How does it work?

Espar Heater Systems offers two types of heaters, air or coolant heaters, to better suit your individual needs. Both types of heaters run on the vehicle's own diesel fuel and draw power from the vehicle's existing battery, however gasoline variant models are also available. Our AIRTRONIC air heaters draw air from the outside into a combustion chamber where a minimal amount of fuel encourages an ignition that warms the surrounding air. This system is ideal for heating the bunk in a truck or the cabin area of a boat, a coach or an RV. The HYDRONIC line of coolant heaters operates as a hot water furance, still drawing from the same energy sources as the AIRTRONIC. The combustion chamber ignites and heats the circulating coolant, which then transfers heat to the engine for a quick engine pre-heat. Espar's heaters use a minimal amount of fuel, draw a very limited amount of power from the battery and are available in many different models to suit your needs. Timers and remote key-chain starters are available, making it possible to pre-heat for up to a week in advance or remote start pre-heat on your vehicle.

Is this a new product?

No, Espar heaters are virtually standard equipment in Europe, the British Isles and all other places in the world where fuel costs are higher than ours. The parent company (head office Germany) has been in business for over 130 years.

Why do people buy Espars?

Espar is a large trusted and established worldwide supplier of fuel fired air and coolant heaters. They burn small amounts of fuel versus a large engine and can pre-heat engines to provide startability in cold environments. The air heaters provide comfort heat or cargo heat. A typical tractor engine uses about one (1) gallon per hour at an idle. An Espar bunk heater uses less than half a gallon for an eight (8) hour period. Pollution is reduced as the Espar is about 90% efficient at changing fuel into heat and the truck engine is shut off. Anti-idling laws / fines can be avoided, plus engine wear from reducing idling extends engine life and reduces maintenance costs.

Will my drivers use it?

Driver feedback is always positive because our bunk heaters can put out up to 220°F when needed, which is far more than an idling truck engine can. Plus a quieter more restful sleep is obtained without the truck engine running.

Can I automatically shut the truck engine off to reduce idling?

Yes, all three of the truck engine manufacturers offer an option referred to as Ambient Temperature Auto Shut Down. The engine can be programmed to shut off after five (5) minutes unnecessary idling between settable temperatures.

Will the Espar kill my truck batteries?

It won't be the Espar since it draws less than one amp when running and will shut off when desired temperature is reached, then restart when required. Other battery draws, like leaving the marker lights on, creature comforts such as TV's, refrigerators, microwave, interior lights and radios are usually the culprits.

How can I keep my drivers happy with their electrical needs and still have the engine shut off?

Professional drivers in the new millennium must start to exercise energy management. When the truck engine is shut down to prevent idling costs there is only so much available power before cranking needs are compromised. The Espar bunk heater will shut off automatically at 10.5 volts as it constantly checks battery voltage. There is also a product available that can be the "Quarterback" for all the parasitic loads like TV's, microwaves and refrigerators, cutting them off when power goes down to a certain level.

Is the bunk heater easy to install?

Yes. The truck kit air heater comes complete with everything you need. A typical installation can be done in three (3) hours by one person. An Espar Technician is available to train on site and our installation manuals are very easy to follow accompanied with pictures. Espar also has step by step installation videos of the Airtronic D2.

Who can fix it if there is a problem?

Our product has a two year parts and labor warranty with authorized repair facilities through North America. You can find our Dealer Guide right on this web site. An introduction to the heater on a cassette tape is also provided with the heater.

Who else uses Espar heaters?

Espar is a worldwide organization, but the penetration in the North American marketplace has been slow since old habits die-hard (idling engines). The fuel price rising, combined with pollution concerns, enforcement of anti-idling laws and idling damage to the truck engine are changing things. We do have a list of satisfied users that is growing and many large fleets are doing tests to prove to themselves this will work. Shandex Inc. went from 48% idle time to 14%. Dart, J.B. Hunt and Walmart are all customers with J.B. Hunt reporting a payback in about 88 days.

Can my Espar heater be transferred to another vehicle?

Yes. Many customers do transfer the heaters from one truck to another with one customer claiming he is on his second decade with our older units. A new heater with its two (2) year warranty is usually a good marriage with a new truck. However, it is reported that selling a tractor with an Espar commands higher resale, not only because of the investment and benefit of the Espar, but the fact that reduced idle history on the engine to the used truck buyer results in a better investment than one that has had its life idled away.