Second question: How much fuel does starting the engine consume and at what point would you save gas by turning off the air conditioning (and engine)?
I had read it was eight seconds' worth. He cited a study from 2004 that said about 6.7 seconds, so my information was 19% off. However, they surveyed 1,300 viewers who guessed, on average, 3.6 minutes.
3,100% longer.
I had an Ultragauge in my Forester and it said she consumed .25 gallons per
minute hour [Thanks Frank Lee!] in neutral and .26 in park. My dead girlfriend broke my Ultragauge and I have not replaced it, so I do not have data on my Hondas, but it must be less, right?