if so, generally how much extra does it use compared to when the air con is not on.
2007-09-27 02:01:17 · 15 answers · asked by m_j_storey 1 in Environment ➔ Global Warming
YES
and about 10-20% depending on car and how good the system is working.
2007-09-29 19:09:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your speed; less than 45 mph air conditioning uses more fuel then an open window. Between 45 and about 55 mph you break even between and open window and air conditioning. After about 55 mph you use less fuel by using the air conditions over opening a window.
You could see as little as a 5% difference to as much as 15% depending on the design of the car and what speed you travel at. But, if you want to save fuel, its better just to slow down go 60 instead of 70 will save you about 19% and only cost you ten minuets for every 70 miles you travel. And that will more then make up for the use of the air conditioner.
2007-09-27 11:02:17 · answer #2 · answered by Richard 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Limit the use of the air conditioner in your vehicle. In stop–and–start traffic conditions, air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by as much as 20 percent.
To keep cool on the highway, use the flow-through ventilation.
When driving in town, open the windows.
If you're still too warm, keep the car windows closed and use the air conditioner only as needed.
http://canadaonline.about.com/od/autoenergyuse/qt/airconditioner.htm
2007-09-27 09:08:07 · answer #3 · answered by JS 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It can. But the additional drag caused by having your windows open can lower your mileage even more. At low speeds, if you can stand it, having the windows open is a better option, mileage wise. At any substantial sustained speed of about 40 mph and over, having your windows open causes more drag and decreased mileage to a level that exceeds the mileage you would lose by having your air conditioner on.
The 10% answers are also too high, at least for newer cars. For those it's more like 5%.
2007-09-27 09:16:01 · answer #4 · answered by thegubmint 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes I am afraid it does and could run as high as 20% depending on conditions ie nose to tail town driving being the worst and motorway or open road driving being the best. Of course with your AC on and driving on an open road with your windows closed there is less wind resistance as the windows being up shut off a lot of air resistance. In this condition it is probably the most efficient.
2007-09-27 09:26:08 · answer #5 · answered by BMW 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes it does put your car on tick over then put your AC on and see your rev counter drop and listen too. it is an extra load on your car. your head lights do the same!
2007-09-27 11:01:04 · answer #6 · answered by chris c 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it uses more fuel about 10%
2007-09-27 09:19:02 · answer #7 · answered by tasty x 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it does not, I read this a few months back.
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2004/08/10/208316.html
2007-09-27 09:12:57 · answer #8 · answered by Felani Perez 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no it does not use more fuel, it is the opposite. A car uses more fuel when the windows are down.
2007-09-27 11:51:16 · answer #9 · answered by Reality Has A Libertarian Bias 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
yes it does. i don't know how much. try filling up your car and not run the air. compare the milage. then fillup and not run it . see the comparison.
2007-09-27 09:18:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