How Much Fuel Does a Car Use When Idling with AC on for 1 Hour?

[DiCali]

When a car is idling with the air conditioning on for one hour, it typically consumes fuel worth approximately 4-5 yuan. Here are the details: Taking the 1.5 Fengxing 330 as an example, the actual fuel consumption is at least 9 liters per 100 kilometers. In urban areas with air conditioning, the consumption varies depending on driving habits, averaging around 10 liters. If driving in the city with the AC on for an hour, the cost would be about 35 yuan. Additional Information: Methods for Maintaining Car Air Conditioning: 1. Comprehensive AC Inspection: When using the air conditioning for the first time in summer, inspect the AC system thoroughly. Check the refrigerant via the reservoir, see if the AC filter is too dirty, and ensure there are no foreign objects in the radiator. 2. Regular AC Cleaning: Some beginners only think about cleaning the AC when its performance deteriorates, which is incorrect. The AC filter should be replaced regularly. In Beijing, spring brings a lot of dust and willow catkins, which can clog the filter, breed bacteria, and cause a musty smell in the AC. It's best to replace the filter once after spring each year. 3. Don’t Turn Off the AC Immediately After Parking: After reaching their destination, most drivers turn off the AC and leave the car immediately. Unlike in autumn and winter, the significant temperature difference between inside and outside the car in hot summer can cause the AC system to become moldy, leading to the growth of mold.

[SanAlina]

I've been repairing cars for over a decade and have seen many friends wonder about fuel consumption when idling with the AC on. Generally speaking, it consumes approximately 0.7 to 1.5 liters of fuel per hour, depending on the vehicle model and AC power. For compact cars with 1.5T engines, the compressor activation can add 0.2 to 0.4 liters; mid-size SUVs may exceed 1 liter, while large-displacement engines are even thirstier. During summer heatwaves when the AC works at full cooling capacity with prolonged compressor operation, fuel consumption spikes dramatically. I recommend avoiding prolonged idling with AC—engine overheating or carbon buildup can damage your vehicle. It's better to turn off the engine for ventilation or briefly restart when parked. Checking your fuel gauge or using a mobile app to monitor actual consumption helps save where possible.

[VonElias]

I remember last month while waiting in the parking lot, I ran the AC for an hour and my family car's fuel gauge showed a drop of almost 1 liter of gas. With the temperature at 40°C and the AC cranked up to max, the compressor was humming non-stop, and it felt like I was using way more fuel than usual. For a regular compact car like a Toyota Corolla, idling consumes about 0.8 liters per hour, and running the AC adds another 0.3 liters. Larger vehicles like pickup trucks can go up to 1.2 liters. It adds up to about 10 bucks in fuel costs, but it's not worth it. I'd recommend turning off the engine after running it for a few minutes to save fuel. Next time, try rolling down the windows to let the heat out first before turning on the AC—it's almost as effective and more eco-friendly.

[DiBrynlee]

From an environmental perspective, idling a car with the AC on for one hour consumes an average of 0.6 to 1 liter of fuel, equivalent to emitting 1 to 2 kilograms of CO2, which poses a significant burden on the environment. Smaller-displacement vehicles consume slightly less, while mid-sized cars or SUVs can waste up to 1.2 liters of fuel. It is recommended to avoid idling with the AC on and instead use parking ventilation or pure electric mode to reduce carbon emissions. Prolonged idling not only wastes money but also increases greenhouse gas emissions. Opting for public transportation or walking is a more sustainable choice.