Electric thermal storage (ETS) heaters are a safe, clean and comfortable heating alternative for a home or building. They are 100 percent efficient - so you get value from every kilowatt-hour (kWh) purchased. The ETS heating units store heat during off-peak hours in specially designed high-density ceramic bricks. These bricks are capable of storing vast amounts of heat for extended periods of time. The ETS heating units work well with Northern Plains' storage heat off-peak installation. When Northern Plains goes into load control to reduce its power supplier's peak demand for electricity, the stored heat in the ceramic bricks is used to provide comfortable, even heat to the home or building.
Storage Heat Applications
- Electric Thermal Storage (ETS) Heater: The electric thermal storage heater (commonly called "storage heater") is usually installed in conjunction with electric baseboard heaters and electric cove heaters. The storage heater is the backup heating system when Northern Plains controls its electric heating loads and is designed as a "room unit heater" that provides heat to a room or living area. Smaller homes or buildings may only need one storage heater unit, but most off-peak installations need at least two units.
- Comfort Plus Storage Furnace: This forced air electric furnace is uniquely designed as a "stand alone" unit that provides both the primary electric heating source for a home or building and also the backup heating system. The ceramic bricks are an integral part of the total storage furnace unit. When Northern Plains controls its electric heating loads, the heating system uses the stored heat held in the bricks to heat the home or building. There is only one ductwork system and one thermostat. The storage forced air furnace also works well in conjunction with an air-to-air heat pump, a ground source heat pump or a central air conditioner.
- Comfort Plus Hydronic Systems: This hydronic (water) heating system serves as both the primary electric heating source for a home or building and also the backup heating system - all in one "stand alone" unit. The ceramic bricks are an integral part of the total hydronic system unit. When Northern Plains controls its electric heating loads, the heating system uses the stored heat held in the bricks to heat the home or building. With the hydronic system, you can heat a building through hot water pipes in the concrete, pipes attached below a wood floor, or hydronic baseboards/radiators. In addition, it also allows you to heat parts or all the building with forced air through ductwork by running the hot water pipes through a heat exchanger. The hydronic system also works well in conjunction with an air-to-air heat pump, a ground source heat pump or a central air conditioner.
Financing
Northern Plains Electric’s ERC Loan Program
We provide up to $5000 financing for the purchase and installation of a storage heat system. Up to 7 years at 5% interest with monthly payments.