Gas prices are so high, Annapolis drivers are looking to improve their gas mileage any way they can. For many, that includes turning off the air conditioning – but does car AC use gas, or not? Does AC burn car gas enough that you should keep it off, even in the summer? Does air conditioning in the car use gas even more than rolling down the windows? The answers to these questions are more complex than you might expect! Our service center wants to help you maximize the fuel efficiency of your vehicle, so let’s take a closer look at the impact of car AC on fuel economy.
Does AC Burn Gas?
If air conditioning is powered by electricity, then how does the AC burn car gas? The AC itself does not burn gasoline, but the engine does – and it’s the engine that provides power to your car’s AC. The more the engine has to do, the harder it has to work; in other words, adding AC to your engine’s workload means that it must use more gasoline. Here is a detailed explanation of how car AC works:
- Compressor — compresses the refrigerant into a fluid, so the refrigerant flows through a line to the condenser.
- Condenser — removes the heat from the refrigerant and pushes it along to the expansion valve or orifice tube.
- Expansion valve or orifice tube — returns the refrigerant to its original gaseous state and moves it to the receiver/drier or accumulator.
- Receiver/drier or accumulator — removes moisture from the refrigerant and transfers it to the evaporator.
- Evaporator — pulls heat from the air passing through its core and transfers it into the refrigerant, resulting in cold air flowing beyond the evaporator.
But does car AC use gas enough to impact the gas mileage you get on your Edgewater commute? It depends. Next, we’ll explore how speed can impact how much fuel is used when the AC is on.
Does Car AC Use Gas So Much That You Never Turn It On?
Does air conditioning use gas so much that you should just keep it turned off? Actually, turning off the AC and rolling down the windows can sometimes use more gas than using the air conditioning. Why? Air rushing into your car causes drag. At highway speeds, there is enough drag to make the engine work even harder than it would with the AC turned on.
What about driving in the city? Does Car AC use gas more at lower speeds, or are lower speeds better for fuel economy? You won’t be fighting against drag at lower speeds, so turning off the AC and rolling down the windows while driving through Crofton in stop-and-go traffic might save you a little money on gas.
Schedule Service at Jaguar Annapolis Authorized Service
Schedule an appointment with us if your car’s gas mileage is suddenly higher than usual or if you have other questions about improving your fuel economy. We’ll be glad to troubleshoot the issue and get you back on the road in no time. In the meantime, you might check out our post on the difference between regular and premium gas to learn more. We’re conveniently located near Severna Park, so drop by or contact us today.
