Steffes ETS FAQ

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Frequently Asked ETS Questions

I have never heard of ETS. Is this a new technology?

Electric Thermal Storage (ETS) has been in the United States since the early 70’s, and has been utilized in Europe since the 1940’s. This technology has been proven in many areas across North America to deliver great comfort; and, when combined with an off-peak, Time-of-Day or other preferential rate, low operating costs to make it the best cost heating option.

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 comfort requirements. Steffes ETS equipment available today includes room heaters, whole house forced air and hydronic heating systems, water heater controls, and commercial hydronic heating systems. Contact your power supplier to find out if off-peak electric rates are available in your area.

How can ETS technology be applied in my home?

There are several ETS options available for residential homes. Individual room heaters can be used either alone or in conjunction with electric baseboard, cove heaters, etc. Room heaters are also used to replace wood stoves. Centrally ducted furnaces are used as a whole house stand-alone furnace. They can also be used as a supplement to a heat pump to offer even better efficiencies and lower operating costs. The hydronic systems are used to provide in-floor, hot water baseboard or radiators and can even provide ducted heating with the addition of an air handler. Controls are available so 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. Contact your power supplier to find out if off-peak electric rates are available in your area.

I have a 1000sf home. What size equipment do I need?

There are several factors involved in determining the correct size(s) of equipment for your application. A heat loss calculation should be performed to determine the appropriate model(s). The size of the area, construction detail (insulation values), number and size of windows and doors, and number of off-peak hours available are all factors involved in making this determination. Contact a local dealer to ensure proper equipment sizing. Utilize the Steffes Dealer Locator to find a dealer in your area to ensure proper equipment sizing.

How much does it cost to operate the ETS equipment?

The cost of operation is directly related to the heat loss of the area 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 to an electric system. However, if your power supplier provides an off-peak electric rate of which the ETS system can take advantage of, you usually will experience significant savings over standard electric systems as well as fossil fuel systems.

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 desired comfort 24 hours a day. The heater’s brick core which is used to store the heat is well insulated so static heat dissipation is minimized. The heating equipment can discharge heat even while it is storing heat during off-peak hours.

What happens if the heating system is charged up, and I don't need heat? Is that heat wasted?

Steffes heating systems are well insulated, so most of the heat is retained in the brick core until needed. Some heat will radiate from the outer surfaces of the heating system; however, this heat usually is going into a conditioned space; therefore, the heat is not wasted. During shoulder months (October, November, March, April) of the heating season, it is important to regulate the amount of heat being stored in accordance with outdoor temperature to reduce the amount of radiant heat.

How do I get the heat out of the heater?

Like most heating systems, an onboard room temperature sensor (room heaters) or a room temperature thermostat (centrally ducted and hydronic systems) is set to the desired comfort level. Heat calls from the thermostat trigger the heating system to discharge its heat into the area either by operating blowers to circulate air or by operating pumps to circulate water depending upon the system being used.

What happens if I run out of heat?

It is important to size ETS heaters appropriately to ensure you have adequate storage to meet the heating requirements of the area. In areas where the power company has a Time-of-Use (TOU) rate, you may purchase on-peak power for heating if the system runs short. If the system frequently runs out of heat, this is an indicator that the heating system is undersized for the application or servicing is required. Additional equipment, service to the existing equipment, or construction improvements to the building may be required to ensure comfort. Utilize the Steffes Dealer Locator to find a dealer, in your area, for servicing your heating system.

What is the life expectancy of the heater?

Steffes heating systems and controls are designed to provide many years of operation. Life expectancy depends on proper sizing, installation, and the environment the system is operating in. Steffes’ heating systems and controls have proven to be very reliable.

Can I do my own heater install?

Steffes ETS heaters are generally 240V directly connected heating appliances. Qualified electricians (licensed) are required to do the installation to ensure all local, state, and national codes and regulations are followed. Utilize the Steffes Dealer Locator to find a dealer in your area.

Can I paint the heater?

The heaters are painted with a specially formulated high-grade urethane powder paint that is baked on to provide a high scratch, stain resistance, and easy to clean finish. The neutral colors selected blend with most any background decor. Although the heaters can and have been repainted in the field, painting over the factory paint will not provide the same durability and performance. If painting the heater, it is recommended to use a high temperature, automotive paint.

Why does the front of my room heater have black streaks?

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 heater, we suggest cleaning the heater, when it is cool, with a non-abrasive household cleanser. "Soft Scrub with Bleach" brand cleaner is recommended.

Can I recess the room heater into a wall?

You can recess the heater; however, the specified minimum clearances must be adhered to. The 2100 Series room heater clearances are 2” from the sides, 1.5" from the back (wall support bracket provides this clearance), 4” on top, and 15” in the front. Failure to comply with stated clearances may cause operational difficulties resulting in a risk of fire.

