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Elite Veteran
Posts: 602
 
Location: md | I have 2 trucks plugged in and one water tank heater. Same for last 5 years. My bill has quadrupled. Any logical explanation? Is it necessary to keep trucks plugged in all winter continusley? [sp] |
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 Veteran
Posts: 218
Location: Ohio | I have a 2012 F350 and the manual says that you should plug the truck in when it is below zero. I will admit that I plug it in when it will get in the single digits. Your signature block indicates you live in Maryland. Your weather should not require the trucks plugged in all winter unless you get another storm like this last weekend. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 781
Location: La Cygne, KS | I would check your stock tank heater. I would guess that it the built in thermostat is not powering off when reaching desired temp..... most turn on at 40 degrees. I have seen some get so hot that the water was actually hot to the touch.Also a higher wattage unit actually takes less energy so if you replaced with lower wattage unit this could explain higher energy cost. |
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Regular
Posts: 79
Location: Alberta Canada | Your truck block heaters are most likely 500-700 watts each, and your stock tank heater could be around 1500 watts, That's 3000 watts total,, think of it this way, that's 30 - 100 watt light bulbs on 24 hrs a day if your thermostat on tank is not working. Ck with your electrical provider for how much it cost to run 3000 watts 24-7. I have converted my stock tank to propane, and insulated the outside of tank with spray on insul. about 2inch thick. Went from 5 -100 lbs propane tanks to 2 tanks per winter, pretty cheap operation. Up here where temps are below zero is the only time I plug my diesel in,and very rarely plug in my gas job. hope this helps |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 602
Location: md | I am in Tn now. The stock tank heater is several years old. Nd wa plugged in in Nov and Dec with no measurable ele bill increase. Trucks are the added useage. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2453
Location: Northern Utah | Put a timer on your truck engine block so it warms up 2-3 hours before you expect to leave. There is no reason to leave it on full time. |
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Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA | Our winters are fairly mild, usually not going much below zero. Our Ford diesel has 5-30 synthetic oil installed and a "Sea Foam" additive is added to the fuel during the winter months. The truck is equipped with a block heater, which has never been used or needed. During our winter months the truck is used irregularly, sometimes sitting unused for several weeks at a time. We have never had an instance when it didn't promptly start, nor have we had any fuel issues, even when it was used at 15 below. Synthetic oils make a cold engine start much easier, provide a quicker lubrication than fossile blends, and greatly reduce starting wear and tear on the mechanicals. An oil change may be the only winter starting aid you may need. |
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Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont | Originally written by walkin on 2013-02-11 5:26 PM
I have 2 trucks plugged in and one water tank heater. Same for last 5 years. My bill has quadrupled. Any logical explanation? Is it necessary to keep trucks plugged in all winter continusley? [sp]
I would look hard at your tank heater...also...have your electrical rates changed??? Put one of these units on your tank heater line... http://www.amazon.com/P3-International-P4460-Electricity-Monitor/dp... |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 602
Location: md | Well, I will get one of the checkers that Paul sugested. I have never before in my life have had a 130.00 electric bill. I unlugged the trucks and will look into getting an outdoor timer. |
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Veteran
Posts: 178
Location: Richmond, Ky | You should be able to compare the total amount of KW'S used and if the amount has not went up given the same temperature degree days, I would say your rates have gone up. If this is the case you can most likely blame the good ole EPA for all the clean air stuff required to meet specs and that cost is passed to you know whom. Ask me how I know, I retired from a electric generating company. Check your bills for any enviromental surcharges or the like, could be it. |
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Regular
Posts: 64
Location: Knoxville | I can't imagine why you've needed either so far this winter? Maybe a day or two, but it's been pretty mild, overall. I'd say, only use them when necessary, rather than as part of a routine. |
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How much electricity do block heaters use?
