Cove Heating

Radiant heat

An electrically generated heat source for individual rooms and areas, cove heating employs radiant heat to warm the room and objects in the room. Coined “cove heating” because it is installed where the cove used to be in older room designs, individual heating units are mounted on the wall 2 1/2 to 4″ below the ceiling, allowing homeowners unrestricted use of floor space.

Cove heating efficiency

Electric heating units are the most efficient heating systems available today, and cove units take full advantage of electricity’s efficiency.

Cove heating units are mounted near the ceiling so that the radiant panels direct heat downward across the room, without being blocked by furniture and other objects. Radiant heat warms people directly, creating comfort conditions similar to that of the sun. Cove heating can be regulated by a wall-mounted thermostat and each room can be controlled independently, letting you maintain multiple temperature settings throughout your home or office.

Because radiant heat warms inanimate objects in its path, walls, floors and even furniture absorb heat and provide a “heat reserve” which helps keep the room warm. In addition, a small amount of heat generated by the cove heater element is not radiated, but actually warms the surrounding air and wall and ceiling surfaces, initiating a convection-type flow of heated air which further adds to the warmth of the room.

Cove heating design

An electric element in the cove heating unit warms an aluminum panel coated with a special vitreous enamel. This panel, in turn, radiates heat outward into the room — much like solar energy is radiated by the sun — providing exceptional levels of comfort.

Directed heat energy

Actually, heat energy does not rise — heated airrises. Heat energy can be directed, just like heat energy radiated by the sun’s rays. When you stand in the sun, you feel warmer. The same principle applies with cove heating. Even with the thermostat lowered, radiant heat keeps you feeling warm.

Insulation is still important

Like any type of heating system, cove heaters work best when the home or building is properly insulated. Insulation is designed to keep heat in the desired area of your home or office. No matter how heat is generated, if it is lost due to poor insulation, additional heat must be generated to maintain the desired temperature.

Flexibility in design

There are several sizes and wattages of cove heaters available which can be used in homes, apartments, offices, schools, medical facilities and more. Almost any enclosed area, properly designed and insulated, can benefit from a cove heating installation.

No special ventilation, chimney or air distribution system (ductwork) is required, so installation is easier and less expensive. Plus, additions and remodeling projects are simplified since cove heating is so versatile and easily adaptable.

Safety in placement

Cove units, of course, must be installed properly, just like any other heating unit or appliance. Cove heating units are installed on the wall near the ceiling, safely away from children or furnishings. Cove heaters are flameless. There are no fumes or soot generated, and no hazardous fuels are brought into your home or building.

If you have questions, contact Cornhusker Public Power District at 800-955-2773.

CEO/GM Clay Gibbs announces retirement

On behalf of the Cornhusker PPD Board of Directors:

It is with both pride and sorrow that Cornhusker Public Power District is announcing the retirement of Clay Gibbs as the CEO/GM of our District.

Clay will celebrate his 32nd anniversary with the District in the upcoming weeks. He literally climbed the ladder from an apprentice lineman to serving as our CEO/GM for the past 14 years.

Clay exemplifies hard work, dedication, resourcefulness and intelligence. Under Clay’s guidance the District has grown significantly over these past two decades. Clay will be missed, but as is true with many pillars of public power, the District will continue its mission.

“It has truly been an honor to serve as CEO/GM of Cornhusker Public Power District since December of 2010. I started my journey in May of 1993 as an apprentice line technician, and in May of 2025, will celebrate my 32^nd year with CPPD,” says CEO/GM Clay Gibbs.

“I am extremely fortunate to have worked with so many great individuals over that time and sincerely want to thank my board of directors for their support over the past 14 plus years as CEO/GM. Their commitment to employee/public safety, customer service, and keeping rates affordable is why CPPD is such a great company.

To the employees, your support and dedication has been unmatched, and I can’t thank you enough. Providing safe, reliable, and affordable electric service requires long hours in some of the worst weather conditions, and every time our system is hit by bad weather, the entire team jumps right in and handles it safely, efficiently, and professionally – it’s just impressive.

I am sincerely going to miss being part of such a great company – but I am also excited to see all the amazing things CPPD will accomplish in the future,” says Gibbs.

Cornhusker Public Power District will immediately begin a targeted, nation-wide search for a new CEO/GM. We are confident that we will find the next leader, and fortunately Clay will stay with the District until we find his replacement. Cornhusker Public Power District remains committed to serving its customers with reliable, cost-effective electricity and providing a safe and welcoming environment for its employees.