How much fuel is consumed by idling with the AC on for one hour?
2 Answers
Idling with the AC on consumes approximately 1.4-2.5 liters of fuel per hour, depending on the engine displacement, with an average of around 1.6 liters. While the fuel consumption is not excessive, it is harmful to the engine, as it can lead to carbon buildup and overheating damage to the catalytic converter. Below is additional information: 1. Idling: Refers to the engine running without load, only overcoming internal friction resistance, without delivering power output. The minimum stable engine speed under these conditions is called idle speed, one of the five basic engine operating conditions. Adjusting idle speed should avoid sudden increases or decreases in RPM, as this can cause premature engine wear. 2. Reason for idling while parked: To keep the AC running and maintain a comfortable cabin environment. 3. Impact of prolonged idling: Extended operation at low RPM makes the engine more prone to carbon buildup, which over time can lead to unstable idling and affect engine performance and lifespan. Additionally, during idling, the lower air flow and reduced combustion efficiency at low RPM result in significantly higher pollutant emissions compared to normal driving conditions.
From my years of driving experience, idling with the AC on for an hour really consumes a significant amount of fuel. Normally, idling without AC uses about 0.5 liters per hour, but when the AC is turned on, the engine has to drive the compressor, causing fuel consumption to immediately increase, typically rising to between 0.7 and 1.0 liters. My car is a 1.6L displacement family sedan, and in the summer when temperatures are high, running the AC at its lowest setting can burn about 0.8 liters of fuel per hour. For larger displacement SUVs, it easily exceeds 1 liter. Factors affecting this include the size of the vehicle, engine efficiency, and higher environmental temperatures which increase AC load and fuel consumption. I recommend turning off the engine when parked for long periods to save fuel, which is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Prolonged idling can also lead to carbon buildup and damage components.
