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Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are "Off-Peak Electric Rates"?
Many power companies offer lower or discounted electric rates, commonly referred to as "Off-peak or Time of Day" rates during off-peak hours of the day. During off-peak hours, there is significantly lower usage of electricity by consumers and therefore a reduced strain on power company generation and distribution equipment. The savings Power Companies experience is generally passed to consumers through these lower or discounted electric rates. Most often, off-peak hours occur during the middle of the day (i.e. Noon to 4:00PM) and throughout the night. Contact your Power Company to learn what electric rate options are available to you.

I have never heard of a Steffes Heating System. Are they new?
Steffes is the world leader in producing innovative off-peak heating systems. For over twenty years, Steffes has been manufacturing heating systems in North America for residential and commercial use. These systems are commonly used in areas where power companies have off-peak electric rates.

How can a Steffes Heating System be applied in my home?

a. Steffes Room-Heaters can be used either alone or in conjunction with electric baseboard, cove heaters, to replace wood stoves, or as a replacement for other heating systems. Room heaters are especially good for areas that are difficult to heat in a home.

b. The Steffes Comfort Plus is used to heat your entire home. It can be used as a stand-alone furnace or combined with a heat pump for air conditioning to offer even greater efficiencies and lower operating costs.

c. The Steffes Comfort Plus Hydronic can be used for radiant heating and ducted heating at the same time. Common applications include radiant hydronic floor warming and hydronic baseboard heating. The Steffes Comfort Plus Hydronic can be applied similar to conventional boilers with the added benefits of forced air heating (if desired) and low cost off-peak energy usage. Since space and water heating generally consume the most energy in the home, significant savings are realized using the Steffes Heating System with off-peak electric rates.

I have a 1000 square foot home. What size heating system do I need?
The correct size of the heating system for your home is determined by cubic area, insulation values, number, and size of windows and doors, and number of off-peak hours available from your electric company. For a quote, contact a dealer near you.

How much does it cost?
The savings you receive in lower heating bills will pay for the Steffes Heating System entirely within 3-5 years, depending on home construction and location. However, if you consider that a heating system is typically part of your home mortgage, you will quickly notice that the monthly savings on your heating bill is greater than the increase in your mortgage. You enjoy the added benefits to your household budget immediately.

A typical home will save more than $800 per year when compared to traditional heating systems. Of course, the cost of operation is directly related to the amount of heat loss the unit is to satisfy and the off-peak heating rate available in your region. Calculate your savings here.

An exact price for a Steffes Heating System is difficult to provide for you. That’s because every home is looked at individually, and your Steffes Heating System is customized to fit your home for the greatest efficiency. Contact a dealer near you to request a quote.

What type of maintenance is required?
Maintenance is simple. Like most electric heating systems, Steffes Heating Systems require very little maintenance. Regularly clean around the heater and make sure no debris falls behind the system. In addition, replace the air filter as needed on centrally ducted systems so optimum efficiency is maintained.

How long will the furnace hold heat?
The Steffes Heating System stores enough heat to satisfy all heating requirements on the coldest days of the year. When recommendations for size are followed, the Steffes Heating System will satisfy your desired comfort at all times. The brick core used to store the heat in the equipment is super insulated.

What happens if the unit is charged up, and I don’t need the heat? Is the heat wasted?
Steffes Heating Systems incorporate “Intellicharge” technology. It looks at the outdoor temperature and the home’s heat usage to determine the appropriate amount of heat to store. The Steffes Heating System is well insulated so the majority of the heat is retained in the brick cavity until needed. A very small amount of heat radiates from the heater and is released into your home. Therefore, heat is not wasted.

How do I get heat out of the heater?
When there is a need for heat, the room thermostat signals the blower(s) inside the Steffes Heating System to discharge heat. These blowers operate to satisfy the heating requirements of the area as sensed by the onboard room thermostat. When the heating requirement of the area has been satisfied, the blowers turn off.

What is the life expectancy of the Steffes Heating System?
The heating systems are designed and proven to provide many years of reliable operation, and carry a five-year limited manufacturers’ parts warranty. Life expectancy depends on proper sizing, installation, environment, and maintenance. Generally, life of a Steffes Heating System will be 20 years or more.

Does this store ‘cold’ in the summer time?
While ‘cold’ is not actually stored, the Steffes Comfort Plus System can heat and cool with the addition of a heat pump or air conditioner.

I do not have an Off-Peak or Time of Day electric available from my Power Company. Will the Steffes heater still benefit me?
Without an off-peak or Time of Day rate, you will not achieve as significant operating costs savings as if you had a rate; however, there are other benefits available to you from a Steffes heater. The comfort, low maintenance, safety, and reliability are additional advantages Steffes heating system owners enjoy.

 

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