How much does fuel consumption increase when using AC in summer?
3 Answers
Using AC in summer increases fuel consumption by about 2 units, because the engine operates under load after the air conditioning compressor starts. Here are some related introductions about using AC in summer: Reasons for increased fuel consumption when using AC: The car's air conditioning cooling system requires the engine to drive the compressor, which operates by absorbing heat through the process of converting refrigerant from liquid to gas state. This consumes engine power, thus increasing fuel consumption. Amount of fuel consumption: The amount of fuel consumed directly depends on the power consumed by the air conditioning compressor. If the outside temperature is very high and the set temperature is very low, the air conditioning compressor requires more power, resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Using air conditioning in summer does increase fuel consumption. Based on my actual tests with a small-displacement car, a 10%-15% increase is quite common. The higher the temperature, the greater the load on the AC system, as the compressor diverts some engine power, causing a noticeable jump in fuel consumption. This effect is more pronounced in city traffic jams—short commutes can see fuel consumption rise from 8L/100km to over 9L/100km. To save fuel, it's recommended to cool the car before departure, set the AC to around 25°C for a balance of comfort, and avoid frequent hard acceleration. Using recirculation mode can also reduce the compressor's workload. Regularly check that the AC filter isn’t clogged to maintain efficient operation, as a dirty filter may lead to additional fuel consumption. Ultimately, balancing comfort and fuel efficiency is part of summer driving.
I always pay attention to fuel consumption changes when driving in summer. Turning on the AC typically increases fuel consumption by 10%-20%. The specific range depends on the vehicle model: compact cars with weaker engines see a greater increase, while SUVs remain relatively stable. The reason is simple—the compressor draws part of the engine's output, making the engine work harder. On long highway trips, using the AC is more fuel-efficient than opening windows because it reduces wind resistance. Maintenance is also crucial—I regularly service the AC system, and cleaning the condenser helps maintain efficiency. Remember to avoid keeping the recirculation mode on for too long to prevent stuffiness, and turn off the AC before shutting down the engine to protect the system. These small habits save fuel and provide peace of mind.
