How much fuel is consumed when idling with the AC on for one hour?

[MorganRose]

For a family car idling with the AC on, the fuel consumption typically ranges between 1L to 3L per hour. Hazards of idling with the AC on: It is best not to let the engine idle with the AC on for extended periods, as idling is when the engine is most prone to carbon buildup, which can lead to issues such as reduced engine power. Therefore, it is advisable to minimize idling time. Hazards of prolonged AC use: If the AC is left on for a long time with the air circulation set to recirculate, the air inside the car will gradually become polluted and deteriorate, with harmful gases (such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides) increasing over time. This can pose risks to health and even life safety, so caution is advised.

[DiEsther]

How much fuel is consumed when idling with the AC on for an hour? This is a question I often get asked. Based on my experience, for a typical compact car with a 1.6-liter engine, idling with the AC on consumes approximately 0.8 to 1.2 liters of fuel per hour. For SUVs or vehicles with larger engine displacements, fuel consumption can soar to 1.5 liters or even higher, especially since the AC compressor requires the engine to work harder, naturally increasing fuel consumption. Having driven many cars, I've learned that turning off the engine at red lights in summer is key to saving fuel. Prolonged idling not only wastes money but also leads to carbon buildup, which is bad for the engine. I recommend parking in the shade to reduce reliance on the AC. If you frequently rest in your car, choosing a modern vehicle with an efficient AC system can save a lot. Ultimately, specific fuel consumption depends on your car's size and AC settings—small details can lead to big expenses.

[DelKatherine]

I'm quite concerned about fuel efficiency when idling with the AC on for an hour. Generally, it consumes between 0.7 to 1.4 liters, with SUVs or older models possibly using even more. The compressor operation alone increases fuel consumption by 20%, not to mention emitting more exhaust and polluting the environment. During my research, I found that burning one liter of gasoline produces approximately 2.3 kg of CO2, making idling with the AC purely wasteful. It's better to roll down the windows for ventilation or use sunshades to cool down. My eco-conscious habits make me pay more attention to parking scenarios, such as turning off the engine when dropping off kids at school to avoid unnecessary idling. Remember, small changes add up to save resources and protect the planet.

[JayceAnn]

Let me briefly explain the principle of fuel consumption when idling with the AC on. The engine maintains low-speed operation at idle, which already consumes considerable fuel. Turning on the AC increases the load on the compressor, causing small-engine cars to burn an extra 0.5 to 0.8 liters per hour, while mid-sized cars may consume about 0.3 liters more. Compressor efficiency plays a significant role—poor vehicle condition leads to higher fuel consumption. Setting the AC temperature too low or extreme heat conditions will further increase usage, so maintaining a moderate temperature is recommended. Also, prolonged idling is bad for the car, as it promotes carbon buildup. Choosing a well-maintained vehicle and proper upkeep are key.