A 12" clearance is recommended on the right side for accurate room temperature sensing and ease of service. If a clearance of 12" is not available on the right side, Steffes recommends a remote room temperature sensor.

Does ETS store "COLD" in the summertime?

No. An ETS heater is strictly a heat storage device. Cool storage requires a different storage medium.

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. Odor amplification and sooting issues can occur more readily in these types of environments. For this reason, Steffes does not recommend ETS heating for these types of applications.

Why does my heater have a smell?

You are likely experiencing odor amplification. The ETS system will draw room odors through the hot brick core. When the air containing odors is heated, the smell is amplified. It is suggested not to operate the ETS heater when painting, varnishing, or doing anything else which causes a higher-than-normal level of airborne fumes or aerosols. The air should be completely free of these odors before operating the heater again.

If the odor you are experiencing is electrical in nature at all, power the heating system off at the breaker panel and contact a local dealer to have the system serviced. Utilize the Steffes Dealer Locator to find a dealer in your area.

Can I run my ETS heating system on a generator?

Steffes heating equipment can be run from a generator if desired. The generator must be sized for the amount of load connected to it. We recommend powering the blower/control circuit only off the generator. This allows the blower(s) to operate and use the stored heat from the brick core to heat the desired area. Contact a local generator representative for additional information and sizing of the generator needed for your application.

Can ETS heating systems be used with Renewable Energy Resources?

Yes. Since Steffes heaters are storage devices, they can serve as a battery to harness renewable power generated from sources such as wind or solar. Steffes heating systems help fully utilize these variable generation resources to provide environmental benefit as well as help reduce our dependence on foreign oil imports. Check with your power company to see if they have any special incentives or electric rates related to using Steffes heating systems and controls with renewable or green power.

What is the best way to move a heater in my home?

Moving your Steffes heating system is not recommended; however, it can be done as long as the heater is not one of the old-style S or EXT heaters. The longer the heater has been in use, the more fragile the insulation will be. Caution must be taken not to damage any heater components or insulation during the move. Keep in mind that the brick core of the heater will get up to 1,200°F in normal operation. Therefore, damage to the heater’s insulation package can result in an air leak which can result in a fire.

An electrician should move the heater for you to ensure the electrical wiring is being disconnected and reconnected properly. The bricks, when at all possible, should be left in the heater during the move. Generally, the heater can be moved with an appliance cart. Consult the specifications for the approximate weight of the heater to make sure the contractor doesn’t overload the lifting/moving equipment.

The heater must remain upright at all times and great care should be taken so bricks do not shift inside the heater. If you need to remove the bricks, you do so through the front of the heater. When removing the bricks, leave the bottom row of brick in place as the bottom micropore insulation can adhere to the bottom of the brick in normal operation. By removing the brick, you risk the chance of removing some of the insulation. If this insulation is damaged in any way, the heater is not useable as this bottom insulation is not field replaceable. Also, the top of the heater should never be removed. If the top of the heater is removed, the heater cannot be placed back in service for safety reasons.

If bricks are removed for the move, the front painted panel would be removed first. The galvanized front panel is exposed. Behind this panel is the brick/element core. Extra care should be taken when removing the galvanized front panel. There is a delicate insulation panel adhered to the inside of the galvanized front which can easily fall out due to heater age when taking this panel off. The insulation is a powdery substance. If this insulation is damaged in any way, it must be replaced. Replacements are still available for 2100 Series heaters and would need to be ordered in conjunction with the galvanized front panel as we would adhere the two at the factory.

Again, Steffes does not recommend moving a heater; however, if doing so, make sure to involve a local dealer for safety purposes.

How do I find what model of heater I have?

Steffes has manufactured multiple heating systems since 1987.

Click here to find whole house heating systems. If you have a room heater, check out this video on how to find the model and serial number.

What does the C and P mean on my display?

Steffes heating systems work with Off-Peak and Time of Use programs as offered by your Power Provider. The C on the display indicates an off-peak time when the heater is allowed to charge as needed. The P on the display indicates a peak time when the heater is controlled by the power provider. During the peak time the heater generally will not charge, however, will utilize the stored energy to take care of the heating requirements. For additional information on how to read your heater's display: Display Explanation

Where can I get more information on Steffes Connect?

See the Steffes Connect FAQ page or download the Steffes Connect User Guide for additional information.

Can I install or do my own troubleshooting on my heater?

Steffes works with a dealer network to ensure our heating systems are installed and serviced in a safe manner and that all local, state, and national codes and regulations are followed. Utilize the Steffes Dealer Locator to find a dealer in your area.

What filter should I use in my heater?

Steffes recommends air filters in Steffes air handlers and return air plenums be replaced with like filters. Current production utilizes a 20” x 25” x 2” air filter.

Why can’t the heater be put back in service after the top is removed?

