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