Does using an air conditioner in an automobile use more gas?
Yes-Car electrics impose an extra load on the engine, making it work harder and burn more fuel. Air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by up to ten percent in stop-go traffic. At motorway speeds, air conditioning increases fuel consumption by three to four per cent. Flow-through ventilation reduces the need to drive with air conditioning on or with windows open, both of which consume more fuel. A sun roof can reduce the need for air conditioning, but when the roof is open at motorway speeds, wind resistance is increased and greater fuel consumption will result.