During the manufacturing process, the order in which the components are placed into the cabinet of the heater ensure an excellent fit and seal of the insulation components. If the top of the heater is removed, that insulation package is disturbed and cannot be reassembled in the field due to safety concerns. The internal core temperature reaches approximately 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit in normal operation, so it is extremely important that the insulation package is not altered. Having an air leak at these high temperatures would constitute risk of fire, property damage, and/or death.

Should I sell or buy a used Steffes ETS heater?

Selling or purchasing a used ETS heater can be hazardous and is not something Steffes recommends for the safety of the user. During regular operation of the room heater, the brick core of the heater will get up to 1,200°F. The longer the heater has been in use, the more fragile the insulation will become. Caution must be taken not to damage any heater components or insulation. Damage to the heater’s insulation package can result in a high-temperature air leak, which can result in a fire, property damage, personal injury, and/or death.

Before purchasing or selling an ETS heater, the following precautions should be taken:

The heater must remain upright at all times.
The top panel of the heater must not be removed for any reason.
The heater must be kept dry at all times.
The heater must have all mounting hardware properly installed.

If the heater has not satisfied all of the above conditions, it cannot be put back into service for the safety of the user. In addition to the requirements stated above, please consider the following criteria when a heater is moved:

The factory warranty is void, even if the heater is still within the warranty period.
The heater may be missing controls and/or accessories, such as a PLC Transceiver, time clock module, or outdoor sensor that may need to be purchased at an additional cost.
Only purchase used equipment from a company that has experience with the heating system in question so that they will be able to identify missing or damaged components.

The bricks, when at all possible, should be left in the heater during the move. Generally, the heater can be moved with an appliance cart. Consult the specifications page in the appropriate Owner’s & Installer’s Manual for the approximate weight of the heater to make sure the contractor doesn’t overload the lifting/moving equipment. If the contractor does need to remove the brick, they must leave the bottom row of brick in place as the bottom micropore insulation can adhere to this row in normal operation. If the bottom row of bricks is removed, there is a high risk of removing some of the insulation. If this insulation is damaged in any way, the heater cannot be put back into service as this bottom insulation becomes a significant safety concern and is not replaceable.

It is extremely important to have an electrician make sure the electrical wiring is disconnected and reconnected properly. The electrician should also inspect the heater to ensure there is no insulation damage inside the brick core to confirm the heater can safely be put into service.

How often should my heater be serviced?

Room Heaters: Regularly vacuum around all sides of the heater. Check the back of the heater to make sure no objects have fallen behind it and the grill area to make sure there isn't anything obstructing air flow. Check all sides of the heater to be sure the required clearances are not being violated.

NOTE: Objects should never be placed on top of the heater.

No additional routine maintenance is required; however, having a professional service technician clean the blower periodically will decrease the likelihood of undesirable blower noise due to dust accumulation.

As with most heating systems, air borne particles and odors in the room may be drawn into the heating system and oxidized. Since the room air passes directly through the hot brick core of the ETS heater, the oxidation process will change the properties of these particles and odors. Odors can be amplified; thus, it is recommended not to operate the heating system if odors such as those from paints, varnishes, or chemicals are present in the air. Allow the area to be completely aired out before operating the heater.

As for air borne particles, after they have been oxidized, they are expelled back into the room and may accumulate on the heater or other surfaces. Over time these particles may appear as a black residue commonly referred to as soot. High concentrations of air borne particles from such things as aerosols, dust, candles, incense, pet hair, high humidity, smoke, or cooking can contribute to poor indoor air quality and accelerate this process. To minimize the black residue build-up, clean the outer surface of the heater on a regular basis. Wash the cabinet, only when cool, with a nonabrasive household cleaner. Do not use scouring powders or furniture polish. Steffes recommends using Soft Scrub with Bleach ™ brand cleanser or an equal.

4100 Series: Steffes forced air heating systems are easily maintained. The air filter in the return air duct of the system should be replaced on a regular basis to ensure proper operation and to maintain overall efficiency. No additional routine maintenance is required.

If utilizing a heat pump or air conditioning system with the 4100 Series, the indoor coil of the device should be cleaned periodically as dirt accumulation may reduce system efficiency. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance and cleaning recommendations for these devices.

5100 Series: General cleaning of the system's cabinet should be conducted at the user's discretion. It is important to monitor water levels/pressure (PSI) as low water levels cause poor performance and possible damage to the system. Ask the installer of the equipment for information on how to measure these levels.

If utilizing the Steffes Air Handler with the 5100 series, periodically check and replace the air filter.

If a heat pump or air conditioner is interfaced with the Comfort Plus Hydronic, the indoor coil of these devices should be cleaned periodically, to maintain system efficiency. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning recommendation for these devices. Regular replacement of the air filter and cleaning of coils will provide better air flow and optimum efficiency and performance.