Climate Control at Idle.

THE PRIMARY REASON A DRIVER IDLES AN ENGINE IS TO KEEP THE CAB CLIMATE COMFORTABLE AND THE ENGINE WARM, BUT IDLING IS NOT ALWAYS THE BEST WAY TO GET THE JOB DONE.

Old habits are hard to break. Take, for instance, idling the engine to keep it and the cab warm. Sure there may be some very good reasons to keep things warm, but there are options available to limit idling.

Most fleets understand the negatives associated with excessive idling but may still have not fully investigated the benefits of alternatives. Auxiliary engine and cab heaters have been around for quite awhile. They provide a viable option to idling, but since it is at additional cost up-front, some fleets have hesitated. But what about payback? Two of the major manufacturers of auxiliary units talk about some of the far-reaching cost and environmental benefits.

Idling, at issue

Franz Neumeyer, vice-president and general manager for Webasto Thermosystems, Inc., says, "One of the major issues the trucking industry is poised to address is unnecessary idling. Unnecessary idling spikes maintenance and operating costs, wastes fuel, contributes to our dependence on foreign oil, pollutes the environment, contributes to driver fatigue and reduces safety. These four primary target groups -- fuel, driver comfort, maintenance cost and emissions -- can be addressed by using auxiliary engine and air heaters."

It is no secret that fuel costs can be lowered by limiting idle. A 1999 study conducted by Argonne National Laboratories for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) points to auxiliary heating systems for both truck cabs and engine blocks as an effective anti-idling solution. Per truck, such systems can save 1,230 gallons of fuel annually and several thousand dollars in maintenance costs. Auxiliary engine and cab heating and cooling systems use one-tenth the fuel needed by an idling engine.

Neumeyer points to another issue, driver shortages, as a reason to look at auxiliary heating and cooling. He says, "Qualified drivers often move from company to company to find the best-paying jobs. Progressive fleets are seizing a competitive advantage by spec'ing their trucks with comfortable sleepers and seats, air ride suspension for reduced vibration, noise inhibitors and, among other amenities, auxiliary cab heating and cooling systems."