Does idling the car with the AC on consume fuel?
4 Answers
Idling the car with the AC on does consume fuel, because the car's air conditioning system is powered by the engine operation, and as long as the engine is running, it consumes fuel. The car air conditioning system is designed to regulate the temperature inside the cabin, enhancing driving and riding comfort. Its main function is to provide a comfortable driving environment for the driver and passengers. The system typically consists of a compressor, condenser, receiver-drier, expansion valve, and evaporator. Proper ways to use the air conditioning include: 1. Turn off the AC when driving at low speeds; 2. Avoid smoking inside the car when the AC is on; 3. Turn off the engine before turning off the AC; 4. Immediately activate the recirculation mode when entering the car in summer.
Parking with the air conditioning on does consume more fuel, as I've personally experienced multiple times. This is because the car's air conditioning compressor requires the engine to drive it, and the engine continues to run at idle to provide power, which consumes additional fuel. Idling alone consumes about 0.5 liters of fuel per hour, and with the air conditioning on, this may increase to 0.8 or 1 liter, depending on the size of the car and the outside temperature. In hot summer weather, the air conditioning load is higher, leading to even greater fuel consumption. For example, after waiting for half an hour, I've noticed a significant drop in the fuel gauge. Doing this long-term not only wastes money but is also bad for the environment, increasing exhaust emissions and engine wear, which shortens the engine's lifespan. It's recommended to prioritize opening windows for ventilation or finding a shaded area when parked to avoid prolonged idling. If the car has an auto start-stop function, you can briefly use the air conditioning to save fuel.
From a cost-saving perspective, idling with the air conditioning on definitely consumes more fuel. I've done the math: idling with AC burns approximately 0.7 liters more gasoline per hour. At the current fuel price of 8 yuan per liter, that's 5.6 yuan per hour. If you wait in the car with AC on for one hour every week, it adds up to nearly 300 yuan in extra fuel costs per year. This expense can be easily avoided by turning off the engine and using the sunroof or windows for ventilation instead. The air conditioning is powered by the engine, which in turn consumes fuel, so increased fuel consumption is unavoidable. This is especially noticeable in extreme cold or heat, when fuel consumption is higher and engine maintenance costs also rise. I recommend developing the habit of only using the AC when absolutely necessary, such as during short red-light stops. Over time, this can save a significant amount of money and extend your vehicle's lifespan.
Idling with the AC on increases fuel consumption and pollution. As an environmentally conscious person, I avoid this practice. The engine idling to power the AC compressor consumes extra fuel, producing nearly 1.6 kg of CO2 emissions per hour. This worsens urban air quality and harms health. Whenever possible, turn off the engine and use natural ventilation when parked. Alternatives like installing heat-insulating window films are wiser choices. Small changes can reduce your carbon footprint.
