Auxiliary fuel-fired heater vs. Remote Start

[KNVXC90]

Hello all, my first post.

Ordered my first Volvo (XC90, D5, Inscription, Magic Blue) in October, with an estimated delivery in early March '17.

I went for the option of auxiliary fuel-fired heater.

Just been told by a colleague, who owns a MY16 XC90 (WITHOUT aux heater), that Volvo just enabled 'Remote Start' from the VOC app in the UK. He is now able to 'remote start' his car, and heat the car using the car's standard climate control system.

So my question is, with the ability to 'remote start', is there a need for aux fuel-fired heater?

Is there a benefit to using aux fuel-fired heater, compared to remote starting the car and using the standard heating?

[Lexman8]

I've been thinking about this as I have both the Aux Heater and Remote Engine Start but since the latter has only recently become available I've not had a chance to fully evaluate it versus Aux heating. My initial thoughts are as follows.

Benefits of Aux Heater

• can be preset using multiple timers
• runs for up to 40 mins
• has parking heat mode
• less wear on the engine
• more efficient than running the engine (?)
• less pollution than using RES (?)
• doesn't attract the attention of miscreants in public places

Disadvantages of Aux Heater

• cost
• something else to go wrong

Benefits of RES

• it's 'free'
• also allows heated seats, etc, to operate
• runs aircon to cool the cabin in summer

Disadvantages of RES

• runs for maximum 15 mins
• limited to 2 starts until car started normally with key present
• can't be used with timers
• attracts attention
• additional wear on the engine
• more pollution (?)
• higher fuel consumption(?)

I really like my Aux Heater but is it worth the extra £1,270? Probably not. If I was ordering again I'd likely replace the Aux Heater with the Seven Seat Comfort pack and pocket the £370 difference.

[KNVXC90]

Thank you Lexman8, for the detailed response. I can now see the benefits of aux heater, compared to heating via remote start.

Will the VOC app let us control the temperature after remote start?

Or the temperature needs to be pre-set before exiting the car?

[neon]

Originally Posted by Vyas

Thank you Lexman8, for the detailed response. I can now see the benefits of aux heater, compared to heating via remote start.

Will the VOC app let us control the temperature after remote start?

Or the temperature needs to be pre-set before exiting the car?

I think:

Heater heats the cabin up to 20C.

Remote start uses the setting from when you last used the car.

The other benefit of remote start maybe in the summer as the air con will also work vs auxiliary heater that will just run the fans with ambient air.

[Lexman8]

Originally Posted by neon

I think:

Heater heats the cabin up to 20C.

Remote start uses the setting from when you last used the car.

Yup, that's my understanding.

[Deman77]

Fuel heater is a lot more effective it produces hot air within 30sec and engine can take up to 10min. So if you ever have an unplanned trip the heater boost means you have hot air out of vents straight away, normal diesel takes forever.

Engine rattles like a tractor and heater only hums like a fan.

The only advantage of new remote start function is aircon in summer and possibly inefficient, slow and loud pre-heat for those who didn't tick aux heater.
I absolutely recommend that you spec it unless you are in the Mediterranean

[Ctpurley]

Originally Posted by Deman77

Fuel heater is a lot more effective it produces hot air within 30sec and engine can take up to 10min. So if you ever have an unplanned trip the heater boost means you have hot air out of vents straight away, normal diesel takes forever.

Engine rattles like a tractor and heater only hums like a fan.

The only advantage of new remote start function is aircon in summer and possibly inefficient, slow and loud pre-heat for those who didn't tick aux heater.
I absolutely recommend that you spec it unless you are in the Mediterranean

Not sure I get the logic with this one....

Why does the engine rattle vs the heater hum make a difference when you're in your house?

As for advantages of RES, surely the one huge one is that its free!?!

Personally I don't have the aux heater, I looked long and hard at it but the expense for the UK climate couldn't be warranted. If Id purchased it and then RES was released, I would have been knocking on the door of my dealer and asking for a refund.

I've also heard a rumour that RES will be improved next year to allow you to remotely change the temperature as well.......if correct, it will definitely end this debate

[GMTRB5]

I agree - I just don't see it's worth the money - there aren't that many mornings when it's so cold I don't want to wait for the car to warm up, and when it is I remote start my engine for 5 minutes and get into a warm car with the front and rear screen de-misted already....

I saved the money and went for the 7 seat comfort pack with heated rear seats and 4 zone climate control

[KNVXC90]

Thanks all for your opinions.

[Deman77]

South east used for well over a year. On scheduled pre heat for school runs for 7 months of the year and booster heater always enabled in the options. I never give a second thought to using the car - I always get warm air before seats or steering wheel warm through. This option would be the top of my list even though I was really doubting it.

With the remote start you are fumbling with the app 10min before you need to use the car for the next few years. I am sure you think it's just as warm but it's simply not. I bet you will very soon be sick of it and just say it's not that cold in the uk and I have heated seats anyway. Bottom line - your car will be that little bit less comfortable. No doubt that money goes a long way in a sweet shop. It's a matter of personal preference.