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
John Parvin says,
Great tips to help save money while keeping cool
Thank you
Douglas says,
Great tips thanks for the info
Maryann says,
My husband leaves every thing on in the car when he turns the car off. I always told him that is not good on the car when you start your car for the day. His answer is I don’t have to turn everything on when I get in because it is all on. I say it hurts the motor for everything to go on all at once.
Janet silva says,
Thank you very much. Very helpful hints!!!!
Frederick says,
Thanks
Joseph Rafail says,
Great information. Thanks ?
Cheryl Gilson says,
Thanks so much about the AC unit!! It taught me a few things. I’m so glad during this extremely hot and humid summer..I will now be able to cut on gas consumption!
Mohammad O. Popal says,
Useful tips!!!
Thanks,
Mohammad O. Popal
Patricia Barrett says,
Thanks for the information it was very healful.
Stephen Stone says,
Great tips. Thanks GEICO. I’ve strarted using them. A great help
Amjad butt says,
Helpful knowledge. Great
Pamela Chaison says,
Thanks! for the helpful tips on AC maintenance comes in handy being a single woman maintaining my car.
Signed car savvy
Sandra says,
Thank you so much for help when needed, information that’s helpful and the app for Geico!
Millie SCHOTT says,
AC advise is appreciated!!
Dave Christensen says,
Hey see if it’s too expensive to run the cooling system then maybe you shouldn’t be driving a car ! Let’s leave the roads for those that can’t afford to drive their cars and use the cooling and heating system when needed
Bogart says,
Really no offense here. But that is just not a really good example of what you mentioned there. It’s like saying, if you can’t afford a caviar then don’t eat. What this article’s message is do what you need to do and save on other things while doing it.
Besides, to your second point, I’m not basing my driving decisions so others can drive, I drive because I have things to get done.