Chugach Outlet
November/December 2001, Number 195
Plugging it in
Using an engine heater can help reduce air pollution and wear and tear
on your engine during cold weather months.
Engine start-up is the period of maximum engine wear and minimum
efficiency for cold {1140681 Ki} engines. Emission control equipment
on newer cars is very effective for warm engines, but is not useful
until all components of the engine have warmed. A cold engine produces
50 to 100 times more emissions in the first minute of operation than
when the engine is fully warmed.
You can help cut emissions and save wear and tear on your engine
by plugging your car in at 20 degrees or colder and using an engine
heater for two hours prior to starting the vehicle. How much does it
cost to plug it in? A typical mid-sized car with a 500-watt engine
heater plugged in for two hours would use about 11 cents worth of
electricity at Chugach's current residential rate.
|
