The problem of heating in cars does not have a uniquely correct solution. The range of systems that are offered by modern manufacturers for such tasks is enormous, but each device has both pros and cons that you have to put up with. And this is not to mention folk methods, which also distract the attention of frugal, but not always prudent motorists. And yet, in many ways, a balanced and optimal solution can be a fan heater in the car from the cigarette lighter, which requires a minimum amount of energy, but at the same time provides efficient heating.
The general device of the fan heater
Heat fans for machines are carried out according to the general principles of compact heaters. The base, enclosed in a plastic case, is formed by a heating element and a small electric motor that drives the air in the cabin through the ribbed hot surfaces. As the instruction notes, the fan heater must be connected precisely through the cigarette lighter, and not directly to the battery pack using adapters.
Widespread and models that work on the principle of autonomous energy supply. Such designs provide a niche for their own battery. The advantages of such solutions include independence from on-board power, but for this the user will have to regularly charge the battery itself. A fan heater for cars is usually installed on the instrument panel from the outside, which makes it possible to more efficiently run air flows. Direct fixation is carried out using brackets or suction cups - it depends on the particular installation site.
Features of ceramic models
Ceramic components are usually used as the heating element. They are distinguished by durability, environmental friendliness and some advantages of the principle of operation. Suffice it to say that heating occurs with minimal burning of oxygen, so the air in the cabin retains its beneficial properties. Before use in the composition of the heaters, such elements are subjected to additional processing. As a result, surfaces are endowed with higher protective properties, which determines the durability of the structure. According to experts, the fan heater in the car from the cigarette lighter with a ceramic heater is able to serve up to 10 years. Another thing is that other components, including an electric motor, can fail. But there are weaknesses in this material. In particular, ceramics are inferior to shadow and nichrome devices in heat storage capabilities.
The advantages of fan heaters
The devices are quite practical, easy to install and maintain, do not carry harmful effects during the heating process and are not expensive. The balanced design, in particular, expands the possibilities of installation of the device and its fastening. Although such models do not indulge in technological excellence, their operating principle as such gives many advantages. The same ceramics provides heating in an arbitrary mode, focusing on the given parameters. It is independent of power supply fluctuations. If you need a stably working and small heater, then it is quite possible to choose a fan heater from the cigarette lighter. Reviews also indicate a convenient function of thermoregulation. Not all models are equipped with this feature, but the regulator greatly simplifies the operation process, allowing you to fix the optimal level of heating. Moreover, individual modifications are also provided by automatic control functions of the device.
Disadvantages of fan heaters
Compactness and optimized filling are still reflected in the operational qualities of such heaters. Despite the flexibility in controlling heat fluxes, ceramic fan heaters are not able to provide large volumes of power. Their heat transfer is limited to a limit of 400 ° C. For comparison, alternative solutions in the form of small automotive heaters are able to operate at 700 ° C. In addition, the fan heater can cause some inconvenience to the car from the cigarette lighter if you plan to use other electronics on the instrument panel. It can be a video recorder, navigation device or radar detector. With all the advantages of being located in a prominent place, the fan heater can not only physically become an obstacle to the placement of other equipment, but due to the spread of heat fluxes, it can negatively affect their work. This is especially true for equipment that receives satellite and radio signals.
Car Fan Manufacturers
Although fan heaters are not particularly popular in the automotive accessories segment, almost every manufacturer of this profile has 1-2 models in its lineup. In particular, such products can be found in the KOTO and SITITEK families. These companies offer the most advanced modifications of heaters, the equipment of which includes a wide constructional option. This also applies to fasteners and temperature controllers. The ceramic automobile fan heater, worthy in quality, in different versions is also produced by the manufacturer AIRLINE. For example, modification AAH-12-01 in a sense is an example of this heating concept. The solutions that are interesting in their characteristics are also offered by AvtoLyuks, which also develops integrated car heating systems.
How to choose the best fan heater for a car?
A wide range of parameters is taken into account, although radical differences between different representatives of the segment are still not observed. The choice is based on productivity, the availability of modern controls and the reliability of the fastener system. As for the power indicator, the automobile 24V fan heater, which also connects to the cigarette lighter, may be most preferable. But if you initially bet on an auxiliary interior heating system, then you can stop the choice on a model with a voltage of 12V. Such devices are favorably distinguished by low power consumption. For the rest of the parameters, including the way of management and control, one should focus on personal comfort. Some users appreciate the traditional approaches to mechanical settings, while others are willing to switch to automation.
How much is a fan heater?
Cost is another reason why you can give preference to such devices. In the budget class you can find a fan heater, the price of which will be 500-600 rubles. Of course, these are the simplest models with a basic set of features, which, moreover, will not provide complete heating in conditions of severe frost. But as an auxiliary temporary solution, they suit many.
For 1-1.5 thousand, you can purchase a device in which additional functionality will be provided - for example, in the form of the same temperature controller. Demands are also in demand for models that are more similar in terms of performance to heat guns. This is a fan heater, the price of which can reach 3 thousand, but its power is quite enough to quickly warm up the entire cabin.
Conclusion
Manufacturers of automotive accessories consider electronic heating systems as the most promising direction for the development of this segment. Such devices are integrated into the structural basis of the car and, regardless of the principle of operation, are tightly inserted into the infrastructure of the electrical system. Partly in this concept, the fan heater also fits into the car from the cigarette lighter, but at the same time its developers remain committed to traditional principles. This is evidenced by the physical autonomy of the structure, the possibility of mechanical control and the installation method itself. The device can be removed or moved at any time, without performing unnecessary manipulations. But you have to pay for these advantages with average rates of thermal return.