Electrical Thermal Storage (ETS) Heaters
Electric Thermal Storage (ETS) is a technology that is becoming more popular with consumers. It is 100% efficient and provides a reliable source of heat for homes and offices. ETS systems are economical because they allow power companies to manage energy load and demand while allowing consumers to take advantage of lower, off-peak rates.
How does it work? During off-peak hours, ETS heaters convert electricity into heat and store the heat in specially designed high-density ceramic bricks which are capable of storing vast amounts of heat for extended periods of time. The heat stored in the brick core of the ETS unit is regulated (either manually or automatically) according to seasonal weather conditions. You just set the heater's thermostat to your desired comfort level and then as the thermostat calls for heat, the stored heat is circulated evenly and quietly by a fan inside the unit.
Where can I buy an ETS heater? For information on the complete line of Steffes Electric Thermal Storage (ETS) central forced air furnaces, central hydronic ETS furnaces for water-based systems, heat pump boosters, and individual room heaters, please contact the Steffes Corporation at (877)766-8955.
Rebates: GCEA offers rebates for permanently installed ETS units with a minimum qualifying load of 1 kW. The rebate amounts are $22/kW for ETS controlled by timers or a master control system for Controlled Off-Peak Heating and $18/kW for slabs controlled by timers or master control system for Heated Floors.
Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters
Electric heat pump water heaters do not produce heat like a traditional standard electric water heater; instead, they use electricity to pull heat from the air and transfer it to the water in the tank, saving up to 60% or over $350 annually on heating costs compared to a standard electric water heater.
How does it work? It's like a refrigerator in reverse. A compressor and evaporator are integrated into the unit to draw in ambient heat from surrounding air using two variable speed fans. Coils wrap the tank all the way to the bottom and transfer heat to the water inside the tank.
Where can I buy a heat pump water heater? Heat pump water heaters can be found at home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowe's and through manufacturers such as A.O. Smith.
Rebates: GCEA offers a $370 rebate per unit for 30 gallon minimum ENERGY STAR air source heat pump water heater purchases, and a $120 rebate per unit for any size ground source heat pump water heater through our Energy Efficiency Rebate Program. For more information, contact us.
Marathon Water Heater
Marathon Water Heaters are the longest-lasting, most energy-efficient standard electric water heater currently available. In addition to a lifetime tank warranty, Marathon water heaters have a polybutene inner tank that cannot rust or corrode, and the Envirofoam® insulation built into the tank wall allows only a 5 degree temperature loss in 24 hours.
Where can I buy a Marathon water heater? Marathon water heaters can be found at home improvement stores such as Home Depot or online through the manufacturer.
Rebate: GCEA offers a $70 rebate for 30 to 55 gallon Marathon water heater purchases through our Energy Efficiency Rebate Program. For more information, contact us.