You would want to know about ventilated seats vs. cooled seats as a car owner who desires the best in terms of luxury and comfort in any weather. This guide compares seat types with the aid of a comparison chart.
Find out if buying either product is worth it as you read about their pros, cons, prices, and how they work.
Ventilated Seats vs. Cooled Seats: Comparison Chart
| Ventilated Car Seats | Cooled Car Seats | |
|---|---|---|
| How Does It Work? | Unrefrigerated air is blown at the occupants via small perforations in the fabric of the seat. | Air goes through a cooling system, is refrigerated, and then blown at the occupants through holes in the seat’s upholstery. |
| Pros | – Keep cool without refrigerated air. – Decrease body temperature, reducing sweating. – Dry off any moisture – Lower the temperature of the seats in the hot weather. – Work with other car seat features such as cooled seats, heated seats, massage seats, and power seats. |
– Cooler than ventilated seats. – Save fuel. – Prevent sweat stains – More comfortable with cooled air around your seat. |
| Cons | – Not as cool as cooled seats. – A bit noisy in some car models. – The effectiveness of the feature may be negatively affected by a poor car ventilation system. |
– Cannot refrigerate air without refrigerants. – Require check and recharge the refrigerant regularly. |
What are ventilated seats?
Ventilated car seats are luxury features that direct air evenly through the tiny holes or spaces in the seats’ upholstery onto their occupants for reduced body temperature and comfort.
They are also known as seat ventilation. Drivers and passengers benefit from such sophisticated furniture, especially on long trips. A ventilated seat keeps you cool without utilizing refrigerated air.
How do ventilated seats work?
There are small ducts and fans inside the backrests and cushions of ventilated seats to provide cooling. The fans draw air from the cabin into the seats and blow it out through small perforations in the upholstery towards the occupants.
You can turn the seats on or off and adjust the force of the air. Some car models have ventilated seats that automatically start the cooling process when a hot external temperature is detected. Other ventilated seat types can be set to “auto” so they can come on when the temperature in the cabin gets to a level preset by the driver.
The fans begin at the highest speed when switched on because that is typically the moment when ventilation is most needed for the quick provision of comfort. They automatically slow down after the manufacturer’s preset time is reached. There are various fan speeds for different vehicles that can be selected at the beginning. Some have two while others have three.
Ventilated Seats Pros and Cons
While ventilated seats can offer a great deal of comfort on hot days, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. One is that they can be pretty expensive to install in a vehicle. Additionally, if the seats get wet or sweaty, they may take longer to dry out than regular cloth or leather seats. Finally, some people find the constant airflow from the vents to be a bit too chilly, even on warm days.
Are ventilated seats worth it?
Yes, ventilated seats are worth purchasing. It is because they provide a solution to the problem of a sun-heated cabin and lack of air circulation around your seat. The parts of your body touching the seat will find it hard to regulate temperature properly if there is poor air circulation and or heat. The result will be an increase in body temperature and sweating.
It is advisable to be choosy based on car brands that provide this luxury feature because some offer better-ventilated seats than others.
What are cooled car seats?
Cooled car seats are luxury features that make a vehicle’s occupants comfortable during hot weather by blowing refrigerated air onto them.
Each seat has its controls and can be operated separately. It means that the driver and other occupants can set their preferred individual seat temperatures. Many automakers provide cooling seats as a luxury upgrade for different vehicle models. Most manufacturers offer cooled seats in at least one model.
How do cooled seats work?
Cooled seats blow refrigerated air directly at their occupants instead of trying to lower the temperature of the whole cabin.
Are cooled seats worth it?
Yes, cooled seats are worth spending your money on.
They improve a car’s fuel efficiency by air-conditioning the seats individually instead of the whole cabin. Fuel consumption increases when a vehicle’s AC is on. Don’t forget that cooled car seats blow cooler air than ventilated seats.
Are ventilated and cooled seats the same?
No, they are not the same. The major difference between cooled seats and ventilated seats is that the former uses refrigerated air while the latter doesn’t. Ventilated seats have holes or perforations in the seat surface that allow air to flow through, while cooled seats have a cooling element, such as a fan, that blows cool air onto the seat surface.
Which is better, cooled or ventilated seats?
There is no clear consensus on which type of seat is better for cooling. Some people find that cooled seats are more comfortable, while others find that ventilated seats are more effective at cooling the body. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which type of seat is best for them.
What are heated seats?
Heated seats are found in many newer cars and trucks. They use either electricity or an engine’s waste heat to warm up the seat bottom and backrest. Some even have separate controls for the upper and lower back, as well as lumbar support.
How do they work?
There are two types of heated seats: those that use electricity, and those that use the engine’s waste heat.
Electric seats have a heating element embedded in the seat cushion and backrest. When you turn on the heated seat switch, electricity flows to the element and heats it.
Waste heat seats work by redirecting some of the engine’s heat away from the engine and into the seat. A small fan blows air over the engine’s hot parts and into a duct that goes to the seat.
Ventilated seats vs. heated seats: What’s the difference?
Ventilated seats are designed to circulate air around your body, providing a cooling effect in hot weather. On the other hand, heated seats use radiant heat to warm your body from the bottom up.
Both features can help make your ride more comfortable, but each has unique benefits. Here’s a closer look at the key differences between ventilated and heated seats:
Ventilated Seats:
- Best for hot weather
- Provide a cooling effect
- Can help you stay comfortable and relaxed in hot conditions
Heated Seats:
- Best for cold weather
- Provide a heating effect
- Can help you stay warm in chilly conditions
So, which is better? Ventilated or heated seats? It depends on your personal preferences and the conditions you’ll be driving in. If you live in a warm climate, ventilated seats can help you stay relaxed and comfortable during those long summer road trips. If you live in cold weather, heated seats can take the chill out of your ride on those chilly winter mornings.
No matter which type of seat you choose, make sure to take advantage of the adjustability features to find the perfect comfort level for your needs. And if you’re ever in doubt, remember that you can always turn both features off and enjoy the ride.
How much does it cost to add ventilated and cooled seats?
There are car models that offer ventilated and cool seats that can store settings (memory settings), so you can use them when you drive. The seats work by directing cold airflow through the porous upholstery and seat covers.
A ventilated and cooled seat costs about $1000 to install. Keep in mind that the type of seat fabric (e.g., cloth and leather) also affect the cost.
Can you add aftermarket cooled seats or ventilated seats?
Yes, you can add aftermarket cooled seats or ventilated seats to your vehicle. There are a few different ways to do this, such as installing seat covers that have built-in cooling elements, or using a separate cooling system that attaches to the seat.
Below are some options of ventilated and cooled seat cushion in case your car doesn’t have these features:
Zone Tech Black Cooling Car Seat Cushion
ObboMed Cooling Ventilated Car Seat Cushion
COFIT Ventilated Seat Cushion
Do ventilated seats heat?
Yes, ventilated seats can heat as well as cool. The temperature is controlled by the user and can be set to any desired level.
Do ventilated seats work with seat covers?
It is possible to use seat covers with ventilated seats, but it may reduce the effectiveness of the ventilation. It is best to consult the manufacturer of the seat covers to see if they are compatible with ventilated seats.
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Final Thought
Ventilated vs. cooled seats vs. heated seats make driving comfortable in hot and cold weather conditions, and they work in different ways. Getting ventilated and cool seats and heated seats are advisable instead of getting the combined features separately. Getting these seats installed in your car may be a luxury for you if the vehicle comes with none. Nonetheless, they are always worth the investment depending on your location.
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