Does Idling with AC On Affect a 240HP Truck?
2 Answers
Theoretically, idling with the AC on has no adverse effects, except for increased fuel consumption. Below is additional information: 1. Vehicle Air Conditioning: The vehicle air conditioning system consists of a compressor, condenser, throttle element, evaporator, fan, and necessary control components, used to regulate the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle, providing a comfortable environment. 2. Working Principle: The compressor draws in low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator. After compression, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant increase, and it is sent to the condenser. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant transfers heat to the outside air passing through the condenser and liquefies, resulting in a decrease in temperature and pressure. The low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the air inside the vehicle passing through the evaporator and evaporates, turning into gas. Through the circulation of the refrigerant within the system, it continuously absorbs heat from the air inside the vehicle and expels it to the outside air, gradually lowering the temperature inside the vehicle.
I've been driving trucks for over a decade, and idling a 240-horsepower model with the AC on does have noticeable effects. At idle speed, the engine runs at low RPM, leading to incomplete fuel combustion which easily causes carbon buildup. Over time, this accelerates engine wear. The AC compressor is driven by the engine, and its cooling efficiency is very low at idle—on hot days, you need to set it 2-3 degrees lower just to feel cool. Additionally, idling consumes about 1.5-2 liters of fuel per hour, adding up to several hundred extra yuan in fuel costs each month. Last year, my truck's battery died prematurely due to long-term idling with the AC on. Now, I turn off the engine if parked for more than 20 minutes—it protects the engine and saves money.
