Does driving a van with air conditioning consume more fuel?

[DelBeckett]

Driving a van with the air conditioning on definitely consumes more fuel than driving without it. Here are some related tips for using air conditioning: 1. Temperature: Do not set the air conditioning temperature too low. In summer, many car owners prefer to set the temperature very low, thinking it is more comfortable. However, this is a misconception because a large temperature difference between the inside and outside of the car can easily cause the driver to catch a cold. Additionally, excessively low temperatures may increase the risk of arthritis for passengers. Normally, the temperature inside the car should be 5°C to 6°C different from the outside temperature. 2. Air vent direction: Control the direction of the air vents. Based on the principle that cold air sinks and hot air rises, when using the air conditioning, car owners can follow the guideline of directing the vents upward when cooling and downward when heating.

[VanKennedy]

I've been driving a van for many years, often making deliveries and such. Whenever I turn on the AC, I notice the fuel gauge drops noticeably faster, especially during hot summer days when the van has to run long distances in the heat. The engine power of a van isn't particularly strong to begin with, and when the AC is on, the compressor relies on the engine to drive it, adding extra load. This inevitably increases fuel consumption—based on my experience, I'd estimate it burns about 10%-15% more fuel. Driving at low speeds in the city with the windows down might save a bit of fuel, but on the highway, opening the windows increases wind resistance and ends up using even more fuel. So, it's best to be flexible—for example, turn off the AC and roll down the windows in traffic jams, but on highways, just use the AC without hesitation. Regular maintenance is also crucial—a dirty AC filter reduces efficiency and leads to higher fuel consumption, wasting both time and money on deliveries.

[SanMelanie]

From a technical perspective, turning on the air conditioning does consume more fuel. The van's air conditioning system includes a compressor, which is connected to the engine via a belt, requiring the engine to divert some power to operate this component—much like dragging an extra load. Especially for vans with small-displacement engines, which already have limited power, turning on the AC immediately increases fuel consumption significantly, with data showing a rise of 10%-20%. I've personally noticed while driving that the RPM increases slightly when the AC is on, indirectly indicating the engine is working harder. To mitigate this, regular maintenance of the air conditioning system is essential—ensuring the refrigerant lines are leak-free and the filters are clean—so the compressor can operate more efficiently. Additionally, avoid blasting the AC at maximum power immediately upon startup; wait until the cabin cools down before adjusting it to a lower setting. Every little bit of fuel savings counts.

[MacColin]

Every time I drive my van, I think about how to save money. Running the AC really consumes fuel, increasing fuel consumption by 10-20%, which adds up to dozens of yuan more per 100 kilometers. For example, when delivering goods, I try to use natural ventilation as much as possible, only turning on the AC when it's unbearably hot. Planning routes in advance to avoid traffic jams and reducing idle time with the AC on can also cut costs. The van's large space makes the AC work harder, so I try parking in the shade or opening the windows to let heat escape before closing them and starting the AC, which helps lower fuel consumption a bit. The savings on fuel add up over time, and in a year, it could buy a new tool.