How to choose an autonomous interior heater in the car? Vehicle heating system The principle of operation of an autonomous interior heater

In Russia, cars are purchased by different people - different in status or average income. The offered cars are different in terms of comfort and equipment. But the Russian winter is one for everyone. And often in the cold season it can be quite cold for motorists in a cozy place. Even a regular stove turned on to the maximum does not always cope with creating a comfortable temperature. An additional interior heater will help solve this problem.

What tasks does it perform?

Not every car is stored in a closed and heated garage. More often, a car simply stands either in an open parking lot or in the owner’s yard. It's no secret that the metal body cools down quickly. The glass inside is covered with condensation, which then turns into an ice crust. All interior parts in a car that has stood on the street for at least a couple of hours, including seats, acquire a temperature that is also fixed outside.

In the morning, the owners try to create a comfortable temperature in the cabin.

However, one heater after an overnight stay is clearly not enough for this. Even if you start driving in a cold car, it will take more than one hour until the cabin becomes warm.

If from the very beginning all the heat is taken away for heating the air in the cabin, then there is simply not enough heat to warm up the engine, which means that the cabin will not be able to warm up normally and quickly. In this situation, only an additional stove will help.

When the driver is cold, there can be no question of any effective control of the car. It has been proven that when a person is cold, he experiences severe stress and can lose control and attention. That's why additional heating devices are needed.

Types of additional heating

Today, for motorists, several types of this equipment are offered. All these options differ in the type of installation, the amount of energy required, device and cost.

The most widely used devices are liquid and air type.

Also, heaters are divided into and powered by an engine or electricity.

Additional electric heater of car interior

This is probably the simplest group among all such devices. These devices are connected to the cigarette lighter socket, and this element is installed more often on the front panel. For an affordable price, young drivers fell in love with such units. More experienced try to use these devices in rare cases - as a hair dryer to warm the windows.

Among the advantages, one can single out affordable cost for everyone and ease of installation. Installation does not require the involvement of specialists. This equipment is powered either by a battery or by a generator. The device can be used immediately after switching on. The discreet shape, neutral appearance and the same neutral colors will allow it to fit into any salons.

Among the shortcomings, there are a large number of fake products on the market - a suspiciously cheap additional interior heater can be simply dangerous. If you use it at full power, you can quickly discharge the battery - it is not recommended to use the device if the engine is not running.

Also, this group of equipment can negatively affect the wiring in the car. In addition, many argue that electric additional heating does not have a high heat output.

Electric heater device

There is nothing special about the design. According to the device, these products resemble an ordinary hair dryer. The temperature of the heating element increases (more often this is also blown into the passenger compartment by means of a fan. Often they have two operating modes - heating and ventilation.

Motorists are advised to purchase a sufficiently powerful device - most of what is provided on the market has power from Many people purchase such heaters, but they are not very efficient. They are able to warm up in the cold or one leg, or a small area of ​​the windshield.

It is best to install such a car interior heater under the seats, and connect it not to the cigarette lighter, since you can burn the fuse, but directly to the battery - it’s more reliable. However, it is still not worth buying these hair dryers.

Electric heater with ceramic heater

These devices plug into the cigarette lighter socket. Among the advantages - simple installation, efficiency. This auxiliary interior heater does not burn oxygen during operation. Connecting and using is very easy.

Autonomous heating

In most cases, these stoves are installed on minivans, minibuses, vans or trucks. The heater is powered by fuel. The system has a separate independent combustion chamber and a pipe for exhaust gases.

Installation of an additional interior heater is possible only in the engine compartment. The device functions independently of the engine, which is why it is called autonomous.

Among the positive characteristics, one can single out independence from engine heating, the possibility of adjusting their interior, the absence of unnecessary details in the interior, and readiness for work immediately after launch. And unlike hair dryers, the equipment is quite efficient, gives off heat well and has high power.

But without cons, nowhere - installation is much more complicated compared to installing a hair dryer. If you want heat in the cabin, you will have to pay a little more for gasoline - the device increases consumption. The cost of ownership is higher than that of a hair dryer. Well, in addition, during operation, this additional heater of the car interior is very noisy.

