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Author	Topic: No A/C = better MPG	Post a Reply Back to Topics

RobertT1977 Rookie Author Pittsburgh Posts:1 Points:179,150 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jul 21, 2011 10:08:31 AM Ignore RobertT1977 Report Abuse My A/C in my cars has been out of comission for a little over a year and in that time I have seen the best fuel economy in my car in the 11 years I have owned it. Of course wearing a suit and driving a car with no A/C when it is 96 degrees outside is not very enjoyable, but at least I am seeing some minor savings at the pump.

RobertT1977

Rookie Author
Pittsburgh

Posts:1
Points:179,150
Joined:May 2011

Message Posted: Jul 21, 2011 10:08:31 AM

Ignore RobertT1977 Report Abuse

My A/C in my cars has been out of comission for a little over a year and in that time I have seen the best fuel economy in my car in the 11 years I have owned it. Of course wearing a suit and driving a car with no A/C when it is 96 degrees outside is not very enjoyable, but at least I am seeing some minor savings at the pump.

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HotRod10 Champion Author Wyoming Posts:2,291 Points:40,590 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: May 24, 2013 5:31:03 PM Ignore HotRod10 Report Abuse "minor savings at the pump" vs. not sweating my a$$ off - no contest, crank up the AC. Well, I guess you have to fix it first; that'll be the big expense.
lyanMI Veteran Author Detroit Posts:277 Points:213,010 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: May 24, 2013 10:54:46 AM Ignore lyanMI Report Abuse Probably minimal savings
51stovi Sophomore Author Nashville Posts:143 Points:86,640 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: May 24, 2013 8:29:12 AM Ignore 51stovi Report Abuse I'll pay a little more and run the A/C. Just like at home, I could shut off my A/C and be miserable in the summer, save a lot on my utility bill, but to me it's not worth it.
hyeglenn Champion Author Fresno Posts:1,080 Points:601,630 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: May 24, 2013 8:19:42 AM Ignore hyeglenn Report Abuse That is true unless you are driving a diesel.
Jmac2008 Champion Author Missouri Posts:2,284 Points:883,090 Joined:Dec 2008	Message Posted: May 24, 2013 3:57:48 AM Ignore Jmac2008 Report Abuse I will lose a 1/4 mpg to have the a/c in the summer
jack4141 Champion Author Alabama Posts:2,990 Points:695,555 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: May 24, 2013 1:57:25 AM Ignore jack4141 Report Abuse Hmmmm ok, well it get hot around here in sthe summer.
ricebike Champion Author New Jersey Posts:10,043 Points:1,857,670 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: May 24, 2013 12:31:15 AM Ignore ricebike Report Abuse "If your AC is dead and you never intend to use it, it's best to remove the v-belt that spins the compressor. That's one less thing that needs to spin and sap energy out of the engine" you may as yank out the whole system since the compressor weighs alot [Edited by: ricebike at 5/24/2013 12:32:39 AM EST]
ricebike Champion Author New Jersey Posts:10,043 Points:1,857,670 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: May 24, 2013 12:30:06 AM Ignore ricebike Report Abuse when it's humid, i need the ac dry heat isn't so bad
movinup2013 Rookie Author Arkansas Posts:6 Points:200 Joined:May 2013	Message Posted: May 24, 2013 12:10:45 AM Ignore movinup2013 Report Abuse For me, no A/C is the normal way because when the temperatures reach 100 I have adjusted to it because I'm out in it. When I would use the A/C however my MPG dropped about 25%!
StArrow68 Champion Author Oakland Posts:3,268 Points:1,363,190 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: May 23, 2013 11:24:20 PM Ignore StArrow68 Report Abuse So what? A/C = comfort and the cost is trivial.
streetirsx Veteran Author North Dakota Posts:352 Points:125,800 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: May 23, 2013 11:09:22 PM Ignore streetirsx Report Abuse with gas prices the way they are now, sacrificing AC for better FE is worth it
krazkar Veteran Author Calgary Posts:296 Points:277,400 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: May 23, 2013 6:27:07 PM Ignore krazkar Report Abuse AC = a much nicer drive.
forestghost07 Veteran Author Miami Posts:305 Points:4,100 Joined:Apr 2013	Message Posted: May 22, 2013 12:04:10 AM Ignore forestghost07 Report Abuse no A/C = heatstroke during the day in this town
mybigtruck Sophomore Author San Jose Posts:136 Points:200,625 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: May 21, 2013 3:39:44 AM Ignore mybigtruck Report Abuse If your AC is dead and you never intend to use it, it's best to remove the v-belt that spins the compressor. That's one less thing that needs to spin and sap energy out of the engine
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,099 Points:36,585 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Feb 19, 2013 9:16:59 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse Yes,but I will use mine when needed. Showering at my work-side is not available for retirees,the working man had that option some places.
chipote Champion Author Washington Posts:1,274 Points:389,555 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Feb 19, 2013 1:23:46 AM Ignore chipote Report Abuse Yes
jonjon57 Champion Author Raleigh Posts:2,452 Points:635,885 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Feb 18, 2013 10:43:45 PM Ignore jonjon57 Report Abuse Yes
