How much worse is your FE with the AC on?
#11
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Incorrect. This was studied and disproven on Mythbusters. They took 2 identical vehicles, ran one with all windows completely down and one with the air conditioning on medium. Both vehicles contained the same exact amount of gas and were ran at the same speeds, during the same time and same conditions, on a track. The vehicle running the air conditioning ran out of gas many laps before the vehicle with the windows down. I wish the opposite were true because I'd rather use the air conditioning since I have allergies.
Peace.
#12
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Luckily, I only NEED AC about 1 week of the year since our environment is so dry so I can get away with out it (although I still need soap....).
#13
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Actually folks, Harold has a very good point here, one that I should emphasize more often. (Thanks Harold).
The IPU derives its effective cooling from the passenger cabin and it is in out best interest to give it some thermal advantage in doing its job particularly during the warmer days. The effects of a hot pack, MCM and to a lesser extent, the DC-DC can be felt in ways that totally dwarf the negatives of operating the AC. Those of you you have driven your HCH-II through a couple of summers know this quite well.
When it comes right down to it, it pays in more ways than one to do things wisely and with forethought.
So, using the AC moderately actually does some good. Using it strategically and wisely is even better not only for the components I referenced but also for yourself and your FE.
Cheers;
MSantos
#14
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That mythbuster test was done at 45 mph if you check the tape. Windows down is better at speeds up to about 55-60mph. If your cruising down the Interstate at 75mph, it will be better to use a/c if you have to than rolling down the windows going that speed.
#15
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#17
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Another factor, as some have touched on, should be on how cool you want it. If you set our AC at 60 then the compressor will run almost continuously, if you set it at say 75 it should cycle on and off to maintain the temp. I would even go further and cycle it up and down as my personal comfort increased or decreased. It's just another thing to be hyper aware of as you hypermilers go about your driving. It works for me.
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#18
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I usually keep my A/C at 70 and AUTO, when I use it. I found that with the tinted windows and a heatshield visor (when the vehicle is parked) that unless the temps get into the 80s, I'm fine with the windows up and no A/C. My mileage seems negligibly impacted by the use of the A/C, perhaps 2-3 MPG. Comfort is certainly worth that price, especially since MPG is in the mid 50s.
#20
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When my wife and kids are in the car, I have to use the A/C. I keep it at 75 and shut it off whenever I'm going up hill. It takes more effort, but I can nearly get 60 mpgs.
When I'm alone, I crack the driver's window and the rear passenger's window about 2 inches. I can easily get high 60's, low 70's in mpgs and still feel comfortable with that set up.
When I'm alone, I crack the driver's window and the rear passenger's window about 2 inches. I can easily get high 60's, low 70's in mpgs and still feel comfortable with that set up.