Engine block heaters keep your car toasty better than a sweater and ease starting in the winter, especially for cars using diesel. Plus, they can help your heater work faster and reduce emissions by an average of 60 percent, according to the
WSU Extension Energy Program. But cold-weather energy bills can be some of the highest of the year, and engine block heaters use an average of 4,800 watts annually. There's no need to use an engine block heater overnight: If it's freezing out and your favorite set of wheels has a block heater, wise up when warming and
use a timer to save electricity and money. Value your shut-eye? A
programmable outdoor timer can even start heating your car two or three hours before work, so you don't have to wake up early!
University of Saskatchewan researchers found that after four hours, there's no added benefit of using an engine block heater, and the job's usually done within two or three, so
unplug your heater after that to save money on energy bills.