Does heater consumes more fuel?

[GoodMan7]

Its very obvious that when we turn on the A/C, it consumes more fuel.
But how about using "Heater" in winter ?

I think Heater consumes more fuel too (not as much of A/C does), but not very sure.
Anyone who is familiar with exact mechanism of it?

[mfdarvesh]

"Climate control" is airconditioning. Apparently on a car, the air is chilled, and then run through the heater matrix to warm it to the right temperature. So the answer must be "yes" as you are chilling the air first.

A car starts up when it is cold, and has an optimum operating temperature.

If the car is under its optimum operating temperature, then having the heater on (assuming the car sends hot water through the heater matrix before it is up to temperature, and I have no idea whether that is universally true) must increase consumption.

If the car is at or above operating temperature, then it has to get rid of its waste heat somehow. Better that it is put into the cabin than that that the engine fan has to be turned on (which will use a small amount of electricity (= petrol)).

Equally, of course, the heater fan will use a modicum of electricity (= petrol).

[Ishtiaq778]

[Ishtiaq778]

[h=2]The heater[/h] In a water-cooled car, the heater casing contains a matrix - a small radiator - that takes hot water from the engine through a hose.
Incoming air goes through the water-heated matrix and is warmed.
There is also an electric fan, which can be switched on to blow air through the system when the car is stationary, or when extra ventilation is called for.
<figure class="small"> <legend>Two methods of heat control</legend> <figcaption>Water-valve system
In a heater worked by a water valve, all the air goes through the matrix. The matrix temperature is controlled by regulating the amount of hot water going through it.
Air-blending system
In an air-blending heater the matrix is at a constant temperature - warm air from it is mixed with cool air as temperature-controlled flaps open and close.
</figcaption> </figure> The fan can be adjusted to run at different speeds, according to need.
The temperature to which the air is warmed is controlled by either a water valve or an air-blending system. The water-valve type is found mainly on earlier cars.
The temperature control on the dashboard works a tap which lets either more or less hot water through the matrix. The setting is slow to respond to change and difficult to regulate exactly.
The air-blending system has a matrix that is heated constantly. The temperature control opens and closes flaps that blend heated air with cold air from outside.
With either system there may be extra flaps to admit a separate supply of cold air to the face vents, even when the rest of the system is supplying warm air.
The air-control flaps inside the heater box may be moved mechanically by sliding knobs on the control panel, which are linked to the flaps by cables.

[usmanuetian]

No, heater doesnt consume more fuel. coz its just a fan which is pulling out hot air from a coil which is heated by hot water from radiator.
So except the load of that electric motor fan (which is v minimal load) there is no extra fuel consumption by engine due to heater.
In case of AC, the compressor is directly attached with engine through belt, which puts load on engine.
But never turn on heater at engine start up in winters, coz you will not be allowing engine to reach its optimum temperature, which means you will be consuming more fuel. so first let the engine heat up, then turn the heater on.