Parking AC VS Car AC : Which Saves More Money and Heartache ?
The Parking AC VS Car AC debate is common for truckers and RV owners. Both systems cool your vehicle, though they work very differently. Reliable Truck Air Conditioner Manufacturer give you an overview of their advantages, disadvantages, and costs, so contact us to help you make the decision that’s best for you.
The Basics: What is Parking AC and Car AC?
- What is Parking AC and Car AC?
- Car Air Conditioner (Engine Driven Air Conditioner): This system relies on the car’s main engine, and this type of air conditioner must be running for it to work.
- Parking Air Conditioner (Stand Alone Air Conditioner): This is a stand alone system with its own compressor and power supply that runs off the car battery. It is therefore used to cool the vehicle when it is parked, when the main engine can be switched off.
Parking AC VS Car AC : A Head to Head Comparison
Feature | Parking AC | Car AC |
---|---|---|
Power Source | Vehicle’s battery (12V/24V DC). | Vehicle’s main engine. |
Fuel Consumption | Low. No engine idling. | High. Requires engine idling. |
Engine Wear | None. Operates independently. | High. Causes engine wear and tear. |
Noise Level | Very quiet. | Loud. Engine noise is constant. |
Cooling Function | Designed for parked vehicles. | Designed for driving. |
Initial Cost | Higher. Requires a full system purchase. | Included with the vehicle. |


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Parking AC VS Car AC : Which System Saves More Money?
Hidden Costs of Car AC
Idling engines consume a lot of fuel, with a typical truck engine using about a gallon of fuel per hour, a cost that can quickly add up.
Idling is bad for your engine and can lead to increased maintenance, which may require more frequent oil changes and repairs.
There may be laws against idling in some places, and idling an engine for long periods of time could expose you to fines.
Cost Savings with Parking AC
Parking AC uses very little electricity and does not consume one gallon of fuel per hour. The fuel savings are significant and can potentially save thousands of dollars over the course of a year.
Avoiding idling saves the engine, resulting in fewer oil changes and less stress on engine components.
Parking air conditioning has a high upfront cost, but the long-term fuel and maintenance savings make it a wise investment.
Parking AC VS Car AC : Pros and Cons
Parking AC
- Advantages :
- Quiet Operation
- Eco-friendly
- Driving Comfort
- Disadvantages :
- High Initial Price
- Installation Required
- Battery Dependent
Car AC
- Advantages :
- Included With Vehicle
- Powerful Cooling
- Reliable
- Disadvantages :
- Noisy Idling
- Waste of Fuel
- Damage to Engine
How Parking AC Works: Cooling and Heating Principles
Parking AC systems are versatile. They handle both cooling and heating. A parking cooler uses a simple refrigeration cycle. It absorbs heat from the cabin and releases it outside. For more details, you can read about the Parking Cooler Principle. For cold weather, a parking heater uses a different method. It burns a small amount of fuel to create heat. A fan then circulates this warmth inside the cab. Learn more with our guide on the Parking Heater Principle.
Which One is Best For You?
- Auto air conditioning may be sufficient if you rarely park for long periods of time.
- Parking air conditioning is a better option if you are a long-haul trucker or take frequent long breaks. It’s a long-term investment that will save you money and hassle.
You May Also Want To Read:
Parking AC Trivia : How Does Inverter Save Energy?
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