Does idling with the AC on consume more fuel?
2 Answers
Idling with the AC on does consume significantly more fuel. Here are the relevant explanations: 1. Reason: When the AC is turned on, the engine control unit increases the engine speed by approximately 100 RPM. This raises the engine's air intake volume, leading to increased fuel injection and richer air-fuel mixture. The engine ECU adopts this method to enhance operational stability. Consequently, the richer mixture results in incomplete fuel combustion. Prolonged idling with AC on accelerates carbon buildup, causing higher fuel consumption. 2. Automotive AC system: The automobile air conditioning system regulates and maintains optimal cabin temperature, humidity, air purity, and airflow. It provides passenger comfort, reduces travel fatigue, creates favorable working conditions for drivers, and serves as a crucial ventilation device for safe driving.
As a young car enthusiast, I've found that using the air conditioning (AC) significantly impacts fuel consumption. Even when the car is stationary, running the AC with the engine on definitely burns fuel. This is because the AC compressor is driven by the engine's belt, requiring the engine to maintain idle operation to power it. On hot summer days, while waiting for friends or resting in the car, the AC provides comfort but slowly drains the fuel gauge—typically consuming an extra 0.5 to 1 liter per hour, depending on your vehicle's size. Over time, this wastes a considerable amount of money. I recommend cracking the windows for ventilation or using the fan mode instead to minimize compressor usage. Additionally, when the battery is low, the engine may automatically start to recharge it, which also unnecessarily consumes fuel. In summary, balance comfort and cost by using the AC only when truly needed.
