Can You Keep the Air Conditioning On While Parked?
2 Answers
You should not keep the air conditioning on while parked. Carbon Monoxide: When the car's engine is running, incomplete combustion of gasoline in the cylinders can produce high concentrations of carbon monoxide. While driving, the air flow generated by the air conditioning system creates convection, keeping the carbon monoxide concentration inside the car low. Causes Poisoning: However, when the car is parked with the air conditioning still on and the windows and doors are closed, the air inside cannot circulate. If carbon monoxide from the engine leaks into the car, it can gradually accumulate, increasing its concentration and leading to poisoning or even death. Garage Sealing: When using the air conditioning, if you park the car in a garage and take a nap with the air conditioning on, even with the windows open, it can still be dangerous. This is because a garage is a relatively sealed environment, and high concentrations of carbon monoxide can still occur, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Be really careful about leaving the air conditioning on while parked, especially during hot and stuffy summers. If the engine is off but the air conditioning is still running, it will drain the battery rapidly. I've experienced this myself—once, while waiting for a friend on the roadside for half an hour with the AC on, the battery died, and the car wouldn't start. It was really embarrassing. Even if the engine is running while the AC is on, it burns fuel idly, wasting gasoline and emitting exhaust that pollutes the air. On top of that, in enclosed spaces like garages or underground parking lots, there's a high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Just last year, there was news about someone getting injured because of this. So, I recommend not leaving the air conditioning on continuously while parked. If you must use it, limit it to a few minutes to cool down, then turn it off and open the windows for ventilation or find a shady spot to rest. This way, you stay safe and protect your car's condition.