As for the device, it is a metal cylinder that houses the combustion chamber and electronics.

The latter controls the process. The system is connected to the fuel pump, equipped with combined temperature, control unit,

Additional heatsink

Among the huge number of available devices for interior heating, these devices are also distinguished.

Many drivers have tested and declare the high efficiency of this heater. This car interior heater is connected to the standard cooling system together with the standard stove. Pipes are carried inside and then the radiator and fan are fixed.

Among the advantages, one can single out an understandable principle of operation, effective heating after the engine reaches operating temperatures. The equipment is available in any auto shops, and the cost is lower than for stand-alone devices.

Such an additional car interior heater also has disadvantages.

The main disadvantage is the complexity of installation. The work depends on the temperature of the engine; for greater efficiency, it will be necessary to add working fluid to the cooling system.

Installation

The first step is to remove the torpedo, the second task is to get to the stove. Then the hoses and everything else is disconnected from the main system. An additional radiator can be connected in series.

A second pump is also required. Its task is to increase the circulation of coolant through the contours of the stove and thereby increase heat transfer. The pump is placed between the faucet and the stove radiator. The pump button should be installed on the dashboard. Also, don't forget the fuse.

Whichever additional vehicle interior heater is chosen, it is necessary to carry out preparation before installation. If the car is not insulated enough, most of the heat will simply escape through the cracks.

A working stove in the car is very good, especially if it is winter outside. After all, driving a car when it is cold in the cabin is very inconvenient, and sometimes dangerous. But often ordinary regular stoves require a large amount of electrical energy and fuel to work effectively. To reduce fuel consumption, car owners began to use an autonomous 12-volt diesel interior heater. These devices have a number of serious advantages over regular stoves. One of the benefits is battery and fuel savings.

What is this device

Autonomous heaters are units designed to heat the air in the passenger compartment of a car or process fluids in a car with the engine turned off. Depending on what the heater should heat, it is divided into several types:

  • Air devices.
  • Liquid.
  • Oil.

Autonomous interior air heater is intended for heating only interior air.

This is an ordinary fan heater that pumps a hot stream. Fluid heaters can heat the antifreeze in the cooling system even when it is not active, as well as the fuel system. This is important for diesel powertrains. Also, a liquid autonomous heater will be used for heating the interior, including the windshield. Oil autonomous heaters are designed to heat up the lubrication lines in the system. This greatly simplifies starting the engine in severe frosts.

Is it worth installing

If we talk about the rationality of installing such equipment, it depends on how often the car is operated in winter. If the owner drives the car only a few times during the month, then an autonomous 12-volt diesel interior heater is not needed.

To warm up the working units, you can use standard standard tools. If you have to drive every day, then an additional heating system will significantly help save money, as well as preserve your health. Particularly relevant is an autonomous 12-volt diesel heater for truck drivers and for those who work in a taxi.

How much can you save

If autonomous stoves are used intensively, it is possible to save from 25 to 100 liters of fuel during the season. But everyone has their own percentage of savings. It depends on how the vehicle is used, how you drive, and the type of equipment installed.

Classification of autonomous vehicles by type of fuel

Car heaters are distinguished by functionality. But they can also be classified by the type of fuel on which this equipment operates. Devices are also distinguished by power. So, there is an autonomous 12-volt diesel interior heater, there are electrical devices, and gasoline-powered equipment.

Electrical equipment for 12 and 24 V

Most of all modern salon autonomy, which are in use by modern motorists, are designed to operate at a voltage of 12 or 24 V. For many, it is not entirely clear what to buy and what will be more efficient and safer.

However, everything is very simple. Low-power 12-volt devices are intended for installation in passenger cars. They are ideal for inclusion in the on-board network. At the same time, the power is quite enough to heat a small cabin space. 24-volt equipment is designed for use in trucks.

Gas heater

This group of equipment operates on liquefied gas. Due to its combustion, a special fan is activated. The latter provides natural processes for the circulation of air flows in the cabin. The air is heated to certain temperatures. To make this process faster, many devices have additional fans.

