Avoiding the A/C

[cali yaris]

YouTube clip please?

[BailOut]

Originally Posted by cali yaris

YouTube clip please?

I was wrong about the episode placement. The more accurate test showing that windows down is better than a/c was actually in the same episode where the computer measurements showed the opposite. I thought it was in a revisited myth episode later in the season, but that was just a "flashback" to that segment used as a lead in to another fuel economy myth.

That episode, or at least those segments, are not on YouTube (likely due to takedown notices - say, "Thank you, DMCA") but here is a Wikipedia page speaking about it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MythBus...._Windows_Down

And here is a more in-depth explanation of the episode: http://kwc.org/mythbusters/2004/11/m..._catapult.html (scroll down to "Windows down vs. air conditioning")

[Kal-El]

I simply cannot understand not using the AC and being uncomfortable to save a minuscule amount of money on gas, ESPECIALLY with current prices at about $1.60 a gallon.

I drive about 350 miles a week and with current prices, it costs me only about $15 a week fueling the Yaris. Turning the AC off (although not using it right now in December of course), would save maybe $.50 a week. Um, what's the point especially when discomfort is the main result? Do we really need that extra piece of gum?

[voodoo22]

Originally Posted by Kal-El

I simply cannot understand not using the AC and being uncomfortable to save a minuscule amount of money on gas, ESPECIALLY with current prices at about $1.60 a gallon.

I drive about 350 miles a week and with current prices, it costs me only about $15 a week fueling the Yaris. Turning the AC off (although not using it right now in December of course), would save maybe $.50 a week. Um, what's the point especially when discomfort is the main result? Do we really need that extra piece of gum?

You also have a fairly efficient car, so your savings for not using the A/C wouldn't be as large as if you were driving a truck or something, but using the A/C does cost you about 10% of your FE.

I'm sure I waste in areas which others can't understand, but whenever I learn how to lessen my areas of waste, I will try my best to put those more efficient methods into practice. For me, not using the A/C in the summer means a 15% improvement in FE and one extra day between visits to the pump.

It's also my experience that if you willingly waste a little in one area you find it easier to waste on other little things and that over time can really add up.

[Neinris]

Originally Posted by Kal-El

I simply cannot understand not using the AC and being uncomfortable to save a minuscule amount of money on gas, ESPECIALLY with current prices at about $1.60 a gallon.

I drive about 350 miles a week and with current prices, it costs me only about $15 a week fueling the Yaris. Turning the AC off (although not using it right now in December of course), would save maybe $.50 a week. Um, what's the point especially when discomfort is the main result? Do we really need that extra piece of gum?

I wished that gas still only cost $1.60 a gallon like back in 2008!!!

[91mustang]

I don't know how y'all people get 45 mpg. I get around 34mpg with my 5 speed. I'm thinking y'all drive very slow??