Does using the vent instead of the a/c in a car save you gas?

you know how they say if you use the a/c, you use more energy and gas? does the vent use any energy and gas? or would it just be better to cruise down the highway at 60 with the windows down instead of using the a/c or panel?

Does using the vent instead of the a/c in a car save you gas?
By using the A/C the compressor adds extra load on the engine thereby contributing to a higher fuel consumption. In case of vent, you are just allowing the fresh air from outside to ventilate your cabin with no strain on the engine. Driving at 60 with the windows down will increase the drag thus increasing the fuel consumption. Cars with low co-efficient of drag advise drivers to keep windows rolled up while driving.
Reply:Depends on the car you have. A/C will always use more gas, but believe it or not it is a very little difference. As far as the windows down and drag? most new cars are built with the bodies angles to take less drag for performance so having the windows down will not create enough drag to hurt your gas mileage. I will tell you this though, if you think your getting the gas mileage that was on the sticker when you bought it...your sadly mistaken my friend. Vents are better anyway though. It allows air out of the engine bay and keeps the engine cooler.
Reply:Most auto AC's these days will consume 2-4 horsepower during operation. Many people don't realize it, but an auto AC is as powerful as a large window AC in the house. Most auto units produce from 14,000-17,000 Btu's. For comparison, the little window AC's you stick in the bedroom window are around 5000-6000 Btu.
Reply:The AC and the defogger use more gas than the fan but I'm not sure if there's a difference between the fan and an open window as far as gas.
Reply:Yes, is the simple answer to your question.


Aircon uses a compressor driven by the engine (motor) to produce the cold air. This drains power from the engine and thus you must use more gas.


Having the windows open at 60 is very noisy and possibly even uses more gas as there will be some drag effect. Just use open vents.


Of course, this will do nothing if it is hot outside - hence the introduction of aircon.,
Reply:Studies show that the use of the A/C decreases fuel mileage approximately 2 miles per gallon. Using the A/C causes the engine to work harder thus burning more fuel. But as for me, I choose comfort over mileage.