When the weather starts to heat up, do you blast the A/C or do you roll the windows down? Maybe you just sweat it out because you are worried about the effect that either option will have on your gas mileage. You might be able to hold out during the spring, while the temperatures are still manageable, but when summer rolls around you're going to have to deal with the heat one way or another. But which is the better option?
The argument for using air conditioning or dropping your windows usually boils down to fuel economy. People don’t want to spend extra money on gas when they don't have to, so many will go with whichever one saves them money at the pump.
There's no doubt that both options affect your gas mileage. When your windows are rolled down you create drag, which requires your vehicle to burn more fuel to compensate. On the other hand, it uses gas to fire up the A/C. So which one has more of an effect on fuel economy?
The Society of Automotive Engineers did a study that suggested that it's more fuel efficient to use your A/C when driving at higher speeds where drag is increased – such as highway driving. The conclusion was that when you're driving 55 miles per hour, or more, there can be as much as a 20% decrease in efficiency. When you're traveling at lower speeds drag is reduced, and it's more efficient to roll your windows down.
So the answer, when it comes to saving gas, is to use the air conditioner at high speeds, and roll your windows down at lower speeds.
However, it’s not always that simple. Some people can't handle the heat, and the thought of simply rolling the windows down in 90-degree weather doesn't really seem like cooling off. Others can't stand it when the cabin gets all stuffy, and they need to feel fresh air.
Then, of course, there's the matter of which one is more environmentally friendly. Some people are willing to endure a little hardship if it means they are making less of an impact on the environment.
Fuel economy and environmental stewardship go hand in hand on this one. The more gas your burn, the more of an impact your driving has on the environment. So, when you’re driving around town it's more eco-friendly to roll your windows down, and when you're on the freeway it's better to use the A/C.
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