What are the effects of running the air conditioning while the car is stationary?
1 Answers
Running the air conditioning for an extended period while the car is idling can significantly increase fuel consumption and, in severe cases, lead to carbon monoxide poisoning for the occupants. Here are the specific details: 1. Poisoning: Keeping the air conditioning on after parking means the engine operates only at idle speed, leading to incomplete combustion of gasoline. This incomplete combustion produces toxic substances such as carbon monoxide. If the car doors and windows remain tightly closed for a long time, these exhaust gases can enter the sealed cabin and accumulate to levels that may cause carbon monoxide poisoning. 2. High Fuel Consumption: When the car is idling with the air conditioning on for a prolonged period, the engine not only powers the air conditioning compressor but also needs to maintain the normal operation of the power steering and brake booster pumps, resulting in higher fuel consumption.