Does the parking diesel heater consume a lot of electricity?
2 Answers
Diesel heaters do not consume much power from the battery. Diesel heaters primarily use the heat generated by burning fuel to warm the engine's coolant, achieving the effect of warming up the vehicle before starting. During winter traffic jams or after parking, you can use the heater without starting the engine. Development of diesel heaters: Installing a diesel heater requires modifications to the vehicle's original fuel and electrical systems. Previously, this was not permitted, but now you can apply for installation. It must be done legally, as improper modifications that fail to meet safety standards can lead to various issues. Additionally, there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning during use. Precautions: Therefore, extra caution is needed during installation and use. When using a diesel heater, ensure proper ventilation to avoid excessive carbon monoxide buildup and potential poisoning.
I've been using a parking diesel heater for many years and found its power consumption is really low. Essentially, it generates heat by burning diesel, while electricity only powers the fan and control panel, typically with a power rating of around 20-40 watts. Running it all night consumes just a fraction of a kilowatt-hour, costing only a few cents per month in electricity—even more economical than using headlights. As a long-haul truck driver often parked in cold areas, I run it overnight without issues, as long as the battery is in good condition and has sufficient capacity. With a quality brand and proper installation, the battery can last over 10 hours without draining. In comparison, it consumes far less power than a parking air conditioner, which often draws hundreds of watts and can overwhelm the battery. It's advisable to regularly check battery health, especially for older vehicles, to avoid overnight use and potential issues.