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Does the AC use gas?
I’ve been wondering how car air conditioners work. Where do they get their power? Does the AC use gas?
Melanie Mergen · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The short answer to your question is yes! Your gas-powered vehicle uses gasoline to perform its major functions, and air conditioning is an energy-intensive process. Your air conditioner gets power from the alternator, which gets its power from your engine—which relies on your car’s fuel.
Some cars have eco modes that limit air conditioning levels while they’re on as part of their efforts to improve fuel economy and waste less gas.
However, if you’re driving at highway speeds, using the air conditioning tends to be more fuel-efficient than rolling down your windows, which can have a negative impact on your vehicle’s aerodynamics.
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