Comfort Plus Hydronic
Operation
1.01
GENERAL OPERATION
The Steffes Comfort Plus Hydronic heating system stores off-peak electricity in the form of heat. Off-peak
electricity is available during times of the day or night when electricity is plentiful and the power company may
supply it at a lower cost.
Operation of the Comfort Plus Hydronic is automatic. When off-peak hours are
available, the system converts electricity to heat which is then stored in its ceramic
brick core. The amount of heat stored in the brick core varies in relation to outdoor
temperature, owner preference, utility peak conditions, and the requirements of the
space being heated.
A heat call from the room thermostat energizes the primary water loop pump. The
variable speed core blower automatically adjusts its speed to achieve the desired outlet
water temperature. The heated water is then pumped to the area (zone) from which
the heat call originated.
The versatility of this system allows it to fit many applications. The Comfort Plus
Hydronic is designed for use as either the sole heating source (
“
stand alone
”
furnace)
or as a supplement to ducted heating systems such as heat pumps.
SYSTEM USE DURING CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Like most heating equipment manufacturers, Steffes strongly recommends that
“
Construction Heating Units
”
be
used instead of the permanent heating system during the construction phase of a new home. Use of the perma-
nent heating system during the construction phase may contaminate the duct system and/or internal areas of the
heating system. This may cause poor indoor air quality issues and/or improper system operation once the home is
completed. A suitable alternative heating system must be used during the construction phase.
SYSTEM START-UP
On start-up of the Comfort Plus Hydronic system, odors relating to first time operation of the heating components
may be experienced. Allow the system to charge to its maximum brick core charge level, on start-up, to expel
these odors. If the Comfort Plus Hydronic has not been used for an extended period of time, dust may accumulate
in the system. Upon restart, there may also be an odor as these dust particles are expelled.
During operation, the system may produce minor expansion noises. These noises are the result of the internal
components reacting to the temperature changes.
TURNING SYSTEM "OFF" AND "ON"
The Comfort Plus Hydronic element (charging) circuits may be turned
“
OFF
”
by switching all of the 60 AMP
breakers located on the front of the electrical panel to the DOWN position. To turn the element circuits
“
ON
”
,
switch the 60 AMP breakers to the UP position.
The 60 AMP breakers MUST all be turned "ON" or all turned "OFF". The 15 AMP breaker
MUST remain
“
ON
”
to operate controls in the system if:
using the Comfort Plus Hydronic in conjunction with a heat pump or air conditioner.
using the Comfort Plus Hydronic to control other loads.
using the optional Steffes Time Clock Module.
using the Comfort Plus Hydronic to exercise the pumps during periods of inactivity.
O
pe
ra
ti
on
Operation
