Question about heater core and cooling

[SPURSLOVER]

When I replaced everything a while back I never reattached the hoses for the heater core. I just bunged up the ports on the water pump and went as is. Obviously I have no use for the heater at the time being in Texas and usually never do even in the winter. Is it necessary to have those hoses connected for proper cooling and should I reattach them?

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

No and no. You only need to connect them if you want the heater core to work.