{"id":73586,"date":"2022-10-09T21:26:45","date_gmt":"2022-10-10T04:26:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=73586"},"modified":"2023-04-27T01:49:33","modified_gmt":"2023-04-27T08:49:33","slug":"does-a-c-waste-gas-tips-to-improve-fuel-economy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/does-a-c-waste-gas-tips-to-improve-fuel-economy\/","title":{"rendered":"Does A\/C Waste Gas? + Tips to Improve Fuel Economy"},"content":{"rendered":"\nReading Time: <\/span> 3<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n

With gas prices on the rise<\/a>, it is understandable that you would want to do everything you can to reduce your consumption and improve gas mileage. You’ve probably heard of many ways to save gas–one of them involving A\/C use. Some drivers say letting your A\/C run while you drive wastes a lot of fuel. But is this true? Does running your A\/C while you drive really waste gas?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does Using Your A\/C Waste Gas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The A\/C consumes fuel, but it doesn’t waste gas per se. The A\/C system’s compressor is driven by the engine and, therefore, puts an additional load on the engine. Since fuel is needed to power your engine, the A\/C system then indirectly consumes fuel. Additionally, if the engine is turned off, the A\/C unit will not work–proof of its connection to the engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The A\/C system’s compressor is driven by the engine and, therefore, puts an additional load on the engine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

However, even though the operation of the A\/C system adds a slight load to the engine, which then slightly increases its fuel consumption, it is hardly significant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does the A\/C Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An A\/C system works by cycling refrigerant, turning it from a gaseous state into a liquid, and then back again. To change the refrigerant between a liquid and a gaseous state, the A\/C system works to control pressure and temperature. By the end of this cycle, the refrigerant has turned into a cold gaseous state inside the evaporator, at which point outside air is blown over it, cooled, and then sent to the cabin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are five essential parts of the A\/C system you should know about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n