How long can you run the air conditioning while parked normally?
2 Answers
You can run the air conditioning while parked normally for about 15 minutes. The reasons are: 1. Running the air conditioning for a long time while parked can easily cause carbon monoxide poisoning; 2. When parked, the engine is idling at low speed with low intake pressure, causing the engine to increase throttle opening and fuel injection; 3. Prolonged operation with poor heat dissipation can damage the engine. The functions of air conditioning are: 1. It can control the temperature inside the vehicle cabin; 2. It can remove humidity from the air, as dry air absorbs human sweat to create a comfortable driving environment; 3. It can intake fresh air; 4. It can filter the air by removing dust and pollen from it.
I've been driving for over a decade and often encounter situations where I need to run the AC while parked. Normally, when parked with just the ventilation mode on (fan without cooling), the battery can last 1 to 2 hours, depending on the car brand and battery condition. If you turn on the AC compressor, especially during hot summer days, the battery drains extremely fast – possibly dying within 15 to 20 minutes, leaving you unable to start the car. I once waited for a friend with the AC on, and the battery completely died after just 25 minutes, requiring a jump start to get going again. Car batteries typically have a capacity of around 50 amp-hours, while the compressor draws over 200 watts, creating a high current draw that quickly depletes the battery. Additionally, running the AC in an enclosed garage poses a carbon monoxide risk, which is extremely dangerous. It's best to avoid this practice whenever possible. If you must, use only the ventilation fan and crack a window to ensure proper air circulation.
