Is fuel efficiency directly proportional to the temperature setting? In other words, when you turn on the AC, does it burn more fuel the lower you se the temperature because it's working harder? Thanks!
2007-06-23 16:07:36 · 10 answers · asked by bertdalin 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The fuel efficiency is not directly proportional to the temperature setting because the compressor clutch is ether engaged (on) or disengaged (off). The compressor only knows one speed and that is the speed of the drive belt. If and only IF, the cabin temperature arrives at the set point will the A/C disengage, so it is theoretically possible that a lower setting would make the compressor run longer, thereby consuming horsepower and affecting fuel efficiency. But since an automobile is a glass hothouse on wheels, it is doubtful that the inside temperature will ever reach the set point or stay there very long, so it is a moot point.
2007-06-23 16:45:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
a/c efficiency does drop with an increase in outside temperature, for a couple of reasons;
1: there is less temperature differential between the outside air and the condenser, thus less heat is removed from the refrigerant.
2: the heat load when the temperature goes up, increases, sometimes substantially even though the temperature might go up only a few degrees.
the engine load doesnt change when the a/c is on, regardless of where you have the temperature setting, however the compressor will run longer. as long as the a/c system is in good repair, and properly charged with refrigerant, that is when you get the best efficiency from your a/c.
2007-06-23 23:18:57 · answer #2 · answered by richard b 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
As a mechanic, I get this question a lot. Here are the things to consider.
1) Did you know your ac compressor is cycling even in winter with the defrost on? It helps pull moisture from the interior.
2) If you don't use your AC and you are hot, are you rolling down the windows? If you are, the AC is actually cheaper because with the windows down, drag is dramatically increased.
3) More to your real question though is it depends. Some vehicles that employ automatic climate control, depending on design, will actually run the ac and heat and blend the two in order to arrive at the programmed inside temp the driver has chosen. So, it doesn't matter. 2ndly, AC compressors are either on or off. Nothing in between. They aren't variable. It really breaks down to manufactures designs per car.
2007-06-23 23:24:56 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Of course it does.The warmer the environment gets the more the compressor has to run, the more the compressor runs, the more load that is put on the power plant, the more load that put on the power plant, the greater the fuel consumption. And the greater the fuel consumption the further away peace becomes in the Middle East. This applies to houses, commercial buildings, and automobiles.
2007-06-23 23:23:40 · answer #4 · answered by usnavmag71 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, fuel consumption will increase with use of your AC system. Your serp belt is only turning a free-wheeling pulley on the front of your AC compressor. When you request AC, an electric clutch behind the AC pulley engages, then your serp belt is turning a demanding compressor. This excess load will actually drop engine RPM briefly at an idle or while cruising. Your vehicle control system will respond by raising the idle to compensate. It is this compensated idle and engine load that brings you back to the gas pumps on the hottest days.
from
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Does_use_of_the_air_conditioner_decrease_mileage
2007-06-23 23:19:34 · answer #5 · answered by theoriginator 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As The temperature rises, the more the ac runs to cool things down. anytime the a/c is on, it takes more fuel to run the engine
Yes, the fuel efficency decreases because the motor has to run the ac pump as well as the alternator and the power stearing pump and the.... so on. The A/C is one more thing your engine has to run so yeah it burns more gas.
2007-06-23 23:14:09 · answer #6 · answered by Fl1959 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ok no all the answers garbage sorry but the reason your ac burns more fuel is because the ac is on a pulley connected to the motor when the clutch for the ac kicks in it makes the engine work harder in that case burning more fuel it has nothing to do with the temp the ac only has one speed. Ok i take that back the answer above me has some truth but
2007-06-23 23:27:17 · answer #7 · answered by 9crx0 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
It would all depend on the type of AC system you have. If the AC unit cycles, then it may make a difference. If you have the auto air, then the AC will remain on and blend the air to the temp you want so it won't make a difference.
Bottom line is to set the temp at the temp you want, and don't worry about it. The gas isn't going to make that much of a difference. good luck.
2007-06-23 23:33:24 · answer #8 · answered by Fordman 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
the only reason it will burn more full is because its running longer to keep the inside cooler the compressor will not cycle on and off as much
2007-06-23 23:16:37 · answer #9 · answered by wayne m 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, the money you save will only be pennies on a tank
2007-06-23 23:13:22 · answer #10 · answered by gejandsons 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