True cost of using A/C while driving

[Larrynwin]

 

[poppycamper]

View attachment 415055

The relevant quote here is "up to 20%".... So could be, in reality, only 1%.

 

[Garfields]

I never use Ac, windows wide open is sufficient for me

That probably uses more fuel than running the air con
I know motorhomes have the aerodynamics of a brick but having windows open makes things worse
Overall a don't think it will make much difference though
If people are worried about a mpg or so less they probably should put their vans up for sale

 

[Neil S]

I’d rather be comfortable and cool than worry about any extra fuel being used

 

[John Barrett]

The relevant quote here is "up to 20%".... So could be, in reality, only 1%.

Given the mandate of the authors then they would say that would say that, wouldn't they...

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[IslandApe]

The gearbox on my Honda hybrid is even simpler. Only one forward ratio and one reverse. No clutch (except for engine direct drive at motorway speeds) nor torque converter. Playing catch-up with Toyota who have been in this hybrid game for 20 + years but I think Honda might be in the lead now (just).

The new CR-V was the only thing stopping me upgrading automatically to a RAV4 when the lease on the CH-R expires next year - except that the new normal where I work means that we only need one car and the budget is now going towards a van of some sort.

What I do wonder though, is what the RAV4 (or indeed CR-V hybrid) drivetrain would be like in a van. Certainly enough power and torque and based on my experiences not significantly worse than diesel for fuel consumption. No emissions worries short term, very quiet and the big plus if thought through - you end up with a BIG leisure battery if you can tap into the lithium pack.

I can dream...

 

[Larrynwin]

The relevant quote here is "up to 20%".... So could be, in reality, only 1%.

Could also be 19%.

 

[buttons]

My van aircon is costing me a fortune - all because I hardly ever use it. Just forked out £60 to "fix" it but within a short time it's "broken" again. As suggested on another thread it's most likely a tiny leak that's going to be a bugger (and therefore even more expensive) to find.

I have seen a can of something similar to rad weld but for AC systems
Get them to add a can when you next have it gassed

 

[sallylillian]

Give up using your car, get a bike, and you can really get some savings. Second thoughts don't buy the bike walk. I run my AC all the time summer and winter, so I never notice the extra cost, I don't have any!

 

[Richard n Ann]

I have seen a can of something similar to rad weld but for AC systems
Get them to add a can when you next have it gassed

It ain't cheap and sometimes you need 2 or it might not work at all. I'd definitely have a good look for the leak first, usually compressor shaft seal or condenser rotten/damaged.

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[gus-lopez]

Leaving your motor running when stationary is part and parcel of using a/c it is to keep you cool.

& unfortunately totally illegal.

 

[chrisgreen]

My van aircon is costing me a fortune - all because I hardly ever use it. Just forked out £60 to "fix" it but within a short time it's "broken" again. As suggested on another thread it's most likely a tiny leak that's going to be a bugger (and therefore even more expensive) to find.

I put this in my leaking car aircon 14 months ago and the aircon still works, before after recharge the aircon would only work for a month or so.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-...0001&campid=5338547443&icep_item=272273834901

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

Use to have a Dodge Ram SRT10 pick up, 8.2ltr V10 engine with a big supercharger fitted big injectors and remap all in 850HP!!. probably 6mpg when gunning it a bit so switching off the aircon on that was not even in my thoughts

 

[2657]

Back to where he was when first joining fun then.... Was getting the best part of 40mpg back then.

Don't think so, when first joined fun was pulling a fiver with a Mazda Pickup, lucky to get 20.......with the aircon on

 

[poppycamper]

The new CR-V was the only thing stopping me upgrading automatically to a RAV4 when the lease on the CH-R expires next year - except that the new normal where I work means that we only need one car and the budget is now going towards a van of some sort.

What I do wonder though, is what the RAV4 (or indeed CR-V hybrid) drivetrain would be like in a van. Certainly enough power and torque and based on my experiences not significantly worse than diesel for fuel consumption. No emissions worries short term, very quiet and the big plus if thought through - you end up with a BIG leisure battery if you can tap into the lithium pack.

I can dream...

Relevance to original OP please.???

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[gus-lopez]

I notice a big difference in my car when using the air con regarding fuel.

You will do if it is all low speed around town work.negligible out on mway for 500miles

bring onto your forecourt an A/C system that can maintain a temperature of absolute zero and you will be pounds in

When they were first used in the 90's you could attain 0ºc easily & at tickover. Once manufacturers started to fit it to all models it became "built down to a price" whereby the compressor hardly does anything at tickover & in most cases it cannot even keep up with an empty vehicle,doors closed with the sun shining on it.
Most are only reasonably efficient cruising. Mpv's are even worse especially if full.

warm humid air contains less Oxygen therefore your car will run less efficient.
Nowt to do with A/C imo

Yes my new van I had here years ago at this time of year you could get it up to 150+kmh at bottom of local hill on autovia & by the top it would be lucky to be at 100kmh, whereas at 1 or 2 in the morning you 'd still be crusing up at 150.

or regulating it to maintain an appropriate comfortable temperature in the cabin.

