What is the fuel consumption when running the air conditioning while the car is stationary?

[VonCora]

When the car is stationary with the air conditioning on, the fuel consumption is approximately 1-2 liters per hour. Definition of Idle: Stationary state refers to idle. The idle speed of a car is a working condition where the engine runs without load, meaning the car is in neutral or P gear. The engine speed during idle is called the idle speed, which can be adjusted by modifying the throttle opening. Hazards of Running the Air Conditioning at Idle: When the car is stationary, the air conditioning only delivers natural air blown by the blower. This is because the air conditioning compressor is driven by the engine, so it doesn't work when the engine is off. The blower, powered by the battery, consumes too much electricity, which can lead to long-term battery depletion.

[MacElliott]

The issue of fuel consumption when idling with the AC on is quite common. My family's SUV often does this in summer, burning 0.6 to 1 liter of gasoline per hour in idle state, depending on engine size and AC power. For example, my 2.0L-displacement car maintains around 800 rpm with the AC on, and the fuel gauge drops noticeably. Last time I took the kids to the park, waiting under a tree for half an hour used up half a liter of fuel, equivalent to wasting a few dollars in gas money. The key issue is that prolonged idling can easily cause carbon buildup, which is bad for the engine. It's recommended to use it only briefly when necessary, such as at traffic lights or for short breaks, and not exceed 10 minutes. Normally, you can rely on shade or ventilation to cool down, saving fuel and being eco-friendly—a win-win.

[DelOscar]

I've calculated the actual cost of idling with the AC on. For my compact car, the engine maintains a low RPM at idle, but the AC compressor still requires electricity or fuel to operate. It works out to a fuel consumption of 0.5 to 0.8 liters per hour. Assuming fuel costs 7 yuan per liter, idling for an hour while waiting for takeout or in traffic jams would cost 3.5 to 5.6 yuan. This doesn't even account for potential exhaust issues from prolonged idling, especially in enclosed garages where there's a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. I generally avoid it, only using it briefly in emergencies or opting for the fan instead of the AC. In short, smaller displacement cars consume slightly less fuel, but it's still costly. Developing good habits can help ease the burden on your wallet.

[KarterAnn]

Running the air conditioning while the vehicle is stationary does consume fuel, as the engine needs to power the compressor. The fuel consumption is approximately 0.5 liters per hour, and for larger vehicles, it can exceed 1 liter. From my experience, I often use it while waiting for my child after school in the summer, and I've noticed the fuel gauge drops much faster than when driving. Not only does it affect fuel economy, but it also reduces the vehicle's performance. It's advisable to turn off the air conditioning for short waits and switch to using the fan instead, which saves fuel and is safer.

[Dylan]

When idling with the air conditioning on, fuel consumption varies by vehicle model. For my compact car, it consumes about 0.6 liters of gasoline per hour. The air conditioning system relies on the engine for power, so the fuel pump continues to work after stopping, burning about one-third the amount of fuel compared to when driving. This provides comfort but comes at a significant cost, adding a few dollars in fuel expenses for every hour of waiting. Doing this long-term can also increase the risk of carbon buildup and reduce engine lifespan. I recommend planning time wisely, such as limiting air conditioning use to no more than 15 minutes when resting in the car, or switching to ventilation mode for lower costs.

[VonCali]

Keeping the engine idling with the AC on consumes noticeable fuel. I tested it with my old car – idling for one hour burns about 0.7 liters of gasoline. This happens because although the engine isn't moving the car forward, it's still running to power the AC compressor, resulting in fuel consumption similar to when driving. During peak summer heat, I often used this method to stay cool, but noticed my monthly fuel expenses increased by dozens of dollars. Plus, prolonged idling is environmentally unfriendly, as it increases exhaust emissions, putting a burden on the environment. Now I try to minimize usage time or simply park in the shade to rest, reducing fuel waste.