does using the ac use up battery or gas?

Question

does using the ac use up battery or gas? cuz i thought it would use up battery power, but someone told me it doesnt use battery power at all, it uses some of your gas power, so you just get like 2 mpg lower than usual. i want to know because i want to know if i should feel guilty using the ac and draining away my car battery. thanks

Answer 1

It is the alternator that is supplying the current for the AC fan motor. The compressor is ran from the engine via belts. That is why you get a little less gas mileage while you are running the AC.

Answer 2

Gas, yes. Battery, maybe, but probably no. Here's why. If you use your air conditioner, it lowers your mileage because it is an extra drain on the engine. How much it lowers your mileage depends on much horsepower your engine produces. A big V8 will be affected less by the air conditioner than a small 4 cylinder. My LTD had a V8 and air conditioning. When I turned it on I barely noticed any difference in power or mileage. My 4 cylinder Neon, now that's a different story. The A/C kills the power and takes 3-4 miles per gallon off my mileage. Air conditioning compressors take a certain amount of power to run, and a lot of air conditioning compressors are common between big and small cars, meaning that the same compressor that is on a Toyota Tundra pickup might be found on one of Toyota's smaller cars. Since under normal conditions, the battery does not power anything while the engine is running, operating the air conditioner will have no effect. However, if your charging system is not working, the extra drain of the air conditioner fans and other electrical components may kill the battery.

Answer 3

the air conditioner does use a little bit of gas but it does not drop your gas mileage by 2 miles to the gallon. the compressor that runs the air conditioner system runs off of a belt that is being turned by the engine putting a drain on the engine so unless your car has less than 4 cylinders its not that big of a deal. (note about the battery all the battery does is start the car after that the alternator supplies the cars electrical needs as well as recharging the battery)

Answer 4

It doesn't use battery power, battery starts up the car and runs all the electrical components. The A/C runs off the engine, therefore off gas. If you notice when you start up the car and let it idle with the A/C off, and then turn it on, the rpm will jump a dash mark higher than before. It really doesn't change your mpg a whole lot unless you have it at the highest setting all the time.

Answer 5

Using the AC does require your engine to work a little harder, but it normally is more efficient than rolling your windows down. This would depend on your speed and the type of car you drive.

Idling with the AC on will use slightly more gas than idling with it off. The AC doesn't use the battery power, but the fans do (same as heat). If you have the car shut off, it will not stay cool very long without the AC compressor running.

There is a pulley that runs off the engine and when you hit the AC button, it activates a compressor. When the AC is off, the compressor spins freely, but when it is activated, it engages the compressor and takes more energy from the engine.

Answer 6

No, it only uses gas. The entire car (motor, stereo, AC, etc.) runs on gas; the battery is just to start up. I wish it ran on battery, then I would be able to turn it on without spending so much.

Answer 7

it uses up both. The air conditioning uses the power from the battery; however, the power from the battery comes from the energy created by gasoline (I dont know the technical aspects of it, but this is how it works).

Answer 8

once your car is running all accessory's run off the alternator and it doesn't matter how much stuff you run. But yes it does cause your car to use more gas because the air conditioner compressor runs off the engine so yes you lose on average about 2 miles to the gallon when your air is on.

Answer 9

Trust me it will suck up your gas twice has fast so here are some tips donot leave car running with a/c on keep it on a comfort level and yes it will pull on performance of your battery

Answer 10

it uses electricity but so does your headlights and radio. as long as your engine is running the alternator is charging the battery. it will use a little bit more fuel but it's more economical then driving with your windows down. so turn it on and enjoy the cool air on a hot day. good luck