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.
4100/4200 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.
Steffes has manufactured multiple heating systems since 1987.
Visit our
Manuals & Warranties page 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.
Room heaters do not incorporate air filters. For whole house furnaces, Steffes recommends replacing the filter in the air handlers and return air plenum with a like filter. A higher quality filter can be used if preferred, but it must be the same size as the one Steffes originally provided. Current production utilizes a 20” x 25” x 2” air filter.
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.
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.
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.