Does using the heater affect fuel usage like with the Air conditioner? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

TheTechGod · 05-06-2006, 23:54

Hi everyone,

We all know that using the air conditioner in a car causes the car to drink more fuel, but what about using the heater? I know that the heater uses less energy than the AC, but does it still increase the fuel usage or is it running of power that would otherwise be wasted?

Thanks for any feedback!

gregaust · 05-07-2006, 00:07

No it wont use any fuel at all.It uses the hot coolant from the engine to heat you up.The difference to the aircon is it has to use the compressor which takes engine power to drive.

TheTechGod · 05-07-2006, 03:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregaust

No it wont use any fuel at all.It uses the hot coolant from the engine to heat you up.

I thought this was part of what happens, but I'm sure there is a heating element as well since I've run my heater while the car is in accessory mode... Obviously doing this for too long would drain the battery, but does it affect fuel usage while the engine is running?

jas24zzk · 05-07-2006, 05:07

No it does not affect fuel usage.

The heating element as you call it (Heater Core) is heated by hot water from the engine (as described above) This is the forced into the cabin by a 12volt electric fan

The heater DOES not adversely affect fuel usage. It could be agued (esp on clutch fan cars) that it helps lower consupmtion, as some heat is taken out of the coolant by the heater fan.....the effect of this however although advantagous is minimal.

Cheers
Jas

Aussiblue · 05-07-2006, 06:57

and with some cars (depending on their aerodynamics or lack thereof) because of the increased drag you lose more by driving with the windows down than with the air conditioner on. Not so true with modern cars though and it depends on the speed; see http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/auto/20050804a1.asp

Quote:

Driving with the windows down increases the drag on your vehicle, resulting in decreased fuel economy by up to 10 percent. Drive at speeds over 55 mph with windows down and you'll decrease fuel economy by up to 20 percent or greater."

but also see http://www.newscientist.com/backpage...mg18925432.200

Quote:

This is one of those questions that looks as if there is no straightforward answer, simply because so many factors are involved

390wagon · 05-07-2006, 15:02

if you have the defrost on the a/c compressor will run(to dry the air) so having it on heat will affect mileage in defrost mode but not vent or heat(floor) settings.

jas24zzk · 05-08-2006, 05:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by 390wagon

if you have the defrost on the a/c compressor will run(to dry the air) so having it on heat will affect mileage in defrost mode but not vent or heat(floor) settings.

That actually depends on how the climate control in your vehicle is set up.
Standard climate in an E series will not turn on the A/c for drying unless you press the A/C button.

Cheers
Jas