Thermal Storage
Electric Thermal Storage (ETS) equipment utilizes low cost, off-peak electricity to provide economical and comfortable heating. ETS systems convert electricity to heat during off-peak hours and store that heat in specially designed ceramic bricks. Off-peak hours are those times during the day or night when electricity is plentiful and the electric power company can supply it at a lower cost. Power companies generally offer substantial discounts in rates for electricity used during off-peak hours. With this rate discount, consumers can realize significant savings in their energy bills when compared to alternative heating options.
 
Steffes Comfort Plus Forced Air unit is a ducted heating system designed to be the sole heating system (“stand alone” furnace) or supplement to ducted heating systems such as heat pumps for residential or small commercial applications. Its ability to store off-peak energy and efficiently deliver heat as a furnace or as a supplemental system makes this one of the most advanced heating and air handler systems available today.
 
 
During off-peak hours, the Comfort Plus unit converts electricity into heat and stores that heat in specially designed, high density ceramic bricks. Because of its large heat storage capacity, it has the ability to provide total comfort 24 hours a day using only low cost, off-peak electric rates resulting in very economical and affordable heating.
 
The Comfort Plus unit is easy to operate. The amount of heat stored in the brick core is automatically regulated in relation to outdoor temperature and the heating requirements of the user. When the room thermostat calls for heat, heat is extracted from the units storage core and is distributed evenly into the home until the heat call has been satisfied.
 
When used as the supplement or back-up to heat pump systems, you can be assured the heat pump’s efficiency is being fully utilized while complete comfort is being maintained. With its high efficiency variable speed ECM blower you will enjoy consistent temperatures, quiet operation and improved air distribution and filtration throughout your home. In addition, because an ECM motor consumes less energy than a standard blower system, you will realize operating cost savings all year long.
 
The Comfort Plus unit offers great safety and reliability with minimal maintenance due to the many safety and comfort sensing devices that monitor the core, supply and discharge air temperatures of the system.