Oldsmobile/Buick: Oldsmobile 88 1998 Engine Block Heater wattage and operating cost

Question
Hello,

I was just wondering if you know the wattage of the standard block heater installed in an Oldsmobile 88/1998.  I have to pay to plug it in in the winter, and I'm trying to figure out how much electricity it uses.  I've tried looking in the manual etc, but cannot find that specification.  I've noticed most of them are 700watts but not all.  My LL claims that it costs him 5.00 a day for me to plug in my car for about 4 hours, but I'm not sure if I believe that.  After I find out how much electricity it uses (I've considered getting a multimeter but the heater isn't thee only thing running on that line); I can contact thee electric company and go from there.  I live in the tundra, so I have to plug it in at least four hours before I start it most days.  I have a timer set up so that it only runs for four hours a day.  Any help you could provide me with regarding this matter would be most appreciated.  

I'm just afraid he's going to try and charge me an extra 100.00 a month through winter just so I can use my vehicle.

Answer
Margot,

Most Block Heaters that I've seen run between 1000-1500 Watts. That's about 9-12 Amps. Typical GM 1 1/2 Block Heaters run at 400-600 Watts so there's certainly a range. Without knowing whether or not the Block Heater installed came from the factory or was an aftermarket accessory, it can be hard to tell. I'm leaning more towards 400-600 Watts. A better part of the aftermarket Block Heaters available for your car are rated at 400 Watts.

Margot, I hope this helps. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask. Don't forget to rate my response to you.

All the best,

Ed McKenna