Does A/C waste gas

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Jul 31, 2006 | 04:47 PM

#16

qman

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2004

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The A/C shouldn't put that much drag on your engine. Maybe you've got other problems, tune up needed maybe? I have A/C on a few vehicles and you can feel the drag when the compressor kicks in but it doesn't make a noticable difference in the ability of the car to do it's normal thing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxu13

Does A/C waste gas.

No, it's not a waste of gas to cool yourself down on hot summer days. It uses gas for sure but I wouldn't consider it a waste. It also shouldn't kill your mpg. Just remember, you never get something for nothing and you ain't gonna get a cooled down cab for free. It costs electricity to cool your house so it's gotta cost something to cool your ride.

Last edited by qman; Jul 31, 2006 at 04:51 PM.

Jul 31, 2006 | 07:21 PM

#17

buckeyebronco

Elder User

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 575

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From: Orlando, FL

Since we are on the topic, what kind of pressure should your ac be running at? I know I got one of those rechargers with a guage and it says my system is overcharged. I can see how being overcharged will not let you system get cold but does every single ac system run the same pressure. It seems to me as if different manufacturers would have different system pressures.

Jul 31, 2006 | 07:29 PM

#18

SCOOBYMEISTER

Junior User

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 56

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Howdy Gents
Windows Open And A-c Off= 8 Mpg Average
Windows Closed And A-c On=9 Mpg Average
That's An Increase Of 12.5 Percent :-)

Aug 1, 2006 | 10:32 AM

#19

93Mule

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 124

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From: Gaithersburg,MD

With my A/C on I have to floor it going uphill..

Aug 1, 2006 | 01:47 PM

#20

buckeyebronco

Elder User

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 575

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From: Orlando, FL

I know everybody keeps saying tune up, but my engine just got a tune up 2000 miles ago. Does age of the compresor pay into the amount of power needed to turn it?

Aug 1, 2006 | 02:34 PM

#21

captain p4

Post Fiend

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 8,147

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From: Joppa, Maryland

Basically below around 45-55mph you're going to use more gas with windows up ac, but if you go over that speed the wind resistance is so great with windows down/no ac that it is more efficient to run the AC with the windows up.

Now, if you're looking for absolute best milage you will want to just run the fan and bring air in that way and mabye crack the window a slight bit. I could never stand doing this, but if the mpg is that much of a concern thats where you'll get the best results.

Aug 1, 2006 | 03:15 PM

#22

poffutt

Elder User

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 656

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From: Houston

Captain p4...got to love those panies. Anyway I think the Captain hit the nail on the head. Of course going around town below 40 mph no drag is going to make a difference to your milage. So here is the finnal answer he he he !!

Yes! using your AC burns more fuel in town. Yes! using your AC burns more fuel on the Hwy. But what we really learned here is... Don't drive with your AC on and your windows down

)

Aug 1, 2006 | 05:30 PM

#23

BroncoRoadKill

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Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 2,195

Likes: 1

From: San Antonio, Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckeyebronco

I know everybody keeps saying tune up, but my engine just got a tune up 2000 miles ago. Does age of the compresor pay into the amount of power needed to turn it?

That is true as Wear and tear and age sets in the bearings and plates do get harder to run over a long time, untill something completily locks up.