Can You Turn on the Heater When Parked in Winter?
2 Answers
You can turn on the heater when parked in winter, but avoid using it for extended periods while stationary. Prolonged use of the heater in a parked car can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, never sleep in the car with the heater running. If you need to park for an extended period, leave a window slightly open to ensure warmth without the risk of poisoning. The functions of a car's air conditioning system are: 1. To achieve cooling by continuously cycling refrigerant; 2. To remove dust, odors, smoke, and toxic gases from the car's interior, ensuring fresh air and humidifying the cabin to increase relative humidity; 3. To utilize engine coolant, waste heat, or heat generated by a burner as a heating source. This heat is transferred via a heater, and the warmed air is then circulated into the cabin by a blower, raising the temperature at the vents for heating purposes.
Using the heater while parked in winter is a common issue. With over 20 years of driving experience, I can confirm it's perfectly feasible, but it depends on the situation. Running the heater while the engine is on is fine—the warm air comes from the engine's residual heat, making it energy-efficient and not consuming extra fuel. I remember a few winters ago when I was waiting by the roadside, I kept the engine and heater running, and the car stayed comfortably warm. However, never turn on the heater with the engine off—only the fan will run, blowing cold air and draining the battery. I once ended up with a dead battery and had to call for roadside assistance. For safety, avoid running the heater for long periods in an enclosed garage to prevent carbon monoxide buildup from exhaust fumes. Regularly checking the battery and fan system can help avoid trouble.
