How much fuel is consumed when idling with the air conditioning on for one hour?
2 Answers
When idling with the air conditioning on, fuel consumption varies depending on the engine displacement, typically ranging from 1.4 to 2.5 liters, with an average of around 1.6 liters. Although the fuel consumption is not excessive, it can be detrimental to the engine, leading to carbon buildup and potential overheating damage to the catalytic converter. Below is an introduction to idling conditions: 1. Normal Idling: When the vehicle is parked and the engine is started, the minimum stable engine speed is referred to as parking idle (the process of the engine transitioning from a cold idle state to a warmed-up idle state is called warm-up or hot start). 2. Driving Idle: When the car is in gear, without pressing the accelerator pedal or releasing it while driving, maintaining the minimum throttle opening, the engine speed matches the parking idle speed, which is referred to as driving idle. 3. Unstable Idling: Unstable idling is one of the most common issues encountered in engine maintenance. If the diagnostic approach is incorrect, it can prolong repair time, reduce efficiency, and even cause the vehicle owner to switch to another repair shop due to impatience.
The fuel consumption for idling with the AC on for one hour, based on my driving experience, typically ranges between 1.5 to 2.5 liters, depending on the car's condition. For example, my small-displacement car with a 1.6L engine consumes about 2 liters of fuel per hour when parked under the sun with the AC on in summer, and possibly less in winter. There are many influencing factors, such as higher AC settings leading to higher fuel consumption, hotter ambient temperatures increasing fuel usage, and larger engine displacements like 2.0L or bigger SUVs consuming around 3 liters. I recommend avoiding this practice as it wastes fuel and can easily cause engine carbon buildup, saving money and extending the car's lifespan.
