Steffes 5140 Owner & Installers Manual - Manual (Page 5)

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 electric-
ity 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 avail-
able, 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 tempera-
ture, 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 Hy-
dronic 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 permanent
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 com-
pleted. A suitable alternative heating system should 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 com-
ponents 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.
operation
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