These devices can work even if the engine is turned off. The device also does not need electrical energy, which cannot be said about a regular stove. So, even if you need to stand in one place for a long time, the battery will not sit down, and the driver will not freeze.

Among the advantages of this equipment is the complete absence of electronics and high reliability of the design. In addition, the devices are not dangerous for the driver. During the combustion process, air is taken from the outside. Exhaust gases are also released into the atmosphere. To ensure that this heater can work, it is only necessary to equip it with cylinders. Considering the difference in price between LPG, gasoline and diesel, this is a fairly cost-effective solution.

Among the shortcomings - the possibility of heating only the cabin. On what car can such an autonomous interior heater be installed?

Such units are put on the GAZelle very often. The device is installed in the cab, under the passenger seats.

Petrol heaters

In this category of equipment, not saloon, but pre-start engine heaters are more common. The devices are compact, and due to the fact that they are most often placed under the hood, their operation is silent. Such equipment can defrost the windshield. As for fuel consumption, it is approximately 0.5 l / h.

Cabin petrol heaters are suitable if only large passenger compartments need to be heated. For small cars, the effect of burning gasoline will be too high. It is better in this case to use an autonomous interior heater for 12 volt diesel.

Diesel autonomy

According to the device and principle of operation, such equipment practically does not differ from gasoline. The disadvantage is that diesel can burn poorly in severe frost. Therefore, sometimes there may be difficulties with the launch of such devices. But modern equipment, for example, a German Webasto 12-volt diesel autonomous interior heater, is protected from such problems.

The principle of operation of an autonomous stove

It doesn’t matter what fuel this or that device runs on, because the principle of operation of the heaters is the same. Fuel that is supplied by an electromagnetic pump, which is embedded in the line near the fuel tank, is supplied in certain doses to the combustion chamber - to a special evaporator.

As the latter, a high temperature resistant body with a large surface area can be used. On some models, this is a stainless steel mesh package. If we consider an autonomous interior heater for 12 volt diesel "Planar", then here a plate heat exchanger is used as an evaporator.

In front of it is a glow plug. Air enters the combustion chamber of the heater through a special supercharger. The fins of the evaporator are blown by a fan, due to which the interior is heated. Modern devices are equipped with electronic control units. They protect the stove from overheating, automatically regulate the temperature.

When the driver turns on the autonomous interior heater for 12 volt diesel Planar (or any other), the electronics diagnoses and starts. Voltage rises at the glow plug. Next, the fuel mixture is fed into the chamber. The combustion process is controlled by electronics and sensors. When the combustion becomes stable, the glow plug will turn off.

"Planar 4D"

These are diesel air interior heaters with a power of 4 kW. Temperatures and flow rates can be adjusted. Model 4D-12 is suitable for cars whose on-board network is designed for 12 V. "Planar 4D-24" is designed for trucks, as well as for buses.

In the maximum power mode, the heater is able to warm the air in the cabin of small buses. During operation, the level of energy consumption is up to 4 A / h, which is not critical.

Webasto

Under this brand, some of the most popular heaters with a power of up to 2 kW are produced among drivers. A feature of the Air Top 2000 ST series is that the equipment can work with different types of fuel. There are adjustments for temperature and air supply. During operation, the system consumes no more than 4 A / h of energy. For those who want to purchase such an autonomous interior heater for 12 volts diesel, the average price is 50 thousand rubles.

Products "Webasto" is considered a reference. The peculiarity of this particular equipment is in a solid-cast aluminum heat exchanger, which contributes to almost maximum efficiency. The design is such that the heater can be conveniently installed under the hood of a car.

Do-it-yourself autonomous heating in the car interior - is it possible

If you look at the principle of operation of diesel and gasoline equipment, we can say that the device is quite simple. In fact, with some experience, you can assemble an autonomous 12-volt diesel interior heater with your own hands. But it will not have an electronic control unit. And if it is, then without all the functions that are in systems from well-known manufacturers. If you do not need electronics, then the assembly of the structure is not difficult.

How to install a heater

The installation process is a simple operation. It is necessary to find a place for the device, connect the system to the fuel line, then make pipelines for air intake and exhaust gases. The latter will go outside. Then it remains only to connect the electronics and electrical wires.

