How many hours can the parking air conditioner be used?

[BradyLynn]

Parking air conditioner can be used for 1 to 2 hours. The components of the air conditioner are: compressor, condenser, evaporator, liquid storage dryer and expansion valve. The functions of the air conditioner: 1. Use the continuous abnormal cycle of refrigerant to achieve the cooling effect; 2. Remove dust, odor, smoke and toxic gases in the car air to make the air in the car fresh, humidify the air in the car, and increase the relative humidity of the air in the car. Precautions for using the air conditioner: 1. The temperature should not be too low; 2. Control the direction of the air outlet; 3. Avoid long-term use; 4. Turn on the high air volume appropriately; 5. Turn off the air conditioner when driving at low speed.

[Jennifer]

The parking air conditioning in my SUV can last about 4 hours, depending mainly on the battery level. I usually set the AC to 24°C with medium fan speed. If it's extremely hot under direct sunlight, it might only last a little over 2 hours. It's best to check the battery condition before parking—older batteries that have been used for three or four years tend to drain faster. Also, applying a high-quality heat-insulating film on the windows can save a lot of power. After I installed the film last time, I noticed the AC's runtime increased noticeably. Remember, idling to charge is an option, but it increases fuel consumption. If you plan to use it overnight, it's more cost-effective to find a campsite with charging stations.

[StHazel]

During long-distance trips, I often use the parking air conditioning at service areas for rest. Based on actual tests, running it at medium fan speed for three hours is no problem. The key is parking in the shade to save power—once during a hot day, my car parked under a tree lasted almost an hour longer than a car exposed to direct sunlight nearby. There are significant differences between vehicles: diesel cars, with their larger battery capacity, generally last longer than gasoline cars. For example, my friend's Iveco, equipped with an additional battery, can run continuously for eight hours. If you notice the battery draining too quickly, try raising the temperature setting—28°C can extend usage by at least half an hour compared to 22°C, though it might not feel as cool in summer.

[DelParker]

The power consumption of a parking air conditioner mainly depends on its power rating and the battery capacity. Most standard car batteries are 60 ampere-hours (Ah), and the air conditioner consumes about 5A at medium fan speed, which means it can last for only 3-5 hours at most. If you have an additional auxiliary battery or a 200Ah lithium battery like those used in RVs, it can last for about ten hours. However, it's advisable not to drain the battery below 50% to avoid damaging its lifespan. Remember to close the windows and draw the sunshade when using the air conditioner, as hot glass can waste energy. If you're really concerned about running out of power, set the temperature higher—above 24°C will save more energy.