Your car’s air-conditioning system has one job—to keep you cool. But during a summer scorcher, it may seem like it’s barely up to the task. And even at those times, it’s eating up gas: The EPA estimates that using A/C in very hot conditions can reduce fuel economy by as much as 25 percent for a conventional vehicle. (It also zaps battery life in electrics and hybrids.)
Here’s why: Whenever you flip the switch, the system pulls in air from either the cabin or outdoors, extracts the heat and moisture from it, and pushes it out through vents. And the heart of this system is a compressor, which draws energy from the engine. So whenever you’re using the A/C, the engine has to work harder—and you burn more fuel.
But a few easy tips can help you save gas—and money—while making you feel cooler faster. Here’s what the pros recommend.
Park Smart
A car’s A/C system can only reduce the cabin temperature by approximately 40 degrees on average, says Jill Trotta, head of industry advocacy and sales for RepairPal. (Though of course, the longer you drive, the cooler the air will become.) If you park in a shady spot, the interior will start out cooler and the A/C will have less work to do. If the cabin is warm, roll down the windows and let the hot air escape before you rev up the A/C.
Set It To Recirculate
“Recirculation is probably the best way to maximize the A/C,” says Trotta. The benefit of recirculation is that the A/C system is pulling air only from within the cabin. So if it’s roasting outside but you already have the cabin down to a pleasant 72 degrees, the A/C will have to chill only that cooler air within the car. You’ll save on gas, too: Once the interior reaches the set temperature, the A/C compressor will turn off, reducing the load on the engine.
Skip Pre-Cooling
It may be more comfortable to cool your car before you’re underway, but running the A/C when the car’s not moving is highly inefficient. “Air conditioning will perform optimally when there’s airflow, like when you’re driving down the road,” says Timothy Hatcher, director of technical operations for the Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association. So wait until you’re already cruising before you turn it on. In an electric or hybrid, pre-cooling reduces the battery life, so either avoid the practice or stay plugged into the charger when you do it.
Change Your Cabin Air Filters On Schedule
The cabin air filters remove dirt and dust from the air that comes out of the vents. When a filter gets dirty, it restricts the air trying to pass through, says Hatcher. So replace the cabin air filters according to the schedule in your owner’s manual, which is probably every year or two, or every 15,000–20,000 miles.
Don’t Ignore Leaks
The biggest misconception about A/C systems, says Hatcher, is that if they’re low on refrigerant, you just need to add more (a process called recharging). But the system is sealed; nothing should be going in or out. “Adding refrigerant isn’t normal, and it isn’t maintenance,” says Hatcher. “It’s an indication of some other issue.” If yours is low, visit a professional certified in air-conditioning maintenance and repair to check it out.
Another way to keep your cool (and peace of mind)? Download the GEICO Mobile app for help at your fingertips—from roadside assistance to help finding your car and more!
Read more: Check out these other smart ways to get better gas mileage.
By Julie Anne Russell
Peter says,
AC compressors nowadays use a fraction of the power compared to the early years. Don’t
even feel the load on the engine anymore when it cycles on. Studies have shown they barely effect gas mileage. Some have found driving with the windows down at freeway speeds can
actually reduce gas mileage….wind resistance swirling into the vehicle. Recirculate mode..?
I prefer fresh outside air being drawn in.
Corrine says,
Thank you for the tips, I share with my co-workers
Brenda Miller says,
Thanks for the info on the AC. Very helpful. appreciate you sharing this with me and others. Will take heed.
Kevin mccann says,
Please get the facts straight. On a long drive with the A/C on RECIRCULATE promotes Driver Drowsiness! Fresh Air is needed. If and only when the outside air becomes uncomfortable ( smell/humidity) should you use RECIRCULATE. Please get it straight before you send us another wasted email and word of advice.
Darlene Roanhaus says,
I learned things from the article on air conditioning to save $ thanks
Deborah Thomas-Crawford says,
This information about the Air Condition in the car was very helpful. I will be utilizing more of the “saving money tips”. Thanks.
Buck Hammond says,
Lots of things I did not know. Thanks Geico
Pearl Burns says,
Very good tips you’ve presented, never realized in re: air circulation and how ignorant I could be. Thank you for the gentle reminder
Carol B says,
Thanks for the aircon tips! I have an Electric Fiat & Was wondering why I lost miles when I turned up the air when I turned the car on.
Ena Haylock says,
Good advice.
Christine says,
Thank you for confirming “recirculating setting” is best for AC.
Christine
joe dolan says,
how about begin driving with front windows opened to cool dash that retains heat and a/c on the recirculate feature. works for me just fine
Barbara A.Glasper says,
Thank you for the much needed information.
YOLANDA CANO says,
WHERE IS THE RECIRCULATION BUTTON AT???
Anna M Pearson says,
Look at the area where your a/c controls are at, it’s a button that has an outline of a car n within the outline shows a half circle with an arrow, indicating the air flow circulating inside the car.
Jennifer Bryan says,
I really appreciate these gas saving tips. This will surely save my money.