Installation of an autonomous interior heater is possible with your own hands. For this, you do not need to contact specialists. However, there will be no guarantee for the installation either.

Conclusion

So, we found out what this heater is. Autonomy is a very useful thing, especially if you often operate a car in winter. Its use does not require the operation of the engine and regular stove. The equipment is completely autonomous. Turnkey installation in specialized services will cost about 50-70 thousand rubles. The cheapest option is the 12 Volt Planar. The device is suitable for passenger cars and minibuses.

Autonomous car interior heater has gained considerable popularity among our compatriots in recent years. The reason for this is the ability to use this simple device to solve several problems at once: to achieve an optimal and comfortable air temperature in the car and reduce fuel consumption in winter. To make it easier for you to navigate in a large selection and variety Autonomous car interior heaters, let's look at the main technical parameters and characteristics of the main models and modifications.

Autonomous heater for interior in the car

Features of the use of additional interior heaters

Appropriateness of application additional interior heater driven by economic benefits. Almost any passenger car and truck, with the exception of some types of specialized vehicles, are equipped with a built-in heating and air cooling system inside. But do not forget that both in winter and in summer the operation of the heating system requires additional fuel costs, be it gasoline or diesel fuel. Using simple and reliable in operation, you can save from tens to hundreds of liters of fuel per year, depending on the driving mode.

Various types of autonomous car interior heaters are used in certain conditions. Air ones are perfect for pre-heating the cabin, thawing windows and headlights, and removing ice on the body. Dry autonomous interior heaters perfect for permanent use instead of a heating system, as they require a minimum amount of resources and are compact. Also you can install this simple and reliable . Of the shortcomings, it is worth mentioning the limited functions. Most often, such a heater only works when the car's electrical system is powered on. During a long parking period, the use of such a device adversely affects the battery.

As for liquid heaters, they can perform several functions at once - warming up the passenger compartment and maintaining the set temperature on an ongoing basis and pre-starting heating of the vehicle's propulsion system, thawing locks and windows.

Varieties of autonomous car interior heaters

Autonomous interior heaters are classified according to:

  • The type of fuel consumed;
  • By type of heating resource or heat conductor;
  • In terms of power and performance.

The most commonly used air and liquid interior heaters. The principle of operation of the first resembles an ordinary hair dryer or a household electric heater with a heating element.

Electric car interior heater

In diesel air heaters, the required temperature is set due to the combustion of diesel fuel inside the chamber, from which the air enters the passenger compartment already heated. Modern models of air heaters are quite easy to operate, they can be placed in any position and place inside the cabin, where it will be securely fixed and there will be a possibility to bring the nozzles out. The heater itself is usually placed inside the car, but the combustion products are brought out through a sealed tube. Such a device can take diesel fuel both from a separate tank specially designed for heating, and from the main fuel tank. The design of the installation is quite unpretentious, which makes it possible, with some experience, to install do-it-yourself autonomous interior heater.

The design and principle of operation of a liquid heater are more complex. Usually the tank for the heated fluid is installed under the hood, near the internal combustion engine. The pipes of the heating system are connected to the cooling system of the car itself. The electrical elements of the heater are connected to the onboard power supply. liquid Autonomous car interior heaters, such as webasto, can be turned on using a timer or remote control. At the specified time, the timer goes off and the heater starts to warm up the liquid in the tank, after which it circulates around the engine and other parts of the car that need to be thawed and warmed up to working condition. After reaching the optimum temperature under the hood, as reported by the sensor, the heated liquid is sent through the tubes for heating the passenger compartment and windows.

Webasto liquid heater

An alternative to the above two types can be a gas autonomous car interior heater that does not require connection to the car's power supply. Such a system is well suited for heating the interiors of trucks, buses and vans and is characterized by maximum efficiency, it is completely autonomous - if any element of the auto heater breaks down, the heater continues to work properly. The fuel for this system comes from a conventional household gas cylinder of 27 or 12 liters, and the combustion products of liquefied gas are discharged through a special coaxial pipe to the outside. The disadvantage is the impossibility of warming up the propulsion system of the transport, but only its interior.

