How to Hook up a Heater to a Car Battery

Are you tired of shivering in your car during those cold winter mornings? Have you ever wished that your car had a heater to keep you warm and snug while driving? Well, the good news is that with a few simple steps, you can learn how to hook up a heater to your car battery and experience the ultimate comfort while driving in freezing temperatures.

But why bother hooking up a heater to your car battery? Imagine being stuck in traffic on a snowy day, feeling like an icicle, and unable to feel your fingers or toes. That’s not just uncomfortable; it’s dangerous! Driving with numb extremities can affect your reaction time and lead to accidents. Plus, who wants to start their day off by enduring such agony?

Don’t let cold weather get in the way of enjoying your rides. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of hooking up a heater to your car battery so that you can stay warm and cozy throughout the harsh winter season. So buckle up and get ready to learn how to make those chilly commutes more bearable.

Types of Heaters That Can Be Hooked Up to a Car Battery

There are several types of heaters that can be hooked up to a car battery. The most common types include:

1. Portable electric heaters: These heaters run on electricity and come in different sizes and shapes. They’re suitable for use in small spaces such as a car’s interior, but they need an external power source such as a car battery to work.

2. Ceramic heaters: Ceramic heaters are another type of heater that can be connected to a car battery. They’re designed for use in enclosed spaces and provide instant heat without emitting any fumes or gases.

3. Propane heaters: Propane gas heaters can also be used in cars. They’re easy to operate, efficient, and emit heat instantly. However, they require proper ventilation due to the emission of carbon monoxide gas.

4. Diesel fuel heaters: Diesel fuel heaters are another option for heating your car or RV using your car battery. They’re energy-efficient and provide long-lasting heat even in extreme cold weather conditions.

Pros and Cons of Each Type of Heater

Each type of heater has its own pros and cons that you should consider before making a purchase decision:

1. Portable electric heaters: Pros – they’re affordable, easy to use and maintain, safe, quiet, and do not produce fumes or gases; Cons – they need an external power source such as a generator or car battery.

2. Ceramic heaters: Pros – they’re energy-efficient, produce instant heat without drying out the air, operate quietly, and do not emit any fumes or gases; Cons – they may be expensive compared to other models.

3. Propane heaters: Pros – they’re easy to operate, efficient, provide instant heat output even in extreme cold weather conditions; Cons – require proper ventilation due to carbon monoxide gas emissions, may be expensive to operate.

4. Diesel fuel heaters: Pros – energy-efficient, provide long-lasting heat even in extreme cold weather conditions, easy to install and use; Cons – may be expensive to purchase, require proper maintenance.

Tools and Materials Needed to Hook Up a Heater to a Car Battery

To hook up a heater to a car battery, you’ll need the following tools and materials:

1. A 12-volt car battery: This is the primary power source for your heater.

2. Heater unit: Choose the type of heater that best suits your needs.

3. Electrical wires: These will connect the heater’s power input terminals to the car battery terminals.

4. Wire strippers/cutters: Used for stripping insulation from wires and cutting them to length.

5. Crimp connectors or soldering iron: These are used for attaching wires securely together.

6. Electrical tape or heat shrink tubing: Used for insulating wire connections against moisture, dirt, or corrosion.

7. Screwdrivers or pliers: For loosening or tightening nuts and bolts during installation.

Locating the Positive and Negative Terminals on a Car Battery

Before hooking up a heater to your car battery, it’s essential to locate its positive and negative terminals. The positive terminal is usually marked with a plus sign (+) while the negative terminal has a minus sign (-). To locate these terminals:

1. Open your car’s hood carefully and locate the battery compartment.
2. Identify the red (positive) and black (negative) cables attached to the battery.
3. Follow these cables till they connect with their respective terminals on top of your car’s battery.
4. Note which terminal is positive (+) and which one is negative (-).

Tips:

– Always wear protective gloves when working with batteries as they contain corrosive acid that can cause burns or skin irritation.

– Do not touch both terminals simultaneously, as it can lead to electrical shock or short circuit.

