Does Leaving the Air Conditioner On While Parking Affect the Engine?
2 Answers
Leaving the air conditioner on while parking does not have any significant impact on the engine. Below is an introduction to the car air conditioning system: Introduction to Car Air Conditioning: The car air conditioning system consists of a compressor, condenser, throttle element, evaporator, fan, and necessary control components. It is used to regulate the temperature and humidity inside the vehicle, providing a comfortable environment for the driver. Working Principle: When the compressor operates, it sucks 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. Inside the condenser, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant transfers heat to the outside air passing through the condenser, causing it to liquefy and turn into a liquid. The liquid refrigerant then flows through the throttle device, where its temperature and pressure decrease, and it enters the evaporator. Inside the evaporator, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the air passing through the evaporator, causing it to evaporate and turn into a gas. The gas is then sucked back into the compressor to begin the next cycle.
To be honest, as someone who repairs cars year-round, I've found that leaving the air conditioning on while idling does place extra strain on the engine. When you let the engine idle, the AC compressor still relies on it for power, which increases fuel consumption and load. Doing this frequently, especially during hot weather with prolonged idling and AC usage, can lead to excessive engine wear, carbon buildup, and potentially shorten component lifespan. Additionally, if you keep the fans running after parking, it can drain the battery, possibly causing starting issues later. My advice is to turn off the AC a few seconds before stopping the engine, giving it a breather to avoid unnecessary trouble. This habit saves fuel and extends vehicle longevity—especially important for older cars.
