Does Parking with Air Conditioning On Consume More Fuel?
2 Answers
Parking with the air conditioning on does consume more fuel. Here is an introduction about fuel consumption: 1. Introduction: Constant-speed fuel consumption is the vehicle's fuel consumption per 100 kilometers obtained in the constant-speed driving fuel consumption test specified by national standards for certain types of vehicles. 2. Experimental Testing: The test can be conducted on the road or on a chassis dynamometer. The fuel consumption per 100 kilometers is then determined using the "flow meter method" or "carbon balance method." During road tests, it is necessary to follow the standards specified in the national regulations, including test conditions, test methods, and test road selection. Test conditions include: the load of the test vehicle, the accuracy of the test instruments, fuel, tire selection, ambient temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind speed, etc.
I've been driving for many years, and idling with the air conditioning on does consume quite a bit of fuel. The engine already burns fuel while idling, and turning on the AC compressor adds extra load, typically increasing fuel consumption by 0.5 to 1 liter per hour, depending on the vehicle size. For example, if you're parked by the roadside waiting for someone in summer with the AC on for more than ten minutes, you'll notice a significant drop in the fuel gauge—much more costly than just rolling down the windows. Doing this frequently not only adds up in fuel costs over time but also increases engine carbon buildup and wear. My advice is to turn off the engine and AC if you're stopping briefly; for longer stops, finding a shaded spot or using a portable fan is more economical. Some newer cars now come with an eco-mode that optimizes AC usage during idling, helping save fuel.
