Does turning on the air without a/c use more gas?

Question

I have an '04 toyota matrix. I have heard that using your air conditioning makes you use more gas. Does turning on the air in my car, without pushing the air conditioning button, make my car use more gas than it would without turning on the air?

Answer 1

Air conditioning takes a LOT more power.  Just compare the cord on a household air conditioner to a household fan. Big difference.  

In your car if you just run the fan you'll get the best mileage, 10-30% better depending on the car.

Roll your windows up at high speed, because the windows make a lot of drag that can cost you fuel economy, some say as much as the A/C.  Feel free to roll the windows down around town.

In the cold feel free to run the heat. That heat comes free off the engine.

To recap:

* BAD: Air conditioning.

* BAD: windows down at high speed.

* GOOD: fan

Answer 2

just disconnect the A/C and you will save a ton of cash

Answer 3

It would use more gas although probably not as much as the air conditioner but probably not all that much less. Either open the windows like we do or push the ac button lol. Good luck.

Answer 4

No.If your a/c button is not on,youe a/c compressor is not engaged (compressor is belt driven off of engine & will cost you gas mileage).Howerever you can turn on the fan by itself (mine blows out pretty warm air in the summer) and you won't sacrifice any mileage because the fan (unlike a/c) does not run off your engine (electric instead).

Answer 5

Using the a/c requires more vehicle power, causing you to use more gas.

Answer 6

there have been studies on this as everyone is trying to conserve. if you are on a short trip and the heat is bearable leave the windows open, but if you are on a trip it is advised to use the a/c because it reduces the drag rate of the vehicle with the windows up, drag = more gas to make the vehicle go forward.  a few other hints.... don't race to stop lights, keep the vehicle properly tuned, keep a check on tire pressure. these suggestions are not all inclusive. just google "saving gas" .

Answer 7

It varies a bit. The more stuff you have on the more the load on your engine, and more fuel used. This includes the fan. When you increase electrical demand on the engine it also uses more fuel. Now, the fan alone uses very little power compared to the air conditioner compressor.

In general running the air conditioning will use more fuel.

However, depending on the characteristics of your vehicle, driving with windows open can increase the drag and use more fuel than running the A/C.

The best way to know is to test it. Check your mileage with windows down, and then check it using A/C.

In that little thing I doubt there would significant increased drag. There's little room in the back for air pressure to build.

I wouldn't worry about it too much. Driving habits have a greater effect on fuel economy. Easy on the gas, easy on the brake, learn to use hills to your advantage, hold steady speeds, keep tires properly inflated.

If the car has been out in the sun and has heated up a lot, open it and allow it to cool down before using the A/C, that minimizes the work the A/C must do.