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
Rosie Thompkins says,
Thank for the tip I learn something I didn’t. Know aircondion us gas thanks
Lucila Quesada says,
Thank for the tips. They are very useful
Gaines says,
As ALWAYS, GEICO is on point with the information we need at the right time. Thanks Geico!!
Beedona Cracium says,
A wealth of information! I liked the tips on air conditioning and learned a couple of new things to maximize my vehicle’s air conditioning. Thanks
Victor Lara says,
I like that information.
Linda says,
Thanks, that was helpful!
Barbi says,
Thank you, great information.. ??
Christine Genco says,
Years ago, as I recall, the prevailing advice was different regarding recirculating cabin air. The experts said NOT to leave the Recirculate setting “on” for prolonged periods because it would cause the compressor to work harder. They said to use it for short periods and then switch it “off” for the rest of the ride. Has something changed?
Eric says,
Not sure where you heard this but, this is incorrect. I believe you’re thinking about it backwards. If you leave your AC system on the setting that doesn’t re-circulate, your compressor will then be working harder, because it’s always pulling in the hot ambient air to try and cool. You want to start your system in that mode and after the air temperature coming out of the vents drops, then switch to re-circulate. It’s always easier to cool something down a little rather than a lot. And if you want to get technical, the AC compressor doesn’t work any harder in either mode. It only works as hard as the belt can turn it, which is dependant on how much load is on your engine. Hope this helps!
Antoine Caldwell says,
Also run that AC on the highway.
Going 65 with the windows down will cause drag and will cause you to burn more gas.
wendell anderson says,
electric airconditioner like a turbo charger
Mohammad Rahim says,
It was really useful tips.
Thanks.
Mohammad Rahim
Francis WILLIAMS says,
Very informative and useful info
Keep it up!
Carlos Carrasco says,
Thanks for all the great tips I always learn something new
Tammy Weber says,
Thank you so much for the information, it’s very helpful, I make sure to fallow within
Tammy Weber says,
Thank you so much for the information, it’s very helpful