Fuel consumption and air conditioning

Dan · Post by **Dan** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 4:59 pm

Does anyone know if leaving the air conditioning on permanently increases fuel consumption by a noticable amount?

I've had bad condensation problems which are now completely gone since deciding to leave the AC on all the time.

Chars

TheMinel · Post by **TheMinel** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 5:44 pm

mine is on automatic all the time (except of course when the roof is down

) . the car does use a bit more petrol, but it shouldnt make that much of a difference..

Dan · Post by **Dan** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 6:12 pm

thx... ill leave it on

WebCode · Post by **WebCode** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 7:05 pm

Also to note that if you turn the A/C Off for any length of time it will shortens the life of the Compressor and Seals etc.... As they all need lubricated by the the Refrigerant Oil in the system..
If there is no oil circulation, then the seals may split and you will loose the Gas, or worse the Compressor may seize..

Also non use of the A/C allows bacteria to grow on the heat exchanger/evaporator.. Which means when you do turn it on then you wil get a stale smell filling the cabin..

Remember that the CC has "Climate Control" not plain old A/C so keeping it on Auto for the majority of the time is very good practice..

mrharrod · Post by **mrharrod** » Fri Mar 12, 2004 7:07 pm

I don't know if Im talking out my rear end (as usual) but I be sure leaving the AirCon on wastes alot of fuel

I did a very un scientific test

not so long ago to help determine why the petrol disappears so quick.

:arrow: A. Start car (add sounds effects here) drive to work (40 miles), air con off all the way, 70mph. Did this for five days.

:arrow: B. Same as above but with Air Con on.

Now the results:
-------------------

:arrow: A. umm.. I did have Air Con on actually. So scientificaly, I lied.
:arrow: B. well, makes no sense really does it if I had It on in A. :rolleyes:

The original replys (TheMinel, webcode) was all you wanted. I'm simply very tired at work and needed something to do. This thread gave me that opputunity (I think).

Well, I am most certainly awake now.

Chris.

Oh I learnt a new set of words today, "Ave it" similar to have it but ave it, init!

teddy206 GTi · Post by **teddy206 GTi** » Sat Mar 13, 2004 5:44 pm

If you just use the a/c maybe 15 minutes a week on the cold setting then i think you'll be fine...that should be enough to keep the seals and everything else lubricated...