sure no debris falls behind the equipment. In addition, on centrally ducted systems, regularly replace the air filter so optimum efficiency can be maintained. Return to index
I have black streaks on the front of my room unit. What is it?
This is likely a form of soot or carbon. This residue is the carbon from burned airborne particles, which were drawn into the heater from the room and oxidized in the brick core. If you experience this on your room unit, we suggest cleaning the unit when it is cool with a non-abrasive household cleanser. Return to index
Can I recess the room unit into a wall?
Yes, however, there are minimum clearances which must be adhered to. These clearances are approximately 2" from the sides and back, 4" on top, and 15" in front of the discharge grille area. Failure to comply with stated clearances may cause operational difficulties and safety concerns. Return to index
Does this unit store "COLD" in the summer time?
No. This unit is strictly a heat storage device. Cool storage requires a different storage medium currently not developed. Return to index
Can I install the equipment in my garage or workshop?
Since this environment is prone to more dust and airborne particles and may have varnish, paint or other odors present, caution is recommended. Steffes Corporation does not recommend ETS in these types of environments. Return to index
We painted over the weekend, and now there is a foul smell coming from the heater.
What is it?
You are experiencing what is called odor amplification. The heater may draw room odors through its hot core. When this happens, the odors can be amplified. It is suggested to not operate the ETS system when you are painting, varnishing, or doing anything else which causes a higher than normal level of airborne fumes or aerosols. Return to index