Car Air Conditioning

[dipee65]

Can anybody tell me what average power (kW or HP - I'm ambidextrous) a medium sized car's air conditioning takes?
Friends are forever telling me how it severely affects petrol consumption, but I tell them nothing is for nothing.
I would, though, love to quantify my argument.
I thought about 5-8 horse power, but I truthfully haven't a clue

[Panic Button]

The inceased fuel consumption of air conditioning is roughly equivalent to that caused by the extra drag of open windows.

[dipee65]

Thanks for that ,Panic Button. Is this true, or do I detect a note of cynicism here?
Nice answer, anyway.

[COLIN293]

Wouldn't it be in the manual? How you convert to loss of M.p.g. you've lost me there I'm afraid.

[Toureman]

Panic button is correct !

If you are cruising on the motorway at 70mph the drag of having one window open will waste more fuel than having the A/C on.

On any road it's more economical with the A/C on.

[dipee65]

Thank you Toureman, That's just what I wanted to hear

[R1Geezer]

air con can increase consumption by 10%. As others have said so can winding down a window!

[Panic Button]

Years ago I worked in the Middle East and had an underpwered Mitsubishi Lancer.

If I needed to accelerate quickly at a junction, I hit the button to turn the AC off and I instantly got more power to the wheels.

It was better than my brothers Hyundai Pony which would stall if the air conditioning was on at idle.

[:Ace:]

Thanks for a good question dipee, I'm glad I know this now as I'm always very hesitant to put the A/C on.

[bod75]

The AC will only really affect fuel consumption and power if there is something wrong with the system!
The extra load on the engine is due to the AC compressor, if there is either too much or too little refrigerant in the system, the compressor has to work harder-that's what affects fuel & power!
If you notice a big difference when you turn AC on, you should have it checked out by a specialist. would n't go to a normal garage coz ost of them don't really touch it

[know-ledge]

dipee65


you really are a sexy beast!

[878787]

Not so Bod 75, unless you have invented free energy.

[Toureman]

You are right 878787 !

[bod75]

hang on 878787, i didn't say the AC wont draw any power at all, i just meant it is negligable if the system is in good working order!