Should the car air conditioning be turned off when parking?
3 Answers
It is necessary to turn off the air conditioning when parking. Below is a relevant introduction about car air conditioning: Concept: Car air conditioning consists of a compressor, condenser, throttle element, evaporator, fan, and necessary control components. Working principle: When the compressor is working, it sucks in low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator. After compression, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant increase, and it is sent to the condenser. Inside the condenser, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant transfers heat to the outside air passing through the condenser and liquefies, turning into a liquid. When the liquid refrigerant flows through the throttle device, its temperature and pressure decrease, and it enters the evaporator.
As a detail-oriented individual, I believe it's essential to turn off the air conditioning when parking to avoid fuel waste and vehicle damage. Running the AC while the engine idles increases fuel consumption by approximately 15%-20%, which not only costs me money but also raises pollutant emission levels. Prolonged practice of this can overburden the engine, leading to carbon buildup inside, resulting in performance degradation and higher maintenance costs. Even during short stops, such as waiting at traffic lights or for someone by the roadside, I turn it off and open the windows for ventilation, staying cool while conserving energy. For vehicles with start-stop systems, keeping the AC on prevents the engine from automatically shutting off, further wasting gasoline. Cultivating this habit helps protect engine longevity and reduces environmental footprint, making every trip more economical and efficient.
As a family user who drives frequently, I find it wise to turn off the air conditioning when parked. Engine idling significantly increases fuel consumption, especially when picking up and dropping off kids in the city—gas money burns up quickly. It's better to save that expense for household needs. While waiting in parking lots, I turn off the AC and open the windows instead; the airflow actually feels more comfortable and relaxing. This habit has helped me reduce daily car expenses and also cut down on exhaust emissions. On hot days, I turn off the AC a few minutes before parking to utilize the residual cool air inside the car for temperature regulation. This approach doesn’t sacrifice comfort, extends the lifespan of vehicle components, and is simple, practical, and economical.