thebrohta167 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:1,466 Points:235,315 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Feb 18, 2013 2:39:55 PM Ignore thebrohta167 Report Abuse yes
PatAZ Champion Author Tucson Posts:9,253 Points:122,460 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Feb 18, 2013 1:53:22 PM Ignore PatAZ Report Abuse You admit it is just minor savings, I don't think it would be worth it.
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,400 Points:1,123,775 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Feb 18, 2013 10:55:06 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Yes
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,400 Points:1,123,775 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Feb 18, 2013 10:54:46 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Yes
BigHorne1 Champion Author Missouri Posts:1,507 Points:298,725 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Feb 18, 2013 10:24:49 AM Ignore BigHorne1 Report Abuse Better fuel economy, but you still have to manage the heat in the vehicle in the summers, rather have the a/c on and just limit my trips with the vehicle.
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,099 Points:36,585 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Feb 18, 2013 8:14:47 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse I might add,that auto A/C systems have a electromatic clutch which uses dc currant to ingage the compressor drive,the older E..clutches used a fairly large amount of amps to keep the clutch ingaged(pumping the compressor. Also depending on daily outside temps,a secondary booster coolant fan is used to help cooling the vehicle radiator at slower travel speeds.When during heavy city traffic conditions both fans run on high capacity,drawing more amps,waiting,ideling,stop/go driving(a/c on). Inside the driver often operates the a/c blower on high to relieve the extra heat built-up on extreemly hot conditions,moving or not,so that draws heavy more electrical energy. The vehicles altenator must make-up the charge/amp loads to maintain and balance the entire vehicles electrical system including the battery,and any accessories. The alternater then places thist extra Hp/torque loads added onto the engine,resulting in more fuel consumption at the fuel tank. I think most drivers don't realize that their vehicle altenator job varies in how much harder it works at different times to keep up with that required pace of maintaining electrical balance relating to the extra fuel usage. Mainly all said is automatic stuff going on under their car hood,and some just don't make that connection,like "who cares....etc". I really think these forum topics,postors input often help other motorists at least get some ideas as how their vehicles are operating,when otherwise they wouldn't even take an interest as a driver,I learn something every day.... from others.... BALANCE....! Interesting....!
twt Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:8,748 Points:999,585 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Feb 18, 2013 3:07:07 AM Ignore twt Report Abuse When the AC is not on, the compressor is not running. Less drag, on the engine. Same with the defroster.
sjhman Veteran Author Atlanta Posts:410 Points:278,420 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Feb 18, 2013 12:21:24 AM Ignore sjhman Report Abuse Pros and cons
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,400 Points:1,123,775 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Feb 17, 2013 5:27:52 PM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Yes
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,400 Points:1,123,775 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Feb 17, 2013 5:27:51 PM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Yes
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,400 Points:1,123,775 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Feb 17, 2013 5:27:50 PM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Yes
linku2gasbuddy Rookie Author Dallas Posts:49 Points:527,975 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Feb 17, 2013 5:12:40 PM Ignore linku2gasbuddy Report Abuse Give me a break. Your clothes cleaning bill will offset any savings noticed at the pump.
waynecz Sophomore Author Indiana Posts:211 Points:224,775 Joined:Jul 2012	Message Posted: Feb 17, 2013 12:47:41 AM Ignore waynecz Report Abuse yes I have noticed better gas mileage without AC running
beachd8 All-Star Author Orange County Posts:765 Points:117,485 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Feb 16, 2013 9:26:08 PM Ignore beachd8 Report Abuse AC pretty much every day. Any gas savings is immaterial.
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,099 Points:36,585 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Feb 16, 2013 6:40:13 PM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse StArrow68; I tend to agree about the unnoticeable rpm change/load of your Vett's A/C system. The Vett has much less inside cabin area to cool/heat,also being a Sporty performance car,the ac compressor could be driven at a slower rate pulley wise. V/8 engines produce more torque at idle and higher rpms,I suspect that the ac cooling at the radiator is more efficient than other vehicles by design to also give off ac exchange heat,plus your altenator may be driven at a lower speed,because of performance design. A relative of mine owns a Vett,but I haven't examined it under the hood,but noticed the lay-out was different,a more docil 350/automatic.I never asked if it took premium fuel either,probably does, Great machine! HAGoodDay !
