Does idling with the AC on consume fuel?

[StElliana]

Idling with the AC on does consume fuel. Here is relevant information about fuel consumption: 1. Reasons for high fuel consumption: Poor fuel line condition: Excessive carbon buildup causing fuel line blockage leads to increased fuel consumption. Brake abnormalities: Brake pads not retracting properly, keeping the vehicle in a constant braking state while driving. Spark plug issues: Generally, spark plugs need replacement after 20,000-30,000 kilometers of driving. 2. Methods to reduce fuel consumption: Correct bad driving habits, avoid using low-quality gasoline, clean engine carbon deposits, avoid sudden acceleration, clean the throttle valve, and reduce vehicle load. Removing unnecessary items from the trunk can reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency.

[StAsher]

That's absolutely correct. Idling with the air conditioning on does consume fuel. When the engine runs at idle, the air conditioning system relies on it to power the compressor, which increases the engine load and leads to burning more fuel. Having driven for over a decade myself, I've often tested this in summer—keeping the air conditioning on while idling for an hour typically increases fuel consumption by about 1 to 2 liters, costing around a dozen yuan, which isn't worth it. Not only does it waste fuel, but prolonged idling with the AC on can also cause carbon buildup in the engine, affecting its lifespan, and even increase exhaust emissions, polluting the environment. So, I make it a habit to only use the AC while waiting briefly, say no more than ten minutes, then turn it off or crack the windows for ventilation. In hot weather, I try to park in the shade and use sunshades to lower the cabin temperature, reducing reliance on the AC. Overall, idling with the air conditioning on is neither economical nor eco-friendly. It's important to be mindful of moderation and not overlook these small details.

[ODamian]

From a car repair experience perspective, idling with the air conditioning on definitely consumes more fuel. The AC compressor is driven by the engine belt. While idling, the engine itself is running without load and fuel consumption is relatively low, but turning on the AC increases the load, causing fuel consumption to rise by 10%-15%. It's common to see car owners unintentionally idling with the AC on for extended periods, which can drain the battery or cause the engine temperature to rise, wasting fuel. It's recommended to first check the AC settings, such as reducing fan speed and temperature to lower energy consumption. If you're just waiting for someone, using the fan alone is sufficient—there's no need to run the AC at full power. Older cars, in particular, tend to consume significantly more fuel, so regular engine maintenance is essential to ensure high efficiency. Simply put, idling with the AC on is bad for both your car and your wallet—use it sparingly and only when necessary. Safety comes first, but don’t make it a habit that increases expenses.

[LaJudah]

I figured this out after learning to drive. Idling with the AC on definitely consumes fuel. Since the engine is running just to power the AC, fuel consumption is slightly higher than usual. I remember one summer when I was waiting for my girlfriend with the AC on for half an hour, and the fuel gauge dropped a bit. Later, a friend told me it probably used an extra liter or two of fuel. As a new driver, I believe in saving where possible. On hot days, just roll down the windows a bit or use the AC for short periods. Don't leave it on too long to waste money and strain the car. Safety first—if it's extremely hot, use the AC to prevent heatstroke, but limit the time for the car's sake. Overall, keep it simple and practical, and don't waste money on unnecessary fuel.