I installed my EBH today!

Congrat's ! !

Hey, just in time for cooler weather. The EBH really helps (along with grill blocking) keep the mpg's up in cooler weather. Did you bark a lot of knuckle skin off? Mighty tight spot, when you're trying to feed that sucker into a hole you can't see without mirrors ... at least it was for hands on my 6'-5" frame.

 

I have been looking around but have unable to find it.... Are there any stats on what type of typical MPG / $$$ a EBH saves? Teh $50-$60 doesn't seem like a lot, so if it saves any money, it should be easy to re-coup. Also, if it saves any wear/tear on the engine, then that it money in the bank, too. I just want to know the facts.

 

There is a way to calculate it. You need to know the wattage used, the time you plan on using it, the power companies electric rate and the improvement to gas mileage.

Here are some numbers that have some basis in reality......

Engine Block Heater = EBH = 300 watts = 0.3 kw
Time = T = 3 hours
Electric Rate = $0.10 kilowatt hour (kwh) (off peak rate)
Cold MPG = 25 mpg
Warm MPG = 50 mpg
Gasoline = $4/gallon
Distance driven in first 5 minutes = 2.5 miles.
Takes 5 minutes for the car to "warm up".

EBH*T = 0.3 kw*3hours = 0.9 kwh * $0.10 kwh = $0.09
Cost = $0.09

2.5 miles @ 25 mpg = 0.1 gallons of gas @ $4/gallon = $0.40
2.5 miles @ 50 mpg = 0.05 gallons of gas @ $4/gallon = $0.20
Savings = $0.20

Net savings = $0.11 per day.

Electricity and Gasoline rates do fluctuate, with Electricity rates typically decreasing significantly in the winter time (in California it is about $0.40 kwh in the summer and $0.10 in the winter at peak times and $0.10 off peak year around). I've assumed off peak rates (as an EBH wouldn't be used from noon to 6 pm). If you are on a flate rate, you need to find your bill or contact your power company and see what rates they charge).

Mind you, this is a quick, back of the envelope type of calculation, your savings and mileage may vary.

 

Seriously? $0.11. Considering I park my car outside, I think I'll give up the $0.11 not to have to worry about dealing with the cord in the rain and snow. Also, I don't need my wife driving off with the car still plugged in!!! (No offense to the women of the forum, it's really just about MY wife and cars).

 

Mind you, it is a back of the envelope type of sketch (from someone who doesn't own a Prius). But I think the assumptions are going to be ballpark and probably closer than that to reality.

You're right, if dealing with the cord and having your wife drive off with it plugged in, bothers you, then don't mess/bother with it. I can't say how much more it helps in really cold weather, because we don't get really cold weather in the Bay Area. I'm sure others will chime in soon enough.

But, there is a psychology involved with knowing you are maximizing your fuel economy. When someone in a SUV asks you what type of mileage you get in your "toy car", saying 52 mpg sounds a lot more impressive than 48 mpg. Heck, I'd consider getting one for my car even though I've shown the savings aren't mind boggling (just because I want to squeeze out every MPG I can....). And with Solar Panels, it is pretty darn clean energy, certainly cleaner than the petrolium used.

 

True story:
I rolled up toa stop light next to a vintage Corvette. We both had our windows down. He leans over toward me and call out, "Nice car, what kind of milegae do you get in that thing?" I said, "57". I then continued, "Nice car, what kind of mileage do you get in that thing?" as his engine roared even while stopped at the light. He laughed.

 

Diesels have had block heaters for years. I had one and the quick heat is worth it let alone better engine performance and is so good for the motor'I also would like to have one on my prius but my this elderly skin may not allow self installation

 

Where are you in VA? Green Hokie is in the Richmond area. Obviously I can't commit on his behalf, but maybe he'd be willing to help. Wouldn't hurt to send him a PM. All he can do is say "No."

 

I ended up talking the service guy into throwing mine in for me during the 5k checkup....wasnt free but when he quoted 2 hours to install I said "Come on its a block heater and the hole is already there" so it was knocked down to 30min charge.

At first some techs didnt think Toyota even made one for that car, then a master tech came up from another repair team and said "oh yeah done a few of these, the hole is even already there" I responded with "He is hired, I want him working on my car"

I use mine for:

1st Better warm up time heater wise.
2nd Fuel savings

 

There's also the wear-and-tear aspect, especially if you have
those sporadic times when the coolant-storage system doesn't
pump back in at a really cold startup. The warmer you have the
engine already, the better.
.
Those conversations between Prius owners and muscle-car owners
usually boil down to about a factor of ten...
.
_H*

 

Are the leaves changing in Virginia yet, I might be feeling the need for a long road trip.

Wayne

 

They're just starting around here. Based on historical trends they should be close to their peak in the mountains.

I have my own place now and you're welcome to stay overnight. I'll be getting a roommate in a couple of weeks, so it might be an air mattress on the floor. But hey, it's free.

 

Better than the surfaces I've laid on to do the EBH installs. If the call comes then I'll tell you to start inflating.

Wayne

 

How do I contact this (greenhokie) anybody know?

 

The leaves are at their peak now and because of the elevation diference (2000 feet at Abingdon to 5750 at White top mnt) you can pick the degree of color you like.I live between Abingdon and Damascus just off hyw 58 Come visit.

 

That's real pretty country out there. And easy to get to in a day. I'll check my schedule for next weekend.

Wayne

 

Try sending him a PM. Here is his profile page.

 

I have been seriously thinking of getting an EBH and looking for someone in NorthernVA to install it -- I don't know how long it takes to get it shipped from the PruisChat Shop, but if anyone can do the install for a reasonable price within say 100 mile radius of Dulles Airport -- I'll order the thing.and drive to you.....If I was 15 years younger, I'd do it myself -but my days of voluntarily crawling under a car on jackstands are pretty much over.