School buses don’t have air conditioning, mainly because it’s not financially viable for bus companies.
These buses are only used a few times a day and are parked outside, making air conditioning installation impractical in terms of cost.
School buses are designed without roofs for safety. This means air conditioning can’t be added without altering the structure.
Here is some reason for no air conditioning in school buses:
Table of Contents
1. It’s Costly to have AC on School Bus
Buses are coming down in price, but it would be too costly to put air conditioning on them. The maintenance cost would be high because the unit would need to be checked regularly for leaks and would need to be replaced every few years.
Schools with limited funding could not afford to maintain such an expensive item.
2. Maintenance is cumbersome
The introduction of the air conditioner could damage the mechanics of the bus because it requires a steady flow of coolant and regular maintenance.
Also, if a leak were to occur in the system, it would require repairs, damaging the bus further and wasting money that could be used to improve schools and education.
Schools could maintain their buses without the use of air conditioning, and resources are limited enough as it is.
3. Passenger safety
A broken air conditioner on the bus would be dangerous for passengers, the driver, and the school staff traveling with them.
It is hazardous because a bus accident could cause severe injuries and severe financial damage to the school, making it impossible for them to hire a new driver or try to find another way to fix their bus if repairs are needed.
4. Space is Limited on School Bus
Buses have limited space for storage, and nothing can be stored if it could be put in the interior of a bus.
Also, an air conditioning unit would take up a lot of space on the bus. More space for books and desks will be needed if it is installed.
A large amount of space would only need to be dedicated to an air conditioning unit. If a bus had air conditioning units, it would not be easy to accommodate large numbers of passengers because there would be less room on the bus.
5. The Engine can cause Overheating the Engine
The engine adds a lot of heat to the inside of a bus, and people want fresh air, so having an air conditioner with all that engine heat could make people hot.
The weight could cause significant problems with suspension braking and handling. Engine heat could also cause the bus to overheat and shut down.
Large amounts of heat will add a lot of wear and tear to the engine, which will cause it to break more often. The unit takes a lot of energy to run and can drain batteries.
6. The Roof will need Redesigning
The roof would have to be redesigned to be taller and sturdier to handle the weight of an air conditioner and any repairs that may need to be made in case of leaks or damage.
It would limit the amount of headroom for any passengers, making it more difficult for anyone sitting in the back of a bus. It could also damage trees, buildings, and other vehicles along a bus route.
Conclusion – Why Don’t School Buses Have Air Conditioning
Buses are great for transporting students and staff to and from school. However, many people have suggested air conditioning to solve the heat problem. While this option could be explored, it has issues that would drastically affect the school and its budget.