Does idling with the air conditioning on affect the engine?

[CeciliaMarie]

Idling with the air conditioning on does affect the car. When the engine operates at low speeds for extended periods, it is more prone to carbon buildup. Over time, this can lead to unstable idling and other issues that impact the engine's performance, as well as shorten its lifespan. Below is a detailed explanation of the effects of frequently idling with the air conditioning on: Effects: When the car is idling with the air conditioning on, the electrical reserves are limited, so the engine must work to maintain the air conditioning system. However, during idling, the combustion of gasoline is incomplete, releasing various pollutants, especially carbon monoxide, which can be more than ten times higher than during normal driving. Dangers: If the car is idling with the air conditioning on and the doors and windows are tightly closed for a long time, exhaust fumes can enter the enclosed cabin. If these fumes accumulate to a certain level, they can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.