That would be flat out here.

Got my M5 down to 8 MPG on a autobahn last year...with A/C on

That's good.My Fairmont station wagon only did 8mpg around town even with the air con off.

Windos oen they used to say anything up to 20% extra fuel used.Empty roof rack another 20% ,top box =+ more.

When I was in the van in the UK last autumn it was impossible to use without the air con on to remove moisture. Even I was starting to doubt myself that we used to use the heater years ago but even the wife mentioned it. there was no way at all it could be used turned off as it would just start to mist up . In the mornings it would take a sponge to clear the water from inside windscreen & that was just an empty parked vehicle ,no one sleeping in it & with blinds down.
Even on the journey home in december it was until we were past & below Bordeaux that it was possible to drive with the air con off & no misting up.

 

[Tea Bag]

whereas at 1 or 2 in the morning you 'd still be

Hi.
Get alongside a Scania V8 going up a bank loaded.at this time of a cold morning..... Roll your window down...... Sit back and ENJOY the sound/bark/burble................. MPG ?....Whats that all about ?

Tea Bag

 

[gus-lopez]

Hi.
Get alongside a Scania V8 going up a bank loaded.at this time of a cold morning..... Roll your window down...... Sit back and ENJOY the sound/bark/burble................. MPG ?....Whats that all about ?

Tea Bag

Yes there is nothing like them. I saw my first R730 last year up near Zaragoza.Owner driver,All black , all the add ons & trailer all coordinated . Lovely piece of kit.

 

[poppycamper]

Hi.
Get alongside a Scania V8 going up a bank loaded.at this time of a cold morning..... Roll your window down...... Sit back and ENJOY the sound/bark/burble................. MPG ?....Whats that all about ?

Tea Bag

Is that on a 5.5t extended alko tag axle??

 

[kevenh]

Blimey!! I go away for a few minutes & come back to a 3 page thread :O

Well, I've not much to add that's not already written but my 2p worth is: -
I'm another full to empty fuel station visitor & also with an MPG Spreadsheet
In my last 4 or 5 cars the AC off or on made little change to mpg. These were ~2lt engine mid size cars.

When they've had climate control, I always use the full auto mode year round - the winter dehumidifier property of AC units is handy
If I take it out of auto it's to keep heat on the window while I deice or de-snow before moving odd
i.e. I don't think "oh! inside my car is hot, must select Lo & full fan

In the last 30 odd years car design has not stood still & more efficient AC pumps for cars are available to lower the load on a cars' engine.

I have had small hire cars with 1Lt or less engines & did notice that they did have to work harder with the AC on.
So, ymmv

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[IslandApe]

Is that on a 5.5t extended alko tag axle??

Relevance to original OP please.???

 

[Themselves]

About four years ago attended a wedding in Corfu. We hired the cheapest car available. It kept stalling going uphill. The advice was to turn the air conditioning off. Good advice as it worked. Unfortunately it was about 42 degrees outside.

 

[poppycamper]

Ouch....Petty!!!!

 

[poppycamper]

Ouch!!! Petty...

 

[thebriars]

Im not a complainer SD least of all about the cost of running my A/C. My post was just to highlight the fact that running A/C could cost you an extra 25% at the pumps. Followed by the Yorkshire war cry.

Maybe, maybe not. Have you factored in the effect on the efficiency of the engine itself in hot weather compared to normal?

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[thebriars]

*if you are running massive fleet of trucks, 3% is huge. On a motorhome, negligible in my opinion.

I bet you wouldn't turn down a 3% pay rise.

 

[Podney]

So,Ive now decided that in order to save fuel,and so save the world,I will not be using my aircon until the outside temperature gets to 40 degrees.

And,what’s more,I’m going to save fuel by not going up hill,as that will make a big difference.

Oh,and I’ve just realised that I also need to avoid front winds,as that will severely dent my dwindling wealth.

Actually,probably save a load of dosh if I just stay at home and stay in the motorhome in the back garden!

 

[busbuddy]

I'm sure mythbusters covered this many years ago running a car on an oval track with air con on or windows down.....no difference in mpg

 

[Richard n Ann]

I'm sure mythbusters covered this many years ago running a car on an oval track with air con on or windows down.....no difference in mpg

Yes I saw that, over a certain mph it was better to have the windows closed and AC on can't remember how fast it was though.

 

[kevenh]

Yes I saw that, over a certain mph it was better to have the windows closed and AC on can't remember how fast it was though.

I scowl at my passengers when they don’t put windows up when I’m leaving a 40mph zone*.
Does that speed jog a memory?
I really don’t know btw

*- apart from that oddity my passengers think I’m a lovely driver.
Well, they’d better say that.

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