How much fuel does a car consume in one hour with the air conditioning on at idle?
2 Answers
Idling with the air conditioning on for one hour consumes approximately 2.2406 liters of fuel. Here is the relevant information: 1. Idle: Idle refers to the state where the engine "works without outputting power." During engine operation, when the throttle pedal is at 0 depth, this state is considered the engine idle state. The engine speed when the engine is running without load and the transmission is in N gear is called the "idle speed." 2. Air Conditioning A/C On: When the air conditioning A/C is turned on, the temperature sensor inside the car monitors the cabin temperature. If the temperature exceeds the set value, the compressor's electromagnetic clutch engages, drawing power from the engine to operate. When the temperature falls below the set temperature, the electromagnetic clutch automatically disengages, and the compressor stops working.
As a veteran driver who loves testing fuel consumption, I recently conducted an experiment with my 2.0L SUV by idling with AC on for one hour, which consumed about 2.5 liters of fuel. This varies by vehicle - smaller engines might use around 1.5L while larger engines could exceed 3L. Running AC requires the engine to additionally power the compressor, increasing load by 20%-30%. So don't underestimate idling - prolonged practice not only wastes fuel but also causes carbon buildup damaging the engine. My advice: if waiting long, it's better to turn off the engine and use key battery ventilation. Also, turning off AC one minute before parking allows engine cooldown, extending its lifespan. Based on my experience, this can save dozens in monthly fuel costs.