Autonomous gas heater of car interior

Produce heaters of various capacities. The most commonly used devices are 12 and 24 volts. Autonomous interior heater for 12 volts Suitable for cars, vans and small vans. For trucks, buses and large vehicles, a 24-volt unit should be preferred.

Advantages of various autonomous car interior heaters

Not every heater is well suited to all types of transport. When choosing, the following factors are taken into account:

  • vehicle dimensions;
  • The power of the electrical power system of the car;
  • Frequency of switching on heating;
  • The climate of the area;
  • Profitability of the heating system;
  • Potential payback of the installation;
  • Design features of the car and much more.

For a passenger car for personal use, both air and liquid heaters are suitable. The former is much easier and cheaper to install. It is used for heating in winter and for cooling in summer, it works without problems in long-term mode, practically does not drain the battery. Repair and installation is easy to do with your own hands. But you will not be able to warm up the engine in a harsh winter with its help.

liquid Autonomous diesel car interior heaters, such as the well-known Webasto brand, will easily cope with frost on windows, hood, doors and locks, warm up your engine to the optimum operating temperature even before starting, but the cost of installing and maintaining such a heater is quite expensive. If we talk about trucks or buses, this type of heating system is simply unprofitable. Almost all heaters pay off within 3-4 months, since they do not require engine operation and unnecessary fuel consumption at idle.

If the weather is cold outside, it is only natural that the first desire when getting into the car is to warm up. When the interior heating mode is violated, it becomes uncomfortable for both passengers and car parts. The minus temperature negatively affects the nodes in which the liquid circulates (the same applies to the power unit). Autonomous heaters make it possible to adjust the microclimate in the car, avoid breakdowns and increase comfort for passengers. Standard interior heating is often effective only when driving, and during parking, most of the heat simply flies away to heat the outside air.

purpose

Risking several hours to stay in the cold, many do not think about the possible consequences. In fact, the engine cools down in a couple of hours, and the interior even faster. In order not to subsequently require repair of stand-alone devices, most manufacturers advise contacting professionals for installation. But, if you have some experience and relevant skills, you can install such a device with your own hands.

Heating from a running engine is provided in all passenger cars and commercial vehicles. However, for the presence of heat during long-term parking, the most effective option is to install an autonomous heater. To properly and effectively ensure their installation and operation, you should study the types of units, their characteristics and capabilities.

Types and types of heaters for cars

Autonomous heaters for cars are of three types:

  1. air models.
  2. Oil options.
  3. Liquid type heaters.

In addition, devices are divided according to the principle of nutrition. As such, electricity (12 and 24 volts), gas, diesel fuel or gasoline can be used. There are also combined variations.

Independent heaters of salon serve for maintenance of optimum temperature condition. Their peculiarity is that they can function without a running engine. There are several modes of operation: standard ventilation and suction of the air mixture from the outside. An external thermostat or a built-in timer is responsible for controlling the operation. Autonomous heaters provide comfortable conditions for passengers, long-distance drivers, operators of special equipment.

Air modifications

Such devices are focused on warming up the interior of the vehicle (cabin, trunk, passenger compartment). The air mixture in such heaters passes through the heating element and is fed back.

Thanks to the regulator, the driver can save battery power and fuel resources, depending on the required temperature and the weather outside. The air independent interior heater is a traditional fan heater operating on the principle of a hair dryer. Popular manufacturers: Planar, Webasto, Belief.

Liquid-oil version

Such autonomous heaters are more functional, they first heat the power unit, and then the internal equipment of the machine. This design simplifies the process of starting the car even at sub-zero temperatures.

Liquid heaters are controlled remotely or pre-programmed for a specific mode of operation. The most popular manufacturers of the devices in question are Binar, Webasto, Eberspacher.

Gas heaters for salon

Autonomous gas heaters differ from their "brothers" in that they run on liquefied gas. The main advantage of the designs is ease of execution, independence from other power sources, safety. This heater does not drain the battery.

