In cold weather, diesel motors can struggle to start up in the morning. Many motors come with block heaters that use electricity from the grid to preheat the motor for an easier start. Out of habit, many customers plug in the heaters in the evening and let them run all night so that the motor is warm by the morning. However, the heaters run unnecessarily long, each using several hundred watts. Ideally, heaters only need a few hours, at most, to preheat a motor.
Next, basic timers were added to the block heaters, which were considered an energy efficiency measure. They allowed warmers to run only before they were needed, but they still required manual intervention and planning.
Since several new smart controls have become available for engine block heaters, we’ve had many customers ask about incentives. Select a button below for more details on engine block heater and other incentives.
Pacific Power offers the following:
These smart controllers are superior because they use variables such as ambient temperature. Using ambient temperature helps to reduce block warmer run times. When setting preheat times using a block timer alone, you are forced to plan for the worst-case scenario. Engine block heater controllers dynamically adjust schedules to be the most efficient.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Marcelino Osorio at WattsmartBusiness@evergreen.energy or (509) 930-1562 if you or your customers feel you might be a good fit for this new measure.
Link to the General Application
Link to Washington Non-Residential Energy Efficiency Measure
Link to Engine Block Heater Controller Handout
