Does the car consume more fuel when idling with the air conditioning on?
3 Answers
When the car is idling with the air conditioning on, it consumes more fuel, increasing fuel consumption by approximately 2L. Below is relevant information about fuel consumption: 1. Fuel consumption per 100 kilometers: This refers to the amount of fuel a vehicle consumes when driving a hundred kilometers at a certain speed on the road. It is a theoretical indicator for the vehicle. Manufacturers measure this value under controlled conditions using a dynamometer installed on the vehicle's chassis, converting it into speed parameters, then calculating the theoretical experimental fuel consumption per 100 kilometers for the model at specified speeds. 2. Road condition fuel consumption: This is a fuel indicator calculated based on values determined through repeated tests where the vehicle is driven at specified speeds and times on designated roads. It is also known as multi-condition road cycle fuel consumption.
I remember in the past during summer, when I parked the car and waited with the AC on, the fuel gauge dropped noticeably fast, making me realize how much fuel it actually consumes. As a driver with over a decade of experience, I believe that when the car is idling with the engine running but not moving, the AC compressor has to work, requiring the engine to burn more gasoline to compensate. Therefore, fuel consumption is definitely much higher compared to having the AC off. The additional fuel consumption could be around 0.5 to 1 liter per hour, depending on your car model and AC intensity. Doing this long-term not only costs more money but also increases the risk of carbon buildup in the engine, affecting performance. Compared to running the AC while driving, idling with the AC on is even more wasteful because I’ve noticed that although the engine load is lighter, it burns just as much fuel. So, I recommend avoiding prolonged idling with the AC on—opting for ventilation through windows or resting in the shade is better, saving fuel and giving peace of mind. Additionally, if the battery is aging, long periods of idling may drain it, leading to starting difficulties and extra hassle.
From an environmental perspective, idling with the air conditioning on does increase fuel consumption and pollution. I've seen data showing that when the engine runs solely to power the AC, gasoline burns incompletely, emitting extra CO2 and harmful gases, which significantly burdens the environment. Fuel consumption rises by 0.3 to 0.8 liters per hour, and globally, this accumulates into massive waste. I advocate for drivers to reduce this habit by opting for brief window ventilation or resting in shaded, breezy areas instead. This not only saves money but also cuts carbon emissions. Every time I refuel, I reflect on how these small habits collectively make a big environmental difference. While idling with AC is convenient, in the long run, it's not worth the cost to both the planet and your wallet. Cultivating energy-saving awareness is far more valuable.