Also, the products of gas combustion do not poison passengers, but are brought out, which ensures environmental safety, regardless of the duration of use of the equipment. The unit operates on the principle of air circulation in the machine. Heat transfer is carried out by means of natural convection of air masses. More intensive mixing is provided by an additional fan, which does not have very high power.

Automotive gas heaters do not cause problems during operation, they are not equipped with rotating elements, which ensures high reliability and safety.

Machine gas heater device

Autonomous heaters for gas vehicles are a block of pipes placed inside an element of a larger diameter. Clean air enters in some parts, other pipes are designed to remove exhaust gases.

Thanks to this design, the air in the cabin and cabin is not burned out, while the heat remains. The device in question does not depend on the performance of the machine, and in the event of a breakdown of the motor or battery, it is able to provide heat to the driver and passengers.

Advantages of gas heaters:

  • Long service life (about 15 years).
  • Affordable price due to the lack of electronics.
  • The presence of a climate control unit, which is in most modern devices, which guarantees the choice of the optimal temperature regime.
  • Independence from auto resources (adaptability to work in various conditions).
  • Possibility of power supply of the unit from containers of different volumes.

It should be noted that autonomous heaters on gas can be turned on in motion and on a muffled vehicle. To activate the device, you just need to open the gas supply, and to stop working, use the appropriate toggle switch.

Autonomous interior heater for 12 volts

Not so long ago, the majority of electric heaters for car interiors were equipped with heating coils. Recently, the lion's share of such devices is made of ceramics. The advantages of the device include the following aspects:

  • Preservation of oxygen and no effect of air dehumidification.
  • Ability to interact with a 12/24 V battery.
  • Fast heating and good heat dissipation.
  • Economical, overheating protection, compact and easy to maintain.

A 12-volt autonomous heater has a mass of no more than a kilogram, which makes it easy to move it to the right place. The cost of such models is quite high, but if you wish, you can choose a modification according to your preferences, taking into account the quality characteristics of the device.

Some models and brands

A 12-volt autonomous interior heater is manufactured by several world-famous manufacturers. Some of them with brief characteristics of the devices are presented below:

  1. Brand Calix Slim Line 800W - a very powerful device with high power rates, able to quickly warm up the car interior. The heater is equipped with a regulator, which makes it possible to adjust the microclimate in accordance with the weather conditions. The device has high safety features, equipped with thermal protection against excessive overheating.
  2. ZNICH PFJ - a heater for the interior of a car, operating on a voltage of 12 and 24 Volts. The device is focused on compact salons. Its advantages are the ability to adjust the temperature, ease of installation, compactness and durability.
  3. Among independent heaters for trucks, Airtronic products are in high demand. Particularly popular are the D2-D5 models, which are distinguished by good power, the ability to provide heat for cars of various sizes, and even small yachts.

To power the device, a voltage of 12/24 V is required, they have an affordable price and high quality characteristics.

Diesel variant

Consider the features and principle of operation that an autonomous diesel interior heater has. According to consumer reviews, it can be equipped with various additional functionality (timer, regulator or preliminary starting device). In practical terms, such a product is considered one of the best. The unit allows you to warm up the inside of the vehicle in a few minutes.

The heater is a device consisting of the following elements:

  • A block with a combustion chamber, which is one of the main components in the operation of the device.
  • The presence of a separate fuel line makes it possible to connect to a common line or work autonomously, regardless of the activation of the power unit.
  • Exhaust system providing exhaust gases.
  • In addition, the heater is equipped with clamps for its installation in the engine compartment.

The block responsible for control can be remote or tumbler. Additional elements are included in the package, taking into account the modification of the product.

Gasoline car heater

Autonomous heater diesel and gasoline have a similar design, efficiency and principle of operation. In this embodiment, the power source is gasoline. Such a device in a modern design allows you to reduce the load on the battery. The heater consists of the following parts:

  • Air intake system.
  • Temperature sensor and regulator.
  • Air mixture blower.
  • Controller.
  • Fuel pump, switch.
  • Additional elements (timer, fasteners, etc.).

The advantages of a gasoline heater include the possibility of autonomous operation for several hours, reduced noise level, quick heating of the air in the cabin, durability and high wear resistance of parts.

