Parked HVAC
The Bergstrom NITE parked HVAC system consists of a compact electrical 3000-BTU air-conditioning system, and a diesel-fired heater unit. It is completely self-contained, and runs on 12-volt deep-cycle batteries located between the frame rails. The parked HVAC batteries are isolated from the vehicle-starting batteries, to prevent the starting batteries from being drawn down during HVAC operation.
The A/C system is designed to maintain cool air in the sleeper interior without having the engine running. However, the parked A/C unit will not cool down a hot sleeper that has been sitting in the sun without the vehicle A/C running. If the interior temperature is higher than desired, start the engine and run the vehicle A/C system until the desired sleeper temperature is achieved. This will help cool the sleeper to a temperature that the parked A/C system can maintain. For optimal operation, the curtain between the cab and the sleeper should be closed when using the Parked HVAC A/C system.
The A/C unit is located under the lower bunk in the sleeper compartment, and intakes air through a grille located on the front panel of the lower bunk. The outlet ducting runs from the left side of the unit to an outlet on the back wall of the sleeper.
The heater unit is located next to the A/C unit. It intakes air through a grille located on the right side of the front panel of the lower bunk. The outlet ducting runs from the back of the unit to a grille on the left side of the front panel of the lower bunk.
Warning: Do not operate fuel-operated heaters in an area where flammable vapors, including gasoline or diesel fumes, are present, such as at filling stations and tank farms. Turn off a fuel-operated heater and allow it shut down completely before entering an area where flammable gases or liquids are present. Heaters continue to operate for up to three minutes after being turned off.
Failure to observe these precautions could cause an explosion or fire, resulting in serious property damage, and personal injury or death.
Important: Blocked vents will hamper the operation of the unit. Keep the area around the air intake grilles clear of objects that may block air flow, or emit objectionable odors into the HVAC system.
Parked-HVAC Controls
The control panel for the parked HVAC is located on the left side of the rear wall, in the sleeper. It has a temperature-control dial, and a 4-position mode switch. Turn the temperature-control dial to the left for cooling, and to the right for heat. See Fig.. See Table. for a description of the mode functions.
After using the system, turn the mode switch to the OFF position, even if the unit is not running, or the batteries may not charge properly.
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Temperature-Control Dial
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Mode Switch
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A/C Only
-
Heat Only
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AUTO
-
OFF
Fig. 1, Parked-HVAC Control Panel
Table 1, Parked-HVAC Mode Operation
|
Parked-HVAC Mode Operation |
|
|
Mode |
Function |
|
OFF |
Turns the unit OFF. |
|
AUTO |
Allows the unit to automatically heat or cool the sleeper, depending on the temperature setting and the sleeper temperature. Adjusts the compressor, heater, and fans to keep temperature constant. |
|
Heat Only |
Allows only the heat portion of the system to run. Adjusts the heater only to keep the temperature constant. |
|
A/C Only |
Allows only the A/C portion of the system to run. Adjusts compressor and fans only to keep the temperature constant. |