2007-07-16 03:09:20 · 8 answers · asked by barok 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
Yes you do. Consumer Reports says that a/c cuts mpg by up to 10%. As a/c units technologically improve, their efficiency also improves.
This question opened up that raging debate on whether it is more economical to drive with a/c on, or a/c off and windows down. A technical paper presented at a Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) symposium on 7/13/04 authored by four GM engineers. Using a standard sedan and an SUV driven at 86F, at three different speeds (59, 68 and 86mph) found that fuel consumption was greatest when using a/c. Driving with the windows down used less fuel, but driving with the a/c off and the windows up was the most economical of all.
2007-07-16 14:15:16 · answer #1 · answered by db79300 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All these Mythbusters answers. The Mythbusters is a television show...one I like but it's still just entertainment not true science. Here's what they didn't test on Mythbusters: I like it cold, and turn the air conditioning all the way up. My mom on the other hand makes me turn it down because she is not comfortable. The blower...it requires electricity which the alternator produces using some of the engines power. Well some have the fan on high, some on low. on low the fan requires less electricity and it all trickles back to fuel economy.
Windows up or down? what about 1/2 way? 3/4? 1/4?
The answer to the question is it varies based on what your preferences are when you are the driver.
2007-07-23 07:06:33 · answer #2 · answered by Charles C 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hahah this was just on mythbusters. you save gas by opening all your windows. yes it may seem wrong due to drag, but the mythbusters did a fool-proof test. 2 identical cars with identical loads and 5 gallons of gas. one with A/C the other with windows down. they were going around laps and the A/C stopped while the windows down kept going for about another 20 laps. sorry it may be more or less then 20 i dont' remember but the A/C car ran out of gas first.
2007-07-17 02:42:45 · answer #3 · answered by ottomatic11 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I read the same study as edward I. It says that AC was a major negative on the gas mileage when it first became available. Those engines were not designed to run AC and the AC units were not very effective. It is very different today. The engines in cars are better and the AC units are better. The latest study did not show any difference in AC or no AC in the mileage test.
2007-07-16 10:19:58 · answer #4 · answered by gordonmorrison 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not according to test results. With windows open, the drag outweighs any gas saving by not running A/C
2007-07-16 10:14:03 · answer #5 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mythbusters busted this one. There was no appreciable difference between driving with the A/C on or the windows down. Sorry!
2007-07-16 10:25:48 · answer #6 · answered by J.R. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
on that show mythbusters they tested that and said that the computer shows ac is better but when they tested it the car with the ac ran out of gas first
2007-07-21 22:46:06 · answer #7 · answered by Dallas T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hello. 'edward' is correct in that newer cars are designed for the windflow OVER the car's body, so having an air conditioner on is 'designed' for. keep the windows rolled up.
2007-07-24 00:13:54 · answer #8 · answered by Chris M 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