Installation and repair of autonomous heaters

For the installation of the devices in question, it is better to contact specialists. But, having certain skills and desire, it is quite possible to install the unit yourself.

To do this, follow the instructions:

  1. Decide on the optimal place for mounting a car heater.
  2. Perform laying of main pipelines and cables, depending on the modification of the device.
  3. Make the electrical connection to activate the control. The block itself is desirable to be placed in the vehicle interior. An unloaded circuit protected by a fuse can be used for connection.
  4. Run air ducts to the passenger compartment from the fixture using standard elements of the stove.
  5. Check tightness at all connecting seams.

After the installation of the auxiliary heater is completed, it is necessary to check its functionality. It is advisable to do this before starting the complete assembly of the engine compartment, turning on all the provided modes and comparing the readings with the instructions for use.

Operational nuances

To prevent the repair of autonomous heaters from becoming a frequent action, it is necessary to take into account some points when using them:

  • When purchasing the device in question, you need to study the features of its operation and installation. In addition, it is necessary to compare the required and available indicators of power and other parameters.
  • Each time the system is activated, it is required to check its performance. If there are leaks or other defects, contact a repair specialist immediately.
  • Check its performance. Make sure there are no leaks or any damage. Filler leakage can lead not only to the failure of the heater, but also to carbon monoxide poisoning of passengers or the driver.
  • Do not try to constantly select the maximum heating mode when turning on. Excessively dry air is harmful to the body, it will be necessary to ventilate the interior more often, which does not contribute to saving resources.

Conclusion

An autonomous heater, the price of which mainly depends on the principle of operation and modification, must be selected depending on the interior equipment of the vehicle and the intended area for heating. You can buy a device from 20 to several hundred dollars.

The best option would be to equip the vehicle with an integrated heating system. Air devices will allow you to evenly heat the interior, liquid and gas appliances will process the fuel unit, relieve the load from the battery and allow you not to freeze even when the power unit has stalled.

A stove in a car is very good, especially when winter comes and driving in a cold cabin is not only inconvenient, but also dangerous to health. However, conventional stoves consume quite a lot of car energy, as they can be powered by both the mains and the fuel tank. In order to somehow reduce the cost of the car, the owners began to use autonomous interior heaters, which, compared with the classic car heating, have a number of advantages, the main of which is savings.

Understanding the concept of "autonomous interior heater"?

Autonomous interior heater is a device capable of heating the air in the car interior or its working fluids, regardless of the operation of the car engine. Depending on what medium they are intended to heat, all autonomous heaters should be divided into three types:

Air- they heat only the air in the cabin and often represent a familiar fan that pumps heat.

liquid- can heat up both the cooling system, if it is not activated by the engine, and the fuel system, which is especially important for diesel vehicles. They can also be used for interior heating, defrosting locks and windshields.

Oily- they heat up the oil line of the car, which also speeds up and simplifies starting the engine in the frosty season.

As for the advisability of using one or another type of heater, it is better to stop the choice on several devices at once. Thanks to this approach, you can provide the car with full heating in the cold season: without problems and breakdowns, the engine will start and run, and you and your passengers will be comfortable driving a car.


The rationality of installing such a device on a car largely depends on how intensively the car is operated in the winter. If you drive it only once a month, then the heating of the working units and the interior can be provided in “old-fashioned” ways. However, if you have to travel every day, an additional heater in the car will not only help you save money, but also save your health. An autonomous heater is especially relevant for taxi drivers and truck drivers.

Important! With regular use of an autonomous interior heater, it is possible to save from 25 to 100 liters of fuel in one winter season. The % savings depends on the frequency of driving, driving style, and the type of heater that is used on the car.

There is another classification of "autonomy", which is based on what fuel is used to operate the device, as well as a classification depending on the power of the heater. We will consider the features of all types of these devices above, but in advance we will give a list of criteria by which you should choose an autonomous interior heater for your car:

dimensions of the "autonomy" and your car;

The power of the regular electrical network on the machine;

The frequency with which you plan to operate the heater for the car;

The climatic features of the area in which you live;

Profitability of the installation - its consumer characteristics;

Payback heater specifically for you;

The design features of the machine - is it possible in principle to connect an additional heating device to it.

