Most of my rotary flying has been in R22 Betas without carb heat assist. Since I got my Beta 2 a few months ago, I have found the heat assist to be a nuisance. I monitor the temp very closely and always keep it over 10 deg. However, I find that with the assist function I am always having to pull the heat out some more. I know that you can flick the catch over and lock it out but have not done so. Increased fuel consumption is a very small negative considering the amount of money we are all burning anyway.
Could some of the experts comment on the benefits/disadvantages of leaving the heat full on all the time?
I also have a small Rotax engined kitplane which has its cooling water ducted round a jacket on the carb throat, thus heating the carb body all the time. This works a treat. No hot water in an R22 unfortunately!