Does Car AC Affect Gas Mileage?

Gas mileage is a hot topic now that gas prices are soaring. At Texan GMC Buick we sometimes get asked by Humble drivers, “Does car AC affect gas mileage?” The answer is yes — car AC uses gas. To go a bit deeper, your AC system is powered by your car’s alternator, which is powered by an engine that uses gas. In this handy guide from our service center, you can get learn more about your AC system, and feel free to contact us if you have questions.

How Does Car AC Use Gas

No matter what new Buick model you drive around Houston, the air conditioning systems all work the same way. All car AC systems use a high-pressure gas called refrigerant to make the AC work. The air conditioning system in your car is made up of these parts:

• Compressor – Compresses the refrigerant into a fluid that allows it to flow to the condenser.
• Condenser – Lowers the refrigerant temperature and sends it to the expansion valve.
• Expansion Valve/Orifice Tube – Reverts the refrigerant back to its original gaseous state and delivers it to the receiver, or drier, sometimes called the accumulator.
• Accumulator – Lowers the moisture content of the refrigerant so it can deliver it to the evaporator.
• Evaporator – Extracts heat from the air that passes through the core and transfers the heat to the refrigerant. This is what causes the cooled air to flow from the evaporator.

Can Using Car AC Be Fuel-Efficient?

Even though your AC uses gas, there are times when your car’s AC is actually more fuel-efficient than rolling down your windows! According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), having your windows down when you hit highway speeds causes aerodynamic drag, making your engine work harder — harder than if you’d rolled the windows up and turned on the AC to get relief from high Porter temperatures.

Other Ways to Enhance Fuel Economy

Could you use some other tips to improve fuel efficiency? Aside from rolling up your windows while you cruise New Caney highways, these are some other methods to boost fuel economy:

• Be sure your tires are properly aligned and inflated
• Brake and accelerate gradually
• Reduce your speed and drive in a higher gear
• Don’t pack around too many heavy items in your vehicle
• Use high-quality engine oil
• Try to avoid idling for longer than 30 seconds
• Use a sunshade when you park in direct sunshine

Shop for a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle at Texan GMC Buick

Of course, the best way to conserve fuel is to drive a fuel-efficient vehicle. That way, you won’t have to worry about how much gas the AC uses. If you have questions about vehicle maintenance or how AC affects gas mileage, reach out to our service team. You can schedule service online, so let us know how we can help.