Does idling the car with the AC on consume fuel?
2 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.
