How Much Fuel Does Using AC in Traffic Consume?
4 Answers
It depends on the temperature setting of the AC and the duration of its use. The lower the temperature setting and the longer the AC is on, the more fuel it consumes. Impact of AC Fan Speed on Fuel Consumption: Using the AC consumes more fuel mainly because the AC compressor requires significant power to operate. However, the variation in fan speed has minimal impact on power demand. Therefore, within a certain speed range or wind resistance, using the AC increases fuel consumption, while turning it off saves fuel. The effect of AC fan speed on fuel consumption is negligible, including when only using the heater in winter. Impact of AC Temperature on Fuel Consumption: When it's too hot and the AC is necessary, avoid setting it to the coldest temperature—moderate settings are sufficient. The most comfortable temperature range for humans is 20-25°C. Above 28°C, it feels uncomfortably hot, and below 14°C, it feels too cold.
When I'm stuck in city traffic, I often turn on the air conditioning, which does significantly increase fuel consumption. Generally speaking, during traffic jams, the engine is idling at very low efficiency. When the AC is on, the engine has to additionally power the compressor and fan, increasing the load and causing fuel consumption to be 10% to 20% higher than normal driving. If it's very hot, keeping the windows closed and the AC on prevents the cabin temperature from skyrocketing, making occupants more comfortable. Safe driving is more important, so I rarely force myself to save fuel at all costs. My car is an ordinary family sedan – being stuck for half an hour with the AC on can increase fuel consumption by one or two notches compared to normal conditions. Some models like small-displacement vehicles are affected even more, but trying to maintain stable AC operation without frequent switching can slightly help control it. Getting stuck multiple times in summer noticeably drives up fuel costs. Sometimes I try briefly opening windows for ventilation, but when it's too hot this barely helps, so I still rely on AC for peace of mind.
During peak traffic jams, I always turn on the air conditioning when driving with my child to prevent heatstroke or irritability. This increases fuel consumption by about 15% compared to not using the AC. When stuck in traffic, the engine idling already consumes more fuel, and the added load from the AC makes the engine work harder. My experience is that during peak hours, being stuck for an hour causes the fuel gauge to drop quickly. In hot weather, not using the AC is not an option, as feeling dizzy is even more dangerous, so I’d rather spend a bit more on fuel. Rolling down the windows would let in noise and air pollution, which isn’t good for my child’s health. Fuel-saving tips include not setting the AC too cold, keeping the fan speed moderate, and avoiding turning it on and off frequently, as that wastes even more fuel. For daily commuting, I balance safety and fuel efficiency, keeping an eye on fuel levels and vehicle condition to avoid unnecessary waste.
I know a bit about cars. Using the AC in traffic jams significantly increases fuel consumption because the engine operates less efficiently at low speeds, and the compressor, driven by the engine, adds extra load when activated. In typical city traffic where the car is idling, turning on the AC can spike fuel consumption by 10%-20%. Using just the fan mode saves some energy, but the frequent cycling of the compressor has a bigger impact. On hot days, the compressor works harder to cool, consuming even more energy. Different cars behave differently—smaller engines I've driven are more sensitive than hybrids, but the general principle is that idling with the AC worsens engine efficiency. To save fuel, you can reduce how often you turn the AC on/off or use ventilation instead, though that's impractical in hot weather. Balancing comfort and fuel economy is key.
