Car heater price

Types of car heater

Car heaters are devices used to heat the interior of automobiles. Generally, as the cold season approaches, the demand for car heaters increases, consequently affecting car heater prices. Below are some common types of car heaters:

• Conventional car heater

  These types of heaters are standard in most vehicles. Conventional car heaters use the car's cooling system to generate heat. Typically, hot coolant from the engine flows through a heater core. Car fans then blow air over the core, warming the air and subsequently circulating it inside the car.

• Electric car heater

  Electric car heaters use electrical resistance to generate heat. Typically, electric current passes through a resistor in the heater, generating heat. Electric car heaters are generally used in electric cars because they rely on the car's battery for power.

• PTC heaters

  Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heaters are typically found in modern electric and hybrid cars. These heaters use PTC ceramic elements to generate heat. Notably, PTC ceramic elements heat up quickly and provide stable temperatures. Additionally, PTC heaters are more energy-efficient when compared to conventional heaters.

• Heat pump

  Heat pumps transfer heat from one place to another. In cars, heat pumps can extract heat from the outside air, even in cold temperatures. This heat gets pumped inside the car to raise the cabin temperature. Generally, heat pumps are more efficient than conventional car heaters. They use less energy, especially in electric and hybrid vehicles.

• Exhaust heaters

  Exhaust heaters use the heat from the car's exhaust system. Essentially, the heater core gets heated using hot exhaust gases. Consequently, this type of car heater can generate heat quickly since it uses already heated elements from the car.

• Heater core

  Heater cores are essentially miniature radiators. They are used in cars with conventional heating systems. Typically, the coolant from the car's engine flows through the heater core. Then, as air blows over the core, it heats the air inside the vehicle.

• Portable car heater

  Portable car heaters are not built into the car. Instead, they are added accessories. As such, they can vary widely in type and functionality. Generally, portable car heaters plug into the car's power outlet or use the car's battery. Some portable car heaters use fans to blow air over heated coils. Others emit warm air directly using heating elements.

Specifications and Maintenance of Car Heater

Before buying a car heater, it is essential to check the specifications and understand the maintenance requirements.

• Power Output

  Car heater power output is measured in watts. It shows how much heat the device generates. Typically, portable car heaters have a power output of 150 to 300 watts.

• Heating Element

  The heating element in a car is what generates heat. It works like a resistive element. Common heating elements in car heaters are carbon fiber and PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) thermistors.

• Noise Level

  Noise level is an important specification for car cabin heaters. It indicates how noisy the device is while operating. Generally, noisy heaters have a noise level of 70 decibels or more. On the other hand, low-noise heaters have a noise level of 50 decibels or less.

• Size and Portability

  Varying sizes of car heaters are available to cater to different preferences. While some are compact and portable, others are larger and bulky. Moreover, some portable car heaters can be powered through the 12V car outlet.

• Adjustable Settings

  Adjustable settings is an important specification in car heater parts. It determines how flexible and convenient a heater will be. Car heaters with adjustable settings like multiple speed levels and an adjustable thermostat are more preferable.

Maintaining a car heater is essential for optimal performance, increased lifespan, and energy efficiency. Here are some important tips for maintaining a car heater:

• 1. Regularly clean the car heater to prevent the accumulation of dust, debris, and dirt.
• 2. Change the air filter regularly. A clogged air filter restricts airflow and makes the car heater work extra hard.
• 3. Ensure the car's coolant level is adequate. Low coolant levels can hinder the car heater from producing sufficient heat.
• 4. Check for any leaks in the car heater hoses and pipes. Repair or replace the damaged hoses and pipes to prevent leaks.
• 5. Schedule regular professional maintenance for the car heater.

How to choose a car heater

Before purchasing a car heater, it’s important to know what factors to consider. Here’s a guide on how to choose a car heater:

• Type of car

  When choosing a car heater, it’s important to consider the type of car. For electric cars, choose a heater that uses less energy so that it cannot drain the battery. When using a petrol or diesel car, choose a heater that provides a lot of heat because the fuel can power the heater and the car engine simultaneously.

• Size of the heater

  Car heaters come in different sizes. It’s important to choose the right size according to the space available in the car. Also, consider the size of the car. A small car will need a compact heater, while a large car will need a bigger heater to fill the entire space and make it warm.

• Installation

  Different car heaters have different installation processes. Some can be installed easily, while others have complex installation procedures. Choose a car heater that can be installed easily and doesn't require a specialist. Also, look for portable car heaters that are very easy to install and can be installed by anyone.

• Car heater price

  Car heaters are available at different prices. Set a budget and look for a car heater that will fit within the budget. Also, consider the features offered by the heater and ensure they are worth the price. Remember, an expensive car heater doesn't mean it is the best quality.

• Energy efficiency

  Look for a car heater that is energy efficient. The heater should use less energy from the car battery and give out a lot of heat. This will help to prolong the battery life and enable the heater to run for a longer time.

• Safety features

  When choosing a car heater, consider the safety features. Look for heaters with automatic shut-off when the desired temperature has been reached or when the heater is overheated. Also, choose a heater with a good and safe power source so it cannot cause any accidents.

How to DIY and Replac

Always consult the vehicle's repair manual to know the right steps for a specific car model. Here are some general steps to take when replacing a car heater valve.

• Find the valve and take out the hoses connected to it.
• Remove the mounting hardware and take out the old valve.
• Put the new valve and tighten the mounting hardware.
• Connect the hoses and ensure there are no leaks.

Q and A

Q1: What is the car heater's work system?

A1: The car heater mainly uses hot liquid, usually water, from the engine. The water is pumped through the car heater core, which is similar to a radiator. The air blown across the core by a fan is warmed by the core, and that warm air is blown into the car.

Q2: What are the types of car heaters?

A2: There are mainly three types of car heaters. They include electric, ambient, and exhaust car heaters.

Q3: What is a car cabin heater?

A3: A car cabin heater is a device that heats the inside of a car. The car cabin heater core is connected to the cooling system and emits heat when the car is running.