Does Car AC Use Gas?

Any St. Paul driver knows how necessary a properly working AC unit is, especially in the upcoming summer months. Since AC is an important feature in Jaguar, we often get asked, “Does car AC use gas?” Yes, the air conditioning system is powered by the gas in a gas-powered car. Once the engine is powered on, the alternator draws its power from the engine and then turns on the AC.

Since gas is the main source of power, be sure to fuel up at a local Richfield gas station. Read on below to learn more about how car AC works and much more.

How Does Car AC Work?

Learning how car AC works is a pretty straightforward process. Before you start cruising through Minneapolis on a warm day with your AC on, it’s important to note that it runs on refrigerant, which is made up of a high-pressure gas and the following components:

• Compressor — compresses the refrigerant into a fluid, allowing it to flow down a line to the condenser.
• Condenser — eliminates the heat from the refrigerant and moves it to the expansion valve or orifice tube.
• Expansion valve or orifice tube — changes the refrigerant back to its gaseous state, then transfers the gas to the receiver/drier or accumulator.
• Receiver/drier or accumulator — removes moisture from the refrigerant and sends it to the evaporator.
• Evaporator — takes the heat out of the air passing through its core, then sends it into the refrigerant, which results in cold air flowing beyond the evaporator.

Can Using Car AC Be Fuel-Efficient?

So, does car AC use gas efficiently? You might be curious to know how fuel-efficient AC is. Our service team recommends riding with the windows up and using your AC system for the best fuel economy when driving at highway speeds. With an open window, drag is produced, leading to your engine to work harder and use more fuel. If you’re taking any Edina highway, close those windows, and turn on that AC!

Additional Ways to Improve Fuel Efficiency

Knowing how car AC works can help you practice different ways of improving your fuel efficiency with the following tips:

• Brake gradually
• Keep the tires properly inflated and aligned
• Avoid idling for over 30 seconds

Learn Service Tips at Jaguar Richfield Certified Pre-Owned & Service!

Now that we’ve answered the question of, “Does car AC use gas in most vehicles?”, feel free to contact us or schedule service if you’re having any AC trouble.