Thursday 21 April 2011

Keeping Cool this Summer

With summer hitting the US soon lets look at different methods of cooling when thinking about cost of running.

Using Air conditioning does burn more gas, especially when driving in the city. Fuel consumption can go up by approximately 10%.  

However it has been also noted that air conditioning saves on gas because it removes air drag caused from the open windows. This usually occurs when driving at speeds greater then 45 mph / 72 kmh. It can loose fuel efficiency by as much as 10%.

So a good rule of thumb to follow is when the car is moving at a rate of 45 mph / 72 kmh or slower, driving with the windows down is definitely the better option for fuel efficiency. That means that for trips to the grocery store, post offices, and visiting ma and pa, drive with the windows down. When town driving, leave the windows open, when highway or higher speeds driving, the AC is definitely the way to go. 

Some other tips to help keep you cool this summer:
- Use the fan on the highest setting when to quickly cool the car down.
- Park in a garage or shaded area.
- Use windshield shades to help keep it cool
 - Leave windows open (if in a safe area)
 - When using air condition, recycle inside area as it should be cooler then outside.


37 comments:

  1. Thanks for the tips. Good job, following!

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  2. that's good to know! thanks for sharing

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  3. so useful! im sending this to my girlfriend, both of us are strapped for gas money!

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  4. I've tried explaining the window thing to people, but some don't believe me.

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  5. it makes the water bead off at speed.. really works :)

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  6. very nice blog bro thanks for the invite

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  7. Nice tips I'll have to use them

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  8. Also slow down on the acceleration! It doesn't matter if you drive fast just don't slam on the gas if you want to keep gas in your tank. Also tires full are a good tip!

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  9. turning off your engine if you plan on stopping for more than 45 seconds helps, idling waste more gas than turning it off / on

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  10. This is amazing! I'll start using the air conditioning while going to college ^_^

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  11. Didn't know about what difference speed makes, will use the advise now :)

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  12. I needed this more than you'll ever know!

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  13. very interesting

    http://alcoholics-unanimous.blogspot.com/

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  14. Good post dude, thanks! Will keep all of these in mind, I have even just tried your "park in the shade", nice one!

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  15. Great info, thanks! Gotta remember this. Supporting and following. alphabetalife.blogspot.com

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  16. Great tip, thanks bro!

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  17. Thanks for the tips. I'll keep them in mind.

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  18. http://newhypertech.blogspot.com/

    Hey I have been following your blog for quite sometime and would love feedback on mine from a such an expert blogger and poster.

    I really love all this stuff, I hope you feel the same way about mine.

    Thanks,

    James

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  19. Mythbusters did a test to confirm this
    Following

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  20. Great post, I really appreciate how much time you put onto this.
    I will be closing my blog soon as soon as I reach a personal goal...hope to see you in the next one.

    A fresh start!


    James

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  21. Or just eats lots o' ice cream...

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  22. So, AC on and drive as fast as I can so that the saving on the drag if larger then what you lose via AC.

    Got it

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  23. I never use my AC. I love the heat! feels so good!

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  24. also use a heat gun not hair dryer

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