Does anyone know how much power (kilowatts) the block heater should use?? We had a much colder than average winter here in Mass and my electric bill has been through the roof! ??? Is there a way to test this heater?? What could go bad?? Are they easy to replace??<br><br>I can't afford another winter next year with electric bills like that. The dealer kind of gave me the run around and said that there was no way to test these heaters and that it was like $400.00 and there was no guarantee that the power consumption would decrease. I just could not afford that over the winter and want to try to address it while the weather gets warmer and I don't have the huge electric bill.<br><br>Any help is greatly appreciated.<br><br>Thanks,<br><br>Mike

 

I've heard it's about 750 watts.<br><br>Did you have it plugged in all night?<br><br>I have mine on a timer so it comes on about 3 hours before I'm ready to leave in the AM.

 

I think Shovelhead is right and it is 750 watts. However I did see one years ago that was 1500 watts. ALL electrical &quot;appliances&quot; like this can be tested. It is quite easy to check how many watts your heater is pulling. You will need a wattmeter that is good for AC. You could also use an ampmeter and convert that reading into watts.<br>Using a timer will cut down on your electrical consumption a lot, the higher wattage you heater, the more you save by using a timer.<br>If you have access to one an AC wattmeter or an AC ampmeter and need directions on how to hook it up, just post your question.

 

Hey 'Duster. It's around 750 watts. You should need no more than 3 hours on the heater to insure an easy start. The dealer was ad libbing . I live a little west from you.

Tom

 

Thanks for the replies!!!<br><br>I didn't have a timer so it was being plugged in all night. This has been done for the last 4 years and the electric bill was not so high!! &gt; When I plug it in now I can go over to the electical meter and it looks like it is doing a burn out!! If I am correct it is supposed to keep the engine at 40 degrees?? What can go wrong with these? The sealer said that sludge can build up and tried to sell me a coolant flush. They did the last one last summer. <br><br>Maybe I will look into a timer for next winter. Also a house with a garage would be nice but I would need an oversized 3 bay. Wife's car and the Duster get the garage first!! ;D

 

Here's some info from one of our member's website where he changed the block heater.<br><br>http://www.geocities.com/palmerlives...ockHeater.html<br><br><br><br>this is what they look like when the gunk inside the engine builds up and causes them to stop working.

 

block heaters have no thermostat, they just &quot;run&quot; constantly<br><br><br>I've never seen one draw more than it's supposed to usually they just quit ......<br><br>test it with a clamp on amp meter ......should draw about 6-7 amps I believe <br><br><br>

 

To reduce your electricity bill you could try using the neighbour's outside plug.

 

Actually I was doing this...... Had an extension cord run for the inside of the carport (old falling down garage with no doors) into the cellar and plugged in. One day I went downstairs and found that the truck was now plugged into a different (NEW) outlet that my landlord installed. This one was connected to our fuse box!! I guess he didn't like the big bill either!!!<br><br>Thanks for all the tips I will check it out and see if it is drawing correctly.<br><br>Mike<br>