100 quatloos against the Ecowatts.

You'd think I'd learn to not drink piping hot liquids while reading things like this but apparently I'm a slow learner.

Of course, the reason they're not used all over is that they tend to be expensive, maintenance-heavy, and workable only in a fairly small temperature range compared to electric elements. Given that this device isn't festooned with radiators, I doubt that it works on the heat pump principle (or any other valid principle, for that matter). However, it is possible.

I'd bet that this device's "secret catalyst" is the key. It's a reasonably clever way to scam people, because you don't have to worry about concealing a second set of electrical wires, gas plumbing, or anything else, and it can be explained away as necessary for correct operation of the "infinite energy" machine. Meanwhile, it's reacting merrily away and cranking out heat; never mind that the device doesn't work for more than a little while before going right back to ~99% efficiency. If the investors notice it stops working, tell them that it's still an experimental model, you're working out the last problems (but this proves the principle is sound!), and swap in another catalyst cartridge or whatever.