Can You Keep the Air Conditioning On While Parked?
1 Answers
It is possible to keep the air conditioning on for an extended period, but it is not recommended to do so while the car is parked, as it can cause certain damages to the vehicle. Potential impacts include: Battery Drainage: While the air conditioning compressor is driven by the engine, the blower fan is powered by the battery. When the car is idling, it may not sufficiently recharge the battery. Excessive use of the blower fan can drain the battery over time. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Running the air conditioning while parked means the engine operates only at idle speed, leading to incomplete fuel combustion. With the windows and doors closed, the poorly combusted exhaust fumes can enter the cabin, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning for the driver. Increased Fuel Consumption: According to relevant tests, running the air conditioning while parked raises the vehicle's fuel consumption. The air conditioning system and condenser require operation, which creates additional resistance for the engine. To maintain stable idling, the engine consumes more fuel, making it less fuel-efficient compared to not using the air conditioning.