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Venture promotes benefits of radiant heating equipment

By Natalie J. Ostgaard, City Editor
Crookston Daily Times

June 16, 2005 - After a 16-year career with Otter Tail Power Company, the last 11 in the sales and marketing area, Allen Anderson has decided to venture out on his own with a new company called Reliable Energy Solutions, LLC. He's taken on one of the new distributorships for Therma-Ray, Inc.

The company's primary focus, says Anderson, is promote electric radiant heating equipment through electrical contractors, engineers and architects. Its main equipment line is the SmartRooms products by Therma-Ray, which specializes in earth thermal storage heating, floor warming and radiant ceiling panels for commercial and residential applications.

"I promoted this line while I was at Otter Tail because of its reliability and cost effectiveness to customers," says Anderson. "Therma-Ray has been in business for over 20 years providing cost competitive options to other forms of thermal storage and radiant heating systems."

Unlike conventional heating, radiant heating systems automatically warm people and objects first - not the air - like the sun does, Anderson explains. The system is completely hidden from view, whether it's under floors or above the ceiling, he adds, eliminating many problems present in conventional heating systems.

"The SmartRooms Thermal Comfort System combines the most natural form of heating with the newest technology in comfort control," he says. "There are no hot sports or drafts and the system is clean, creating no smoke or soot."

Hulst Electric has contracted with Anderson to install SmartRooms systems in new duplexes being built along Norton Circle (just south of Wesley United Methodist Church) by Wayne Schenck Construction. Last week, Anderson demonstrated how the SmartRooms Earth Storage System was installed in soil where one duplex's footings were laid before a concrete slab building foundation was poured. Zigzag wiring combined with thermal insulated panels filled the area, which, once the building is finished, will become an efficient, large mass of thermal energy, he explains. The system charges during when off-peak electric rates are in effect, and the stored energy is released only when needed.

This translates into substantial savings in heating bills, sometimes up to 40 percent compared to forced air systems, he adds.

"I look forward to serving the people of Crookston and northwest Minnesota for many more years, just in a different capacity," he adds, where his family has lived since 1988.

For more information about Anderson's products, call 281-1978 or email reliable@gvtel.com