Is it necessary to turn off the air conditioning when parking?
4 Answers
It is necessary to turn off the air conditioning when parking. Otherwise, it will slightly affect the evaporator. If the air conditioning is not turned off in advance, water will remain on the evaporator. The evaporator is enclosed in a sealed box, making it difficult for the water to evaporate naturally, requiring a long time. Due to the dark and humid environment, mold can grow over time, leading to unpleasant odors and even affecting health. Additional information: Not turning off the air conditioning has no impact on the engine. This is because the compressor does not rotate during startup, so it does not add unnecessary load to the starter. When the vehicle starts, almost all electrical appliances are in a power-off state, with all current and voltage concentrated on the starter. The air conditioning panel also has no power, so the compressor naturally does not start. After the vehicle starts, the compressor will begin working in about three to five seconds. For compressors with an electromagnetic clutch, you can hear a clicking sound, which is the sound of the compressor engaging.
When I park on the roadside, I always turn off the air conditioning before shutting down the engine. This is mainly to save fuel and protect the engine: when the air conditioning is running, the engine needs extra power to drive the compressor. If you idle with the air conditioning on, fuel is wasted unnecessarily, emitting more pollutants, which is bad for the environment. Moreover, prolonged idling with the air conditioning on can accelerate compressor wear or cause overheating, potentially leading to maintenance issues over time. Having driven a taxi for decades, I’ve saved quite a bit on fuel costs by adopting this habit. Turning off the air conditioning before parking only takes a few seconds and doesn’t compromise comfort—especially during short stops, as the cabin temperature won’t spike immediately. Remember to prioritize turning it off in parking lots or traffic jams; it’s friendly to both your engine and your wallet.
Turning off the AC before parking is absolutely necessary, otherwise it will put unnecessary strain on the engine. The AC compressor is driven by the engine, and running it at idle will lower the RPM and increase the load, which can easily lead to overheating or affect the starting battery's charge. I usually enjoy studying car structures and have tested that idling with the AC on can double fuel consumption. It's fine for short stops, but anything over three to five minutes is wasteful. Additionally, AC filters tend to accumulate dust, and leaving it on for long periods can breed bacteria, affecting the air quality inside the car. Developing the good habit of turning it off before shutting down the engine can both protect the machinery and reduce pollution. I've used a mobile app to monitor parking data, proving that this small action can save a significant amount of money in the long run.
Whether to turn off the AC when parking depends on the situation. For short stops like grabbing coffee, I sometimes don't bother turning it off since the cabin stays cool and comfortable. But for longer stops like waiting for a friend for half an hour, I'll turn off the AC to avoid excessive fuel consumption from prolonged engine idling. This helps prevent battery drain and starting difficulties, especially during hot summer days when the vehicle is under heavy load. Just make a reasonable choice - in my daily driving, I focus more on balancing convenience and efficiency. Observe how long you'll be parked before deciding whether to turn off the AC.
