Does Keeping the Engine Running with AC On Consume More Fuel?
2 Answers
Keeping the engine running with the AC on does consume more fuel. When the AC is turned on, the engine control unit increases the engine speed by approximately 100 RPM. This results in an increased air intake, which in turn leads to more fuel injection and a richer air-fuel mixture. The engine's computer adjusts these parameters to enhance engine stability, thereby consuming more fuel. Below are other impacts of keeping the engine running with the AC on: Increased Carbon Monoxide Concentration: During idling, incomplete combustion of gasoline produces carbon monoxide. The longer the idling duration, the higher the concentration of carbon monoxide around the vehicle. Prolonged idling while stationary can lead to dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide inside the car, potentially causing carbon monoxide poisoning and even fatalities, thereby leading to safety incidents. Increased Carbon Deposits: Idling causes incomplete combustion of gasoline, leading to the formation of carbon deposits. Severe carbon buildup can affect the vehicle's normal operation, resulting in reduced engine displacement, increased fuel consumption, and excessive exhaust emissions.
I've been driving for several years and noticed that keeping the air conditioning on without turning off the engine does consume quite a bit of fuel. When the engine is idling, it already burns fuel, and with the AC on, the compressor relies on the engine, requiring additional fuel for power. Once, while waiting for someone with the AC on for about ten minutes, I saw a noticeable drop in the fuel gauge, estimating an extra half liter of fuel consumed. Over time, these costs add up, which isn't wallet-friendly. It can also lead to carbon buildup in the engine, reducing its lifespan. On hot summer days, if you want to stay cool, you can turn the AC on and off intermittently or use the fan. The key is to park in the shade to avoid direct sunlight.