Proper Way to Connect Wires from Heater to Car Battery

Once you’ve identified the positive and negative terminals on your car battery, follow these steps to connect wires from the heater to the battery:

1. Turn off your car’s engine and disconnect the negative (-) terminal cable.
2. Connect one end of the red (positive) wire from the heater unit to the positive (+) terminal on your car’s battery.
3. Connect one end of a black wire (negative) from the heater unit to the negative (-) terminal on your car’s battery.
4. Use crimp connectors or soldering iron to attach both wires securely together.
5. Insulate each connection using electrical tape or heat shrink tubing.

Tip:

– Always follow manufacturer instructions when connecting wires as they may vary depending on the type of heater you’re installing.

Leaving a Heater Connected to a Car Battery for Extended Periods of Time

Leaving a portable heater connected to your car battery for an extended period can drain its power significantly. It’s essential to disconnect it when not in use, especially if you’re going away for an extended period. Leaving it connected could also lead to reduced battery life expectancy due to increased discharge.

Tips:

– Always check your battery’s voltage before and after using a heater. If it drops below 12 volts, recharge it immediately using an appropriate charger.

– Avoid leaving heaters connected overnight as this could damage both the heater and your vehicle’s battery.

Battery Life Expectancy When Powering a Heater

The lifespan of a car battery depends mainly on several factors such as its type, usage patterns, environmental conditions, and maintenance practices. When powering a heater, the battery’s life expectancy may be reduced due to increased discharge rates.

Tips:

– Always use a deep cycle battery when using heaters as they’re designed to handle heavy loads and frequent discharge cycles.

– Keep your car battery clean and dry, especially during colder months when moisture can accumulate and cause corrosion.

– Avoid leaving heaters connected for extended periods as this could lead to increased discharge rates and reduce battery life expectancy.

Safety Precautions When Hooking Up a Heater to a Car Battery

Working with car batteries can be dangerous if not done correctly. Here are some safety precautions you should follow when hooking up a heater:

1. Always wear protective gloves and goggles when working with batteries as they contain corrosive acid that can cause burns or skin irritation.

2. Turn off your car’s engine before connecting wires to avoid electrical shock.

3. Disconnect the negative (-) terminal cable from the battery before installing or removing any components.

4. Use insulated tools such as screwdrivers or pliers to avoid short circuits due to accidental contact between metal tools and battery terminals.

5. Always follow manufacturer instructions when installing or operating heaters as they may vary depending on the model you’re using.

6. Keep your workspace well ventilated, especially if you’re using propane gas heaters, which emit carbon monoxide gas that can be harmful in enclosed spaces.

Tip:

– If you’re unsure about any aspect of installing or operating heaters, seek professional assistance from a qualified technician to avoid accidents or damage to your vehicle’s electrical system.

In conclusion, hooking up a heater to a car battery can be easily done by following the right steps and precautions. It is important to ensure that the battery is powerful enough to handle the heater and that all connections are secure to prevent any mishaps or damage to the car’s electrical system.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Hook up a Heater to a Car Battery

Can you run a heater on a car battery?
A regular car battery has a charge capacity of 600 watt-hours, which means that you could use a 200 watt heater for approximately 3 hours before the battery requires a complete recharge.

How long will a car battery run a 12v heater?
With a car-sized battery that holds about 600-700 watt hours and a 1500 watt heater at the appropriate 12 volt rating, you can expect to run it for approximately half an hour.

Will a 12v heater drain a car battery?
It is true that car batteries can be drained by heat. This was confirmed on July 2, 2018.

Can you plug a heater into a battery backup?
Do not connect space heaters to battery backups. It is important to never do both at the same time. This is a safety precaution that should be followed at all times.

How long will a 12V battery run a 1500 watt heater?
As depicted in the image below, a single 12 Volt battery can power a 1500 Watt space heater for 0.4 hours or 24 minutes.

Will a plug in car heater drain the battery?
Using a 120 V plug-in heater while the car engine is turned off will deplete the battery rapidly. The standard alternator in the car may not have enough power to support heaters with high wattage. This information was last updated on January 28, 2021.