What is an auxiliary heater, and what is its purpose on a school bus?

An auxiliary heater is specifically designed to provide additional heating for passengers on a school bus during cold weather conditions. Its primary function is to enhance passenger comfort by ensuring that the interior of the bus is warm and inviting when outside temperatures are low. This is especially important for maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for students who may be waiting in the bus for pickup, during transit, or while the bus is parked.

While other systems within the bus may have different roles—such as a cooling system for hot weather, an air filtration system for improving air quality, or an engine warming system for facilitating engine start-up in cold temperatures—the auxiliary heater uniquely focuses on boosting passenger comfort by delivering extra heat when it's needed most. It operates independently of the main heating system, allowing for greater control over the thermal environment inside the bus.