How Warm Does a Block Heater Keep an Engine? Power Consumption Explained

Block heaters are designed to warm the engine coolant and, in some cases, the oil, facilitating easier starting in cold weather and reducing engine wear. This guide delves into the effectiveness of block heaters, the temperature rise they achieve, the power consumption involved, and how these factors impact their usefulness in cold climates.

How Warm Can a Block Heater Keep an Engine?

The effectiveness of a block heater varies based on several factors including the size of the heater, the ambient temperature, and the duration of use.

A typical block heater can raise the engine coolant temperature by approximately 20°F to 40°F (10°C to 22°C) above the ambient temperature, depending on the heater's wattage and the duration of use. This temperature rise is significant for reducing engine wear and improving starting performance.

Temperature Maintenance

Block heaters may not always keep the engine at a specific temperature, but they ensure that the engine remains above freezing. This is particularly important when the vehicle is left unplugged for periods and then attempts to start in cold conditions.

Power Consumption and Economy

Wattage

Most block heaters range from 400 watts to 1500 watts. The most common sizes are 600 watts and 1000 watts. Refer to the wattage chart below for a quick reference:

WattageCommon Size 400 to 600 wattsSmaller Car Models 600 to 1000 wattsMost Car and Light Truck Models 1000 to 1500 wattsSmaller and Midsize Trucks, SUVs

Power Usage

A 600-watt heater uses about 0.6 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per hour. A 1000-watt heater uses about 1 kWh per hour.

Understanding the power usage is crucial for managing energy consumption, especially if you're concerned about your utility bills in cold weather.

Cost of Operation

To estimate the cost of running a block heater, multiply the wattage by the number of hours used and the cost per kWh of electricity. For example, if you use a 1000-watt heater for 3 hours:

Power used  1000 watts * 3 hours  3000 watt-hours  3 kWhIf electricity costs $0.12 per kWh, it would cost about $0.36 to run the heater for that duration.

Conclusion: Using Block Heaters in Cold Weather

Using a block heater is an effective way to warm up an engine and improve starting performance in cold weather. It can keep the engine warm enough to start comfortably, and its power consumption is relatively low compared to the benefits it provides, especially in extreme temperatures.

Depending on how long you leave it plugged in, the block heater can be a lifesaver during the coldest months. For example, a loader tractor might be warm enough to feel comfortable to the touch after a few hours of being plugged in, and it would probably be warm enough to allow it to turn over in about 45 minutes.

>