Is it okay to keep the parking ventilation on all the time?
3 Answers
It is not advisable to use the parking air conditioning for too long. It is generally recommended to ventilate every 3-4 hours. Here is an introduction about keeping the parking air conditioning on all the time: 1. Increase the load on the cooling system: It is not good for health. You can turn it off first and then turn it on again after a while. 2. Do not sleep in a closed car with the air conditioning on: Because the ventilation in the car is poor, the carbon monoxide emitted by the engine may seep into the car, which may cause carbon monoxide poisoning. 3. Internal and external circulation switch: When external circulation is used, the air conditioning draws air from outside the car. Internal circulation means the air inside the car is recycled.
Keeping the parking ventilation on all the time isn't actually ideal. I've driven several types of cars and noticed that leaving it on while parked continuously drains the battery. The battery has a limited capacity, and if it's left on for too long, the battery might run out, making it troublesome when you can't start the car. Once during summer, I tried leaving the ventilation on all day to cool down the interior, but the battery died, and I had to call for roadside assistance to fix it. Now, I always set a timer—like just 30 minutes or an hour—since there's no need to keep it running continuously. The ventilation function is meant to circulate air inside the car, preventing stuffiness or odors, but you need to balance practicality and avoid over-relying on it. It’s also important to regularly check the battery’s health, as older batteries are even more vulnerable to excessive drain. In short, occasional use is fine, but don’t leave it on for too long to avoid unexpected disruptions to your trip.
From an energy-saving perspective, keeping the parking ventilation running continuously is somewhat wasteful. I'm very environmentally conscious, and this feature operates on battery power when the engine is off. Continuous power consumption not only affects the battery's lifespan but may also reduce its overall efficiency. If the battery drains excessively, replacing it generates more electronic waste, which is harmful to the environment. Moreover, the car itself consumes energy during operation, so there's no need to add extra burden. It's best to turn it on as needed when parked, such as briefly ventilating on hot days to maintain comfort and avoid excessive interior temperature or stuffy air. I also frequently adjust based on weather forecasts, activating it only under strong sunlight for better efficiency. Developing this habit allows me to enjoy convenience while contributing to sustainability—a win-win situation.
