jkngale Posted March 19, 2013 Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 I'm wondering - would a block heater improve my mileage enough to warrant using the home electric to run it? It was cold today, and I noticed that it affected my mileage quite a bit. I kept the heater off for the shorter trips, but the ICE still kicked in on startup - I presume to get things under the hood heated up. I'd also love a plug-in option to get the cabin heated before getting in, like on the Energi. As it is, I'm thinking about running a small plug-in space heater in the hatch which I could connect an hour before I leave, and adding a block heater. Canada can get cold. But then again, would the hit to my electric bill be any more efficient? I'm thinking possibly not... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tdefny Posted March 19, 2013 Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 The block heater probably won't improve economy much. The engine has to run to heat up the catalytic converter. The heater inside the car is intriguing, but you need to find the right kind, as many out there are too hot to use in the car. Our local ambulance company used to keep one in each ambulance and the vinyl floor were all scorched from the heaters. hybridbear and jkngale 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nsteblay Posted March 25, 2013 Report Share Posted March 25, 2013 I am in Minnesota and use the block heater. For the really cold days it does seem to accelerate the ICE heating the car. Not sure how much electricity it uses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaners Posted March 25, 2013 Report Share Posted March 25, 2013 I had the block heater on my Duramax plugged into a wall timer and it would come on about 3 hours before I left for work. It made a big difference on a diesel because they are very inefficient until warmed up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeB Posted March 25, 2013 Report Share Posted March 25, 2013 On my previous VW diesel, the frost heater consumed just about 1kW. I used it on a timer, so it was on no more than 3 hours before I expected to drive off, for a total energy usage of 3 kWh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hybridbear Posted October 16, 2013 Report Share Posted October 16, 2013 I am in Minnesota and use the block heater. For the really cold days it does seem to accelerate the ICE heating the car. Not sure how much electricity it uses.Where is the plug located?? My parents haven't been able to find where the plug is to use the block heater in their Energi. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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