Illinois-based Autotherm, a division of Enthal Systems, Inc., is offering a heating solution designed to keep the cab warm for up to four-plus hours on a typical winter day by enabling the truck's heater to function normally with the engine off. “Our T-2500 Energy Recovery System (ERS) uses a pump to continue to circulate the heated coolant after the engine is shut off,” explains Don Boyer, senior vp for Autotherm. “When the driver shuts the truck's engine off, he or she just leaves the heater and fan on. Built-in temperature and voltage sensors shut the pump down when the coolant temperature reaches 95 degrees Fahrenheit or when the battery reaches just above 50 percent charge.

According to Autotherm, their T-2500 Energy Recovery System (ERS) is the least expensive (less than $750), smallest and lightest (5 lbs.), easiest to install system in the no-idle industry. By adding a small pump in the water line of the engine and by taking control of the vehicle HVAC system thru the ERS's Central Control Unit, the cab heater can operate fully with the ignition off and keep the cab warm for up to 4 1/2 hrs. The System also provides cab ventilation in the summer and Controlled Engine Cool Down all year round.