Nope, seperate from A/C. It is a self enclosed unit based on the Peltier cooler. It is located in the seat. On the bottom of a seat is a small (computer lke fan) with a filter. The fan draws in air and pumps it through a tube to the Peltier cooler. The Peltier cooler (under electrical current) seperates air into a hot air stream and a cold air stream, amazing! Cold or hot air (depending on setting) is then pumped through more tubes that lead to the seat cushions and out of the perforations, thereby cooling/heating arse. The cooling effect has a limit of about 15-20 degrees below the ambient temperature. So using it in unison with A/C (cooling the cabin) will really cool your arse.