Saab93turbo Veteran Author Washington Posts:485 Points:85,235 Joined:Dec 2012	Message Posted: Feb 16, 2013 2:38:24 PM Ignore Saab93turbo Report Abuse My car has a display with mpg. It not too accurate but not too bad. It is usually about 3 mpg too optimistic but sometimes only 1 mpg. I have tried it driving 10 miles on the highway at a constant speed then resetting it and turning off the AC. I did get better mpg. I don't remember how much more. Was it 2 mpg????? I know it was more than 1 mpg because I would conclude that 1 mpg is too close to the error margin.
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,099 Points:36,585 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Feb 16, 2013 9:36:20 AM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse I can say I've driven at least 35 years without vehicle A/C,just never had it,never missed it,had to have been tuffer then HAaa.. first vehicle equipted A/C was defunct,fuel guage defunct,then when water pump went,I sold it for 1/2 of purchase price. I simply don't know if I could due without A/C I'm older,tighter,grouchier today,soap,s..gel,deodrant,etc is more cost today than gasoline per gal. back then. Four vehicles have A/C so I use it...(part grouchy)75% better!
StArrow68 Champion Author Oakland Posts:3,268 Points:1,363,190 Joined:Apr 2003	Message Posted: Feb 14, 2013 8:04:10 PM Ignore StArrow68 Report Abuse With a car that has sufficient torque, the drag from the A/C is not very great. I don't see much decline in mpg during the summer when I run the A/C, then again, unlike previous cars I've owned, when I turn on the A/C, I don't feel any load on the engine in the Vette.
GrumpyCat Champion Author Alabama Posts:2,624 Points:791,735 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Feb 14, 2013 1:17:41 PM Ignore GrumpyCat Report Abuse Around here A/C is life support.
Mr1lung All-Star Author Phoenix Posts:819 Points:165,125 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Feb 14, 2013 12:10:39 PM Ignore Mr1lung Report Abuse no way
the1roadhog Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,913 Points:2,057,655 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Feb 14, 2013 8:21:44 AM Ignore the1roadhog Report Abuse AC all the way
AmynHH Veteran Author Houston Posts:417 Points:130,350 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Feb 13, 2013 12:42:38 PM Ignore AmynHH Report Abuse I prefer to have my A/C working then trying to save money.
PatAZ Champion Author Tucson Posts:9,253 Points:122,460 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Feb 13, 2013 9:38:03 AM Ignore PatAZ Report Abuse Big deal. I'd rather be comfortable, not cheap.
dgsteven All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:807 Points:208,850 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Feb 13, 2013 3:03:36 AM Ignore dgsteven Report Abuse true
mito09 Champion Author Tucson Posts:3,466 Points:717,785 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Aug 7, 2011 10:51:17 AM Ignore mito09 Report Abuse It's true that you'll get better gas mileage if you don't run your a/c. Your electric bill at home will also be lower if you don't run your a/c. How much are you willing to pay for comfort?
WES03 Champion Author Maryland Posts:4,854 Points:1,267,020 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Aug 7, 2011 9:10:12 AM Ignore WES03 Report Abuse Always found to be true. Yes having windows fully down creates drag, but when the temperature is moderate, the windows need be but cracked to get a decent air flow.
roadrunnin Champion Author Richmond Posts:1,760 Points:566,955 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Aug 6, 2011 11:14:56 PM Ignore roadrunnin Report Abuse I cycle between the ac and just blowing the fan [esp. when accelerating] to help offest this drop in mileage.
mzagnoon Champion Author Madison Posts:1,189 Points:307,125 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Aug 6, 2011 10:00:19 PM Ignore mzagnoon Report Abuse At highway speeds, you're better off turning on the A/C and closing your windows. The drag caused by leaving your windows open at those speeds significantly reduces gas mileage...
nrthbycivic All-Star Author Ontario Posts:906 Points:129,155 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Aug 6, 2011 7:34:01 PM Ignore nrthbycivic Report Abuse I'm still getting over 38 mpg with the A/C.
nate31379 Champion Author College Station Posts:333,888 Points:326,145 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Aug 6, 2011 5:08:42 PM Ignore nate31379 Report Abuse True. It's almost impossible to do in Texas. It's been 105 to 110 degrees the last month or so. I think it would be imbearable.
jdragon21 All-Star Author New Jersey Posts:854 Points:506,670 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jul 28, 2011 3:12:03 PM Ignore jdragon21 Report Abuse true
farrot Veteran Author Hawaii Posts:483 Points:37,155 Joined:May 2011	Message Posted: Jul 28, 2011 11:12:39 AM Ignore farrot Report Abuse yes
PatAZ Champion Author Tucson Posts:9,253 Points:122,460 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Jul 28, 2011 11:11:57 AM Ignore PatAZ Report Abuse When it comes to our comfort, the a/c trumps saving a mile or two every time.