2006-07-09 14:31:26 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
yes, the energy to run your air conditioner has to come from somewhere, and it comes from your engine, usually through a belt that turns the air-conditioning compressor when the engine turns
there is typically a "clutch" that dis-engages the compressor when you are not using the air conditioner
for most cars, the effect on gas mileage of using the air conditioner is not huge (1 or 2 mpg)
2006-07-09 14:37:08 · answer #1 · answered by enginerd 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you have your A/C on then you will have a very small decrease in horsepower as you will be adding more to the workload of the engine, and thus consume more fuel. Also it is better to have your windows down when you are traveling below 55 mph and have your A/C on when you are traveling faster. This is because the drag created by the open windows will surpass the inefficiency of the A/C at those speeds.
2006-07-09 22:15:56 · answer #2 · answered by onlinemediajunkie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It uses more gas. But driving over 40mph with windows down causes enough increase in drag to use more gas than the a/c would. Use the a/c if it's really hot - you'll feel better.
2006-07-09 21:43:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anne Teak 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Using the air condtioner engages the compressor, which causes a greater load on the engine, thus, reducing your mileage. It creates a greater load on the engine when it is idling than when you are underway and cruising at a steady speed.
2006-07-09 21:36:34 · answer #4 · answered by thebushman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're running out of gas, turn off the air conditioning. It uses up your fuel.
A good tip if you're driving across a desert.
2006-07-09 21:37:12 · answer #5 · answered by sarahsunshinecoast 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My 2004 Monte Carlo it does not make a difference. But it did in my Dodge Voyager
2006-07-09 21:40:19 · answer #6 · answered by dgraham302000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
MOST DEFINITELY!! IT TAKES ENERGY TO RUN THAT AIR, WHERE DOES YOUR CAR GET ENERGY? GAS! IT WILL CUT YOUR GAS MILEAGE QUITE A BIT AT THESE PRICES ROLL DONT THE WINDOW AND JUST TURN ON THE FANS NOT ACTUALLY THE AIR!!
2006-07-09 21:37:25 · answer #7 · answered by snhtg 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes your miles per gallon will drop when using your air conditioning, same applies when having your windows down.
2006-07-09 21:37:28 · answer #8 · answered by Clipper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it takes an ave age 7hp to run a A/C Compressor
2006-07-09 21:36:13 · answer #9 · answered by Insanity 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, using a/c does not consume more energy. driving with windows down would, as the drag would be greater.
2006-07-09 21:37:22 · answer #10 · answered by Ant 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