Electrical devices for 12 and 24 Volts

Almost all autonomous interior heaters that are used by modern car owners are designed for power from 12 to 24 volts. A similar fact makes many rush to friends for advice and look for information on the Internet, as it remains unclear which of these two heaters will be effective and safe for cars.

But in fact, everything is simple: interior heaters with a lower power of 12 volts are designed for use in passenger cars, as they are ideal for connecting to the on-board network of a car, and at the same time their power is enough to heat a small interior. As for heaters with a power of 24 volts, they are designed for heavy vehicles.

Cabin gas heaters

Such "autonomous systems" work through the use of liquid gas. Thanks to its combustion, the fan starts, which in turn provides natural air circulation in the car, heating it to the required temperature. To speed up the heating process, additional fans are sometimes used.

Important!Gas independent heaters of the car interior are able to work even with the engine turned off and without being connected to the car's on-board electrical network, which is not typical for a regular car stove. Thus, even during a long parking, the driver of the car does not risk putting the battery in “0”, but at the same time he himself will not freeze in the cabin.

To benefits This type of heaters also includes the absence of electronic elements in them, as well as the overall reliability of the design, which significantly increases the period of their operation. In addition, it is quite safe for the driver, since for gas combustion, air is supplied to the device not from the passenger compartment, but from the street. The gases formed during the combustion process are also thrown out.

To ensure the operation of such a device, you only have to periodically purchase cylinders of liquefied gas. Given the difference in the cost of gasoline, diesel fuel and gas, this option for heating the interior of a car is the most profitable from an economic point of view.

But such a device has its own limitations: with it, you can provide heating only the passenger compartment of the car. It is impossible to install a gas autonomous heater under the hood due to its dimensions and features of operation.

Gasoline devices

In the gasoline version, not autonomous interior heaters are often produced, but pre-heaters of the design of an automobile engine. For this reason, such devices are distinguished by their compactness, and thanks to their placement under the hood of the car, they are also quiet in operation. With proper operation, such a heater will also provide windshield defrosting. The fuel consumption of such a starting heater is on average 0.5 liters of gasoline per hour.

As for gasoline devices for interior heating, it is rational to use them only if it is necessary to heat large cars, since due to the use of gasoline, the effect of the heater is great. But the fuel consumption during interior heating decreases, and is about 0.3 liters per hour.

Note! Often, autonomous interior heaters can operate on one of two types of fuel - gasoline or diesel fuel.

Diesel models of autonomous car interior heaters

Diesel heaters are not much different from gasoline ones, especially since they can represent the same device. But they have one significant drawback - the fuel used for operation can be negatively affected by freezing temperatures, so starting such a heater in the cold will be no less difficult than the diesel engine itself.

The advantage of diesel autonomous interior heaters is that modern device designs often use the car battery charge to a minimum, which is no less important when making winter trips.

Features of the operation of "autonomous"

No matter how harmless autonomous interior heaters may seem, they still remain electrical devices (with the exception of gas ones), and therefore they must be handled with the utmost care:

1. When buying a device, be sure to study the features of its connection and carefully follow all the manufacturer's instructions. Particular attention should be paid to the power of the heater. If it does not match the power of the on-board network of your car, do not connect it.

2. Each time you turn it on, check that the device is working properly, that there are no damages or leaks.

3. When operating a gas heater, it is very important to prevent the leakage of liquid gas, as this can cause poisoning for the driver and his passengers.

4. In no case do not allow the maximum operation of the interior heater, as excessive heating of the air in the car interior may be undesirable for your well-being (when the interior is heated, the air in it may become excessively dry, which will require the most frequent ventilation). It should also be understood that the operation of the device "to the limit" can lead to its premature failure.

Also, when buying a cabin heater, do not hesitate to ask the seller for maximum information about it and its manufacturer. It is very important that the device you purchase is compatible with your car, so it will not be out of place to ask your car dealers about the possibility of using an autonomous interior